The ThunderBlogs

The 65^th B.C. Oaks and Derby opened Saturday at the Hastings Racecourse to a bright blue sky and nine rounds of horseracing.

In the first day of action, attendees were spoiled with five maiden and claiming races as well as four stakes races that amounted to a combined purse of $175,000.

Regular track days at Hastings tend to be a casual affair, drawing only the most dedicated betters who arrive sporting street clothes and maybe a dose of insider knowledge. The Oaks and Derby, the largest race weekend of the year at Hastings, is a different breed entirely.

In addition to the racing, Saturday’s Oaks was a hat day, where female fans were invited to arrive in their best bonnets and donning their finest attire. Kentucky hats, church hats, flower hats and bowler hats; they were all welcome and all on parade at the Oaks.

Hat days are a wink in recognition of the storied history of track racing, and a colourful way to attract a fresh crowd.

“Any excuse to come and dress up is a fun event to attend,” said Danielle Gillis, who was adorned in a brilliant red maxi dress, heeled white oxfords and a classic white hat. It was her first experience at the races, and by race four she had already banked $2.10 in prize winnings.

Some of the men got into the spirit of the day as well.

Jim Richmond sported a dinner jacket patterned in US$100 banknotes. “It’s a once a year, summer thing,” he said, in reference to his attendance at the races. “Don’t let the jacket fool you,” he said, confessing to an unlucky day.

Unlike Richmond, Gillis felt her luck was only going to continue. Contesting for primacy in the fifth race, worth $25,000 in stakes, was Smokin (sic) Danielle, jockeyed by Isaias Cardenas. Sadly, Gillis’ namesake and proclaimed certain win lost a strong lead and placed a distant second to Wind Storm, ridden by Richard Harvey Hamel.

Sunday’s rain-or-shine B.C. Derby includes a $150,000 stakes race, and is scheduled to begin at 1:40 p.m.