Headwear on Display in Breeders' Cup Contest

Each year the Breeders’ Cup World Championships brings in thousands of fashionable racing fans to not only to enjoy the fantastic racehorses that come from all over the world but also to show off their fantastic outfits!

With a focus on the headwear, the Fascinators and Fedoras Contest gives fans a way to gain recognition for their fashion choice on both days.

Unfortunately, the organization never divulges much information before the competition but all you need to do is head to the paddock area in the Westfield Lounge near the Kingsbury Fountain and get your photo taken in the area's photo booth. The finalists will then be picked to come back on both days and compete in front of the judges. If we remember correctly, the organizer grabbed men out of the crowd to determine the finalists on day one of the competition last year, much to our surprise. However, if you don't make it in the finals with your hat Friday, you still have a chance on Saturday with your second millinery piece to make it in front of the main judging committee. If you do make it with your Friday millinery piece, you must wear that again on Saturday. It may be difficult to incorporate into your second outfit (trust us, we know!) but we have faith in you!

Besides, if your Friday hat is going to win you a $5,000 shopping spree, you might as well wear it again!

Come Saturday, the judges will be in their chairs (sometime around 3:30 p.m. or so) and ready to pick the winners of both the Fedoras (men) and the Fascinators. Christine A. Moore will be returning this year as a judge for the competition as she is the “Official Milliner of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships.” Don't worry though; she is not biased toward her own beautiful designs! Last year, a Fiona Mangan design won on a vibrant, young lady in a gold dress. As a true race fashionista, she was very thankful to her milliner for the beautiful design, and we applaud her for that!

Needless to say, more information will trickle to you through the day as you come to the photo spot. Contest officials will inform you of what to do next ... your guess is as good as ours!

Regardless of how the competition is structured, you just need to be prepared in a gorgeous piece of headwear! Make sure it ties into your outfit but still stands out by itself. Although the competition does focus on the headwear, none of the stylish judges will pick a beautiful fascinator accompanied with a pair of jeans and a T-shirt. (If they do ... we give up!)

Don't go for size, go for design. Feel free to make your own if you think you have a crafty hand! A headband with feathers isn't going to cut it though, so allot yourself time and design something that pushes the boundaries a bit!

Fashion at the Races’ own Bri will most likely be an entrant in the competition. Check out Fashion at the Races’ Facebook page to see which millinery piece she will be wearing!

Don’t forget to get excited for two days of fantastic racing and fashion, we sure are!