Planning the Ultimate Breeders' Cup Watch Party
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No party is complete without a selection of drinks for guests. (Photo by Penelope P. Miller)
With admission to the 2015 Breeders’ Cup at Keeneland at a historic premium, most of us will be enjoying the World Championships from the comfort of our own home. With the return of Triple Crown winner American Pharoah and other stars like Honor Code and Beholder on display on NBC, this is a prime opportunity to gather longtime and new racing fans to savor the best the sport has to offer.
Here are a few tips for bringing some extra flare for the occasion. Feel free to share your suggestions in the comments!
Décor:
Purple is the official color of the Breeders’ Cup, so you can make that color a focal point. But don’t let that shy you away from having some fun with your decorations, especially with Halloween falling on the second day of the event.
To play off of the holiday, perhaps you could carve horse jack-o-lantern? Here is a link to free horse stencil, if you’re like me and not talented enough to free hand.
Photo by Eclipse Sportswire
Food:
Kentucky-inspired cuisine is likely to be a fan favorite. But think outside fried chicken and buttermilk biscuits. A honey bourbon glazed baked ham, complemented with some good old fashioned mashed potatoes is a solid option. If you’re looking for something a little lighter, a bourbon glazed salmon is a nice way to implement a little Kentucky flare to your event’s menu.
Drinks:
Bourbon is my drink of choice for when the leaves start to change color and it’s especially appropriate given the Breeders’ Cup is held in Kentucky this year. Nothing will warm you and your guests up more than a swanky bourbon cocktail or just sipping it neat.
Since most of us will be enjoying the races in cooler climates, I recommend whipping up a batch of hot toddys—an aromatic, warm drink—to kick off the festivities. For a tried and tested recipe for the bourbon beverage, check out this link.
A HOT TODDY IS A SOLID DRINK FOR BREEDERS' CUP PARTIES
Photo by Wikimedia Commons/Patrick Truby
If you or your guests are not into the bourbon scene, a heated spiked cider is the perfect alcoholic complement to your party.
Fashion:
Just because you are not out and about doesn’t mean you can’t still get a little fancy when it comes to wardrobe. There’s no better investment than a Christine A. Moore hat. She’s the Official Milliner of the Breeders’ Cup and has designed hats for some of the biggest stars in horse racing.
For the gents, I would recommend a classic bowtie like this one from Beau Ties. The blue and green pattern plays well off of Keeneland’s primary color scheme.
Bet:
Be sure to get some skin in the game. The week leading up to the Breeders’ Cup, America’s Best Racing’s team will post some of our best plays of the weekend. There’s no need to go to the track to place your bets, you can make your picks and win some money on sites like Bet America.
Have fun at your Breeders’ Cup bash! Eat well, drink responsibly and best of luck with you wagers.