Kentucky Oaks Traditions
Many of the traditions of the Derby are upheld at the Oaks. The hats, the drinks (the famous Mint Julep), and the refrains of My Old Kentucky Home can be heard on Oaks day. Oaks is unique for a variety of reasons, primarily for the nature of the race and the participants than for the traditions carried on by the attendees.
The Oaks is generally more well traveled by local Louisville residents than the more populous Derby. Though still one of the most well attended horse races in the country, Oaks attendance doesn't yet match that of the Derby. Oaks attendees have the ability to absorb the culture of the Derby in a less crowded environment.
The Garland
The Derby became the "Run for the Roses" through the blanket of 554 roses draped over the winner. The winner of the Oaks received a similar garland of roses all the way up to 1991. The first Oaks winner to receive a garland was Kathleen in 1916. It wasn't until 1991 that the "Stargazer Lily" became the official flower of the Kentucky Oaks.
Lite Light received the first garland of lilies at the 117th running of the Oaks. There are 133 of the Stargazer Lilies in the white garland received by the Oaks winner. The creation of the garland worn by the Oaks winner may be seen at a local Louisville Kroger store on the eve of the event.
The Trophy
The garlands may be more well known, but trophy's for both the Derby and and the Oaks were designed by George Louis Graff for the 1924 running of both races. The Oaks trophy is 25 inches of sterling silver with horse head handles and a horseshoe on top. Oaks winners do not keep the trophy, though. It remains with the Kentucky Derby Museum year round, while the winners take home a set of 12 sterling silver julep cups.
