Irene Michaels The rain didn't stop the fans from coming out and watching the world's most recognized sporting event. The Kentucky Derby. The day is a nonstop parade of sensations, fun, fashion and spectacular food. Over 157,000 fans turned out to Churchill Downs. It is a marvelous tradition that will provide memories that will last a life time. Certainly for me! I was fortunate to take this photo from one of the magnificent suites at the first turn.

Shot from the first turn

There are two major events taking place on the eve of the Derby. The Oaks, a prestigious race for three-year-old fillies, is considered the "little sister" of Derby week which has a significant character and stature all of its own.

The FANTASY PARTY hosted by the Barnstable family is a 22-year old tradition. Christopher Jr. greeted the guests as they arrived. The patrons that attend the gala help support the Barnstable Brown Kentucky Diabetes and Obesity Center. "This party like a fantasy world," Mrs Barnstable Brown said.

Patricia Barnstable

Christopher Barnstable Brown

Floating champagne ice sculpture
The party sizzled with beautiful people and a collection of trendy celebrities, including sport stars, olympians, music masters like the Jacksons, Jennifer Holliday, Travis Tritt, and Smokey Robinson. Movie and TV stars, including Diane Lane, Jerry O'Connell, Nick Lachey, Kevin Connoll to name a few. Supermodels Marisa Miller and Rebecca Romijn dressed up the room as well as former Miss Teen USA Vanessa Minnillo. This gala is the most glittery of the Derby events, a paparazzi paradise.

Nick Lachey & Vanessa Minnillo		Rebecca Romijn & Jerry O'Connell
CBS Bob Schieffer & his Wife		Patrick Patterson
Travis Tritt and his beautiful wife		Guy Fieri
Victoria Secret Model Marisa Miller & Hubby		Marilyn Hoffman-Hoffman International
Kevin Harnet-Fernando Isa-Chris Wasson-Patty Aattyethington-Larry Sinclair
University of Kentucky Opera Theater Representatives
University of Kentucky Dance Team

After the Derby, fans attended a variety of around town events at homes, restaurants and after parties, continuing to celebrate Derby Day.

Everyone wins at the Derby, perhaps not always in dollars, but certainly in adventure and grand memories.

ANOTHER SURPRISE

While in Kentucky I stayed in "Meadow-Land.". This outstanding 82 acres Neo-Classical mansion is one of Kentucky's grandest landmarks. A 48 stall show barn, which includes a 240' indoor arena and a 227' outdoor arena, including a world class equestrian facility. It comes with a beautifully furnished guest house that has been restored to perfection. Not only was Meadow-Land beautiful, so were the owner and his wife Milo and Dee Bryant.


Milo and Dee Bryant

Here is a Sneak Peek


Gates to Meadow-Land


Entrance staircase


Formal dining room


Meadow-Land at dusk

To find out more about the home, visit:
www.meadow-land.com or www.magnificentproperties.com