Exploring the Fascinating History of Horse Race Hats

Hats at horse races are a tradition, and at Montpelier Races it is the same. While you won’t see the same extravagant millinery displays as at the Kentucky Derby or Royal Ascot, hats will be wide-spread nonetheless. Royal Ascot is credited with starting the hat tradition. Started in 1711, the five day long race meet attended by British royalty has strict dress codes and hats for women, and gentlemen, are required. When the Kentucky Derby was started by co-founder Meriwether Lewis Clark, Jr., he modeled the race after swanky European horse racing events, even going so far as to recruit society ladies to attend. In 1875, the date of the first Kentucky Derby, ladies did not appear in public without a hat, and hats became a statement piece.

A whole diorama of the Montpelier Race experience on a Hat Brim!

Several years ago the Dolley Madison Hat Contest was started at Montpelier Races. It is free to enter and now has seven categories for judging; children’s entry, gentlemen’s entry and group entry being some of the most unique. There is even a category for the best racing theme which sometimes inspires participants to create a miniature track on the hat brim. But no matter what the category, original or elegant, child or group, it is all good fun! Judging is done by a local TV celebrity, this year Delaney Tharp will do the honors along with a member of the Montpelier Steeplechase Board of Directors and representative from Dubarry of Ireland, our long time Hat Contest Sponsor.

If you can’t arrange for a hat before Race Day, don’t despair! There will be several vendors in the Montpelier Market with hats for sale including Sequoia Springs and Sunflower Trading Co. From the fabulous to the practical you’ll be able to find a chapeau worthy of the day!