Halloween Costumes for Breeders’ Cup, Part 2

Halloween is so much fun – I mean, how can you not love a day dedicated to costumes and candy? This year’s All Hallows’ Eve is even more exciting because it falls on Breeders’ Cup Classic day, so I came up with a few costumes perfect for you, whether you’re heading to the World Championships at Keeneland or watching at a party with some friends. You can check out Part 1 here, and below are some more horse racing-ready Halloween costumes! 
1. American Pharoah’s trainer Bob Baffert 

15HalloweenParty_01 by penelopemiller featuring shirts & tops
Horse racing’s most recognizable trainer achieved what some thought was the impossible this year: he conditioned American Pharoah to the first Triple Crown victory in 37 years. Why not celebrate that with a costume paying tribute to the Hall of Famer? I used this Roger Sterling-inspired wig for $27, then added a blue suit from River Island; the jacket is $80 and the pants are $43, and it’s always good to have a blue suit for real life, too! A simple white button-down shirt ($28, H&M) is very Baffert; and Bob loves a yellow tie and pocket square combo, so I scored both at Solid Color Neckties for $6 and $4, respectively. The Delli Aldo lace-up shoes are just $25, and if you want to get really authentic you should get a little light-colored mud on them so it looks like you’ve been walking on a racetrack. The shades are $13 via eBay, and you’re going to want a crown (always, but that’s beside the point) because you won the Derby, Preakness and Belmont; this one is $7 from Mallatts. Be sure to carry around this large $5 plastic trophy (TrophyKits.com) all night: not only does it show that you’re a winner, but you can also use it as your drinking vessel, because everyone deserves to spend at least one evening of their life sipping out of a trophy. 
2. Smokey the pony 

15HalloweenParty_02 by penelopemiller on Polyvore
American Pharoah’s trusty sidekick Smokey became a celebrity in his own right this year, so here’s a great way to pay homage to everyone’s favorite cranky pony. Start with this tan morphsuit for $35 from Morphsuits.com; you’re going to want to dye the arms and legs black ($3.69, RiteAid) to match Smokey’s markings. Use these horse hoof hand covers ($15, Bonanza) but trim off some of that excess white around your wrists – Smokey has black legs. The $10 horsehead mask from Ali Express is pretty on point; just use a little more of the black dye to make the mane and forelock (that’s the word for horses’ bangs, by the way) match Smokey’s. Some black moto boot covers ($22, J P Cycles) will serve as your back hooves; and you’re good to go! This could make for a pretty amazing group costume if you want to go as Smokey, Bob Baffert, and American Pharoah from Part 1.
3. A jockey

15HalloweenParty_03 by penelopemiller featuring tall jeans
I know, I know: it seems so obvious. But you’re not going for run-of-the-mill generic jockey here, folks: you want authentic! This is when eBay becomes your best friend. Did you know you can buy actual jockeys’ silks there for less than the price of a store-bought costume? You can! I found this pair for $29. You can wear a pair of your own white pants or jeans instead of jockey pants; they’ll very likely be warmer and more comfortable. (The pair here is $34 by River Island if you’re in the market!) A pair of patent-leather knee-high boots ($29, AX Paris) mimic the footwear of actual jockeys; for even more verisimilitude, wrap the top with electrical tape that matches your silks. A pair of jockey goggles will set you back about $10 from Horze Equestrian, and a helmet cover ($10, HorseTackCo.com) completes the authentic look. You can layer it over a bike or riding helmet, or just wear it on its own – your call! Have stuff you’d like to tote around? Play to your theme with this adorable plush pony purse for $10 off of eBay. 
4. (Un)dead ticket 

15HalloweenParty_04 by penelopemiller on Polyvore
A “dead ticket” in horse racing parlance is a losing bet; why not make it an undead ticket for Halloween? Simply grab two blank canvases (about $6 each at your local art store), some stencils (the letters are $18 from Stencil Ease and the racehorse is $6 on Etsy) and a thick Sharpie. Come up with a pithy name for your fake racetrack and its logo plus a moniker for your losing horse, then stencil away! Be sure to replicate your work on the second canvas, then attach the two with string like a sandwich board. You can wear whatever you like under this – PLEASE wear something under this! – and then it’s time for the fun part – becoming Undead. Grab a simple makeup kit from any party store – this one is $6.99 from Party City – and go to town making yourself a zombie. If you’re a little worried about doing it right, there are tons of YouTube tutorials to help you out! 
Do you have a horse racing-themed Halloween costume planned? Let us know what it is in the comments!