Ladies, get ready for an event designed especially for your exquisite taste. The Kentucky Oaks is considered the sister race to the Kentucky Derby, and is held the Friday before. “Ladies first” is the reasoning behind the set-up of the race and is actually one of the most popular horse races in American society today because of its extremely high attendance. The first running of the Kentucky Oaks was on May 19, 1875. This was when Churchill Downs was still known as the Louisville Jockey Club. The actual sporting event was modeled after the British Epsom Oaks, which has inspired several similar events all over the world.

The very first race was won by the horse Vinaigrette who ran a mile and a half in less than two and a half minutes. In 1875, the winner received a whopping ,175, and since then the event has been held annually. Over the years, the crowd for this alluring event has continued to grow. In the 1980’s, the Kentucky Oaks had about 50,000 spectators. Now in 2000’s, the crowd has attracted over 100,000 people from all over the world.

The Kentucky Oaks is also known as the “Run for the Roses” because it’s filled with things women love. Over the past 136 years, there have been several traditions that have made their way into the glamorous Kentucky Oaks scene. There is a First Lady of Fashion contest, specialty “Oak Lily” cocktails, and delightful lilies everywhere. Also, a very big part of the race is the elegant attire. This includes big, beautiful hats, classy dresses, and lots of pink.

The popular horse race has also adopted pink as its signature color. Not only is the Kentucky Oaks a day filled with fun for ladies, but it is also a party with a purpose, which is the fight against breast cancer. There is a parade each year with over one-hundred breast cancer survivors and their supporters. Churchill Downs is an official partner of Susan G. Komen for the Cure® and Horses and Hope. For every spectator, there will be one dollar donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure and Horses and Hope actually provides on-site breast cancer screenings and mammograms. Also, for every “Oaks Lily” cocktail sold, one dollar will go towards Horses and Hope. Last year, ,000 was donated.

Grab seats from Premium Seats USA and be a part of this special party that only comes once a year!