Hats and horses: A look at the best lids at 2016 Kentucky Derby
By pedermyhr
Global News
Posted May 7, 2016 4:30 pm EST
1 min read
This article is more than 7 years old and some information may not be up to date.
Derby attendee poses during the 142nd Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 07, 2016 in Louisville, Kentucky.
Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for Churchill Downs
This Saturday, thousands have gathered at Churchill Downs to watch the world’s fastest horses compete in the Kentucky Derby.
Story continues below advertisement
However, the event is more than just a race.
It is also a social gathering where attendees dress to the nines while breaking out the most (and least) glamourous headwear they can find.
It is a tradition that dates back to the very first Kentucky Derby in 1875, as outlandish hats have become as synonymous with the race as mint julips and thoroughbreds.
Here are a few choice hats from the 2016 Kentucky Derby.
1/12
A fan wears a hat before the 142nd running of the Kentucky Derby horse race at Churchill Downs Saturday, May 7, 2016, in Louisville, Ky.
AP Photo/Julio Cortez
View full screen
2/12
A fan's hat near the red carpet at the 135th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 2, 2009 in Louisville, Kentucky.
Jeff Gentner/Getty Images
View full screen
3/12
View of derby hat during the 142nd Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 07, 2016 in Louisville, Kentucky.
Mike Coppola/Getty Images for Churchill Downs
View full screen
4/12
Derby attendee poses during the 142nd Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 07, 2016 in Louisville, Kentucky.
Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for Churchill Downs
View full screen
5/12
Derby attendee poses during the 142nd Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 07, 2016 in Louisville, Kentucky.
Mike Coppola/Getty Images for Churchill Downs
View full screen
6/12
A view of a Derby hat at the 142nd Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 07, 2016 in Louisville, Kentucky.
Mike Coppola/Getty Images for Churchill Downs
View full screen
7/12
Miss Kentucky Clark Davis attends the 142nd Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 07, 2016 in Louisville, Kentucky.
Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images for Churchill Downs
View full screen
8/12
Miss America 2016 Betty Cantrell attends the 142nd Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 07, 2016 in Louisville, Kentucky.
Mike Coppola/Getty Images for Churchill Downs
View full screen
9/12
A view of a Prince tribute Derby Hat at the 142nd Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 07, 2016 in Louisville, Kentucky.
Mike Coppola/Getty Images for Churchill Downs
View full screen
10/12
A fan wears a hat before the 142nd running of the Kentucky Derby horse race at Churchill Downs Saturday, May 7, 2016, in Louisville, Ky.
AP Photo/David J. Phillip
View full screen
11/12
A fan wears a hat before the 142nd running of the Kentucky Derby horse race at Churchill Downs Saturday, May 7, 2016, in Louisville, Ky.
AP Photo/David J. Phillip
View full screen
12/12
A fan wears a hat before the 142nd running of the Kentucky Derby horse race at Churchill Downs Saturday, May 7, 2016, in Louisville, Ky.
AP Photo/David J. Phillip