Big and glorious hats are a sartorial tradition on race day.
David Castelhano and Danielle Wooldridge take tailgating to a stylish new level.
Wendy and Dough Grills with Beth and Mike Flecker
Race trophies are coveted parts of the Gold Cup experience.
Andy and Stewi Como
Andy and Stewi Como
The tent from the new MGM National Harbor was the place to commune before and after the races.
The race is on!
Kay Alquist, James Valois, Emma Alquist and Ben Harrison
July 8, 2016 | Parties
THE PARTY The warmth and glory of late spring in the region can only mean one thing: It’s time for the legendary annual Virginia Gold Cup Races. This steeplechase classic brings the area’s most posh out to The Plains for a day full of tailgating, mint juleps, elaborately adorned hats, Lilly Pulitzer dresses, seersucker suits, bow ties and friendly horse wagering—all time-honored traditions of race day.
THE PEOPLE City meets preppy. The crowd of 50,000 race enthusiasts, mostly Washingtonians escaping the city for the day, relished a day of traditions and fun. Hat contests, including ones for most outrageous and most glam, were toasted in high style. And the entire racing area was framed with the latest sedans and SUVs, which served as formidable base camps for Champagne-glass clinking and gourmet-fare sharing. Tailgating was indeed high art.
BEST IN SHOW Giddy Up! The new MGM National Harbor sponsor tent was the place to be seen for those looking for an upscale way to do derby day. The food and company were exceptional, along with the vantage point for taking in the races. Victorious horses, jockeys, owners and trainers took home winning purses ranging from $30,000 to $100,00 for single races. Now, that’s a payday worth celebrating.
Photography by Mohammed Sanoon and Vithaya Phongsavan
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