Opening day brings out hats, fashionistas, fast horses

By Diana Cavagnaro

Opening Day at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club was on July 21st with a sold out crowd of 22,000. Since the pandemic, they decided to limit the crowd to increase the customer experience. This made the day much more enjoyable and very comfortable to move through the crowds. As always on this special day, people came for fashion, hats and horse racing. The crowds entered the gates to impress, making people watching a must.

Walking around the race track you saw a sea of pink. Many people were heavily influenced after the arrival of the new movie “Barbie.” Black and white was also a popular combo and many racegoers were wearing polka dots.

Emma Zuckerman looked stunning in a Philip Treacy chapeau. Kari DeBurgh looked fabulous in a vintage Philip Treacy. Natalie Cruz was also wearing a Philip Treacy which seemed to be the most popular hat designer worn to the races this year. Ovie Cowling was wearing a Carol Bader Fascinator and Violet Oughton stood out in the crowd with a yellow cocktail hat from London.

One of my favorite group of attendees was Kevin Nolen, who was wearing an Etro Suit with poppies after his daughter named Poppy, and Juliet Nolen who was wearing a hat by Jonessa Leoné. They were with Jerry Batter who designed his own suit and topped it off with a hat by American Hat Company and Chaz who topped his outfit off with a black Stetson.

As always, the racetrack held the Opening Day Hats Contest in the Plaza de Mexico. The special theme this year was “Birds, Bees, and High Tea.” Contestants entered one of these categories: Most Glamorous, Best Flowers, Best Fascinator and Best Racing Theme/All Others. The grand prize this year was a one-night stay and meal for two at Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa and a $500 Studio Savvy Salon Gift Basket.

First place in each category was $300 plus $250 Studio Savvy Salon gift basket. Second place in each category was $200 and third place in each category received $100 prizes. All the prizes were awarded after the sixth race in the winners circle.

Leslie Monroy of Spring Valley entered the “Best Flowers” category and won the Grand Prize this year. Monroy was dressed in Barbie-pink from head-to-toes. Her hat had 500 pink rose petals and 70 gold horses, with an amazing long train of orchids. The pink horse formed a trail of flowers.

“Most Glamorous” went to Dea Wilson from Loomis, CA. “Best Fascinator” was awarded to Allison Karlstrand from Dana Point. Her Barbie-inspired design was chef’s kiss. The “Best Racing Theme” went to milliner Chris Banner from Valley Center which was “Bee kind to the porcupine.”

For a schedule of upcoming events visit dmtc.com/racing.

— Diana Cavagnaro is an internationally renowned Couture Milliner based in Alpine, California. Learn more about our Hat Designer, Teacher & Blogger at DianaCavagnaro.com

Upcoming Events

Fashion in Paradise. A luncheon and fashion show hosted by St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center from 10 a.m.-2p.m. on Saturday, August 19, 2023. Event is at the Hilton Bayfront. For tickets visit hautewithheart.org.

Walking in Harmony with Nature. The second annual fashion show at Sycuan featuring 16 Native designers on Sept. 7, 2023. For tickets email sycfashionshow@yahoo.com

Strut For Sobriety! Fashion show from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sept. 9. 2023 at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina. Raises funds for A New PATH. For tickets email april@anewpath.org.

Art of Fashions. Luncheon and fashion show hosted by Country Friends and South Coast Plaza from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe on Sept. 14, 2023. Raises funds for many non-profits. For tickets thecountryfriends.org/.