A Derby Day Tradition

Early morning dew still spangles the pastures as a procession of cars winds up the road to the Historic Homes Foundation Derby Breakfast on race day in Louisville, Kentucky. The annual event, held under a capacious white tent on one of the foundation's historic properties, is a 25-year-old tradition for the more than 700 racegoers who gather to enjoy a traditional Southern breakfast before the Kentucky Derby.

"The breakfast is really elegant, but it's geared for the serious attendees who want to make it to the track on time," says Hollis Hibbs Starks, who co-chaired the 2002 event with good friend Susan Moloney Rice. The Derby, held on the first Saturday of every May at Louisville's Churchill Downs, was established in 1875 and is still the country's premier race for Thoroughbred 3-year-olds.