A day spent betting on the ponies is a day steeped in tradition. Or – if you’re talking about the Deighton Cup at the Hastings Racecourse – a three-day weekend. Inspired by the Kentucky Derby, one of the biggest horse races in the world that was originally held to attract high society to the races, the Deighton Cup models itself on Kentucky’s infamous ‘The Infield’ which is essentially a party zone for those of the linen suits, bow tied, fancy dress and creative-hat wearing set.
Betting takes second place to dressing up, at least for last Saturday’s Thoroughbred derby crowd, many of whom relied on good old lucky numbers and gut feelings rather than expert betting tactics. Nico Grauer, looking well-heeled in white pants, crème blazer, red boaters and belt, complete with a bow-tie, leaned on the white fence of the track with beer in one hand and bet in the other, explaining how he made his pick in the race that’s just about to start.
“Number Five had a look, so I went with it,” he said, “It was a look of ‘Get me on the track, I’m ready to go!’” A couple minutes later, the horse came in last and Grauer was four dollars poorer. But no mind.
“I’m with friends and it’s a sunny day and I like any excuse to dress up, whether it’s in formal attire or in Halloween costume,” he said. “It’s fun to go outside your comfort zone.”
Inside the official Deighton Cup area at the far west of the track grounds, accented by peaked white tents and modern patio furniture, Miss America 2013 Mallory Hagan posed with the impeccably pretty Deighton Cup style stakes winner Praise Vaughn. Surrounded by jazz music, fancy attire, and fascinators, busy bartenders served wine, beer, and the Derby traditional drink: the Mint Julep.
Puffing on a pipe nearby was Raj Mattu whose snakeskin shoes completed his natty three-piece ensemble. “I’m dressed for a day at the office,” he declared. “What office, I don’t know but somebody’s office.”
Watching the flash bulbs go off while Vaughn posed with the coveted style trophy was Vancouver milliner Dominique Hanke who was so busy designing hats and fascinators for Deighton Cup attendees, she only made hers that morning — a delightfully tangled ball of green with red flowers. Track events have been a milliner’s milieu since umbrellas were long-ago banned from the big race tracks around the world because they block the sun as well as the view.
Perennial derby attendee Colleen Carson has been to every single Deighton Cup and commented on the event’s growing stature. “It’s getting more and more creative,” she said. “Vancouver doesn’t dress up, and this event makes you do that. Being here takes you away from now … takes you to a time in the past like being in New York or Chicago in the 1930s.”
Which is exactly the environment co-producer Tyson Villeneuve wants. “It’s called the Sport of Gates for a reason… We have such a beautiful facility in Hastings Racecourse, and what better way to enjoy a sunny, sunny day?”
Villeneuve says 1.200 people attended this year’s Cup which started with Friday evening’s Big Smoke preview and ended with Sunday’s The Julep cocktail theme. Only 400 attended the first version five years ago.
“We had no idea at the time it was going to grow to a full-weekend affair,” he said. “We are just so pleased. It’s a great event and a fantastic excuse to pay attention to what we’re wearing.”
