Derby Day @ Victory Cup ATX

Disclaimer: I was given VIP passes to Derby Day @ Victory Cup ATX. All opinions are my own. 

I must admit I suffered a bit of FOMO the last couple of years during Derby Day weekend. I wanted to attend; however, it just never seemed to work out. This year, their 15th!, I was absolutely thrilled when I received an invite to be a judge for the “best dressed” portion of the event! There was no way I was missing out. I eagerly said yes, changed some plans, and started searching my closet for the “proper’ what-to-wear. 🙂

Mother Nature did not play along well. Severe thunderstorms and flooding rain forced Friday nights event to be cancelled. Despite how Her glorious sun shined on Saturday, things were still a bit wet (okay, a lot of the grounds were a complete mud fest) so I opted for an old pair of cowboy boots in lieu of my cute red wedges and headed out to Victory Cheval Polo Club. Nothing keeps us Southerns from having fun! This was my somewhat unique [abbreviated] experience at Derby Day @ Victory Cup ATX. I was there to enjoy it all too y’all!

When I arrived I met K. Cooper Ray (TV personality, designer, and author) and he was just the nicest and most funny gentleman. I knew right then that Derby Day @ Victory Cup ATX was going to be a magnificent one.

Let the Saturday festivities begin! First finding our table and then off to the exclusive Founder’s Lounge VIP area for some live music and included libations in the Hospitality Alcohol Tasting Tent.

Then I was off to recruit lovely ladies and dappered gents to participate in the fashion contest.

There were so many local vendor tents, from nail polish sheets to home windows and everything in-between, for all your shopping needs!

Of course, I watched the Victory Cup throughout the day.

And then of course there was the traditional divot stomping…a lil more messy. Lol.

After the final match, it was time to announce to the fashion contest.

Let the judging begin: best female, and male.

And the best dressed female and male winner sashes and bottle of wine go to….

The food in the Founder’s Lounge was being served all day: ribs, burgers, more…and trays were passing by. Before the Kentucky Derby began, a casual Field Side Dinner was served. There were several other food items and libations for sell on the grounds.

The “fastest 2 minutes in sports” Kentucky Derby time shown on a big screen! Well, you probably know the controversial outcome of this year by now, don’t you? History!

The hot air balloons had gone up early Saturday morning and were going up again as I was leaving. It truly is an ALL DAY event!

So, yes, some things had to be changed due to the condition of the grounds and track. Timing of events were not set in stone. My old boots will never be the same. But, the organizers (so many volunteers!) did their best to accommodate everyone given the uncontrolled circumstances. And I say well done!

Whether you purchase general admissions or VIP passes, bets are you’re going to have a good time…pun intended. Until next year…yes I will be there judging again and I do take bribes…wink! Cheers!

For more detailed information about the event please click HERE.

Other things in/around Austin, TX:
Texas Trucklandia Fest
Visit Iron Wolf Ranch & Distillery
View the Austin Food Blog Alliance’s Best of Austin Guide 2019 HERE.