VALLEY DALE RO'S  ANNUAL DERBY PARTY

SUSAN SLATER

Acelebration of tradition, fun and equestrian spirit.

Valley Dale RO’s Annual Derby Party celebrated horse racing and southern charm. Hosted by former Kentucky residents and derby aficionados Ann Margaret and George McGuire, alongside HOA president Al Wheeler, the event combined tradition with activities.

The festivities began with a potluck featuring traditional signature beverages — mint juleps and derby pie — a touch of Kentucky heritage prepared with care by Ann Margaret and George McGuire.

As the crowd also enjoyed snacks brought by residents, Al Wheeler hosted a trivia contest inspired by *Dream Horse*, a Welsh film everyone watched previously about Dream Alliance, the horse that triumphed in the 2009 Welsh Grand National. The consensus humorously noted the challenge of deciphering the Welsh accent.

Following the movie trivia contest, Al Wheeler kept the momentum alive by sharing fascinating derby-related trivia. He revealed that the biggest odds ever won by a horse were an incredible 91-1, the longest winning margin in Derby history stood at eight lengths, and the youngest jockey was just 15 years old in 1892.

Meanwhile, the hat contest commenced. Handcrafted hats with extravagant floral arrangements were worn by the women while the men proudly showcased their creations.

After several rounds of judging, the contest concluded with an overall runner up and winner. 

Derby Parties are not just about the races.

Adding to the evening’s fun, residents enjoyed their own version of derby races, hosted by Lary and Deena Stock. Armed with inflatable horses prone to occasional deflation.

As the night ended, the much anticipated derby race was broadcast on a wide screen TV. With each passing year, the Annual Derby Party continues to grow in excitement, proving to be a cherished tradition for the Valley Dale RO community. ©