The lady behind the stylish hats
One can hardly think of any horse race without thinking of colorful, glamorous hats. Jane Ryder, clothing and hat designer of Jane Ryder Millinery, is just the local woman to provide them.
Ryder was first inspired to create her unique hats when one day she was looking for feathers online to use in a dress design. “I accidentally came across a hat site,” Ryder said. “I opened the link and thought, ‘I could do this!’” She’s been doing it ever since. “Of course, Kate Middleton coming along didn’t hurt anything,” laughed Ryder.
Ryder has designed hats for those attending the Kentucky Derby, including a lovely green hat she created as a favor to a friend going to the Belmont Stakes this past year. Ryder also made hats for the lead actress in “Salem” as well as creating her designs for various fundraising Kentucky Derby parties.
Ryder always creates organically, regardless of the event she is creating for. “I’ll have an idea in mind, and I’ll just see where it takes me,” Ryder said. Be it a costume, a formal church service, a cotillion, a bachelorette party, a movie set or the Krewe of Justinian’s Mad Hatter Party, Ryder always manages to find just the right vision.
Ryder, while never having attended the Kentucky Derby herself, is breaking into the racing scene just recently. “I can only speak for the European and Australian traditions, but I know it’s a huge part of race day, especially in Australia,” Ryder said. “Not just the hats but the whole ensemble. Every major race has a ladies day, and women can win big prizes for their complete look. I think it’s something that really needs to be adopted here as it entices more and more women to attend the races.” Super Derby The 35th annual Super Derby Festival of Racing will be held Sept. 6 at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs in Bossier City. Racing begins 2:50 p.m. and will continue all day, offering exciting and top-quality entertainment and ending with the $400,000 Grade 2 Super Derby. Horses, trainers and riders come from all over the country to participate in this prestigious, time-honored tradition.
The Super Derby is adopting just such a custom as this year they will feature the Super Derby Hat Contest with prizes in three categories: Spirit of Louisiana, Classic and Most Original.
“We just want people to come out and have a good time because that’s what this is all about,” Ed Walsh, marketing supervisor for Harrah’s and Horseshoe, said. “We also want people to know that we still have live racing throughout the year. Our thoroughbred season comes to a close on Sept. 21. But early next year, things pick up with our quarter horse racing. I think once people experience Harrah’s Louisiana Downs and the fun and excitement of horse racing, they’ll be hooked!” In addition to the races, attendees can enjoy other means of entertainment through the day, including giveaways, contests and promotions. There will be a children’s play area set up with bounce houses and a Celebrity Doughnut Eating Contest, where celebs and members of the audience compete to see who can eat the most donuts in five minutes. So far, the celeb line up for this year consists of Dan Jovic of KTAL and Ron Young of KSLA. A number of radio personalities are also scheduled to compete.
At 11 a.m., a free handicapping seminar will be conducted, followed by a meet and greet with the Super Derby jockeys at noon. Those interested in meeting the jockeys can purchase autographed pictures for $5, the proceeds of which go to the Disabled Jockeys Fund.
“There are so many elements to the Super Derby that are my favorite,” Walsh said. “The Super Derby is a lot of fun for the entire family. Often, people get dressed up and spend the entire day at the Race Track. The Super Derby has that Kentucky Derby feel to it.”
The derby is kicked off with the ever popular Wiener Dog Races on Sept. 1.
For $1, everyone has the chance to win a Wiener Dog Race T-Shirt, and even better, all the proceeds from the bets go to benefit the Robinson Rescue.
“The Super Derby is unique in that it’s the biggest race of the year with a $400,000 purse,” Walsh said.
On Sept. 4, the second annual Super Derby 5K runners will once again take to the grass track at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs for a friendly competition.
Also available is the Super Derby in the Sky All You Can Eat Buffet for $39.99 in the fourth floor Skyroom.
For more information on the hats, visit http://janerydermillinery.com/.
–Betsy St. Amant
