Night of Silk Derby Party: Jockeys Get Their Own Derby Party
Derby Weekend in Louisville seems to include a party that benefits every imaginable charity. Until this year, however, one of the most important groups that make the Derby happen has been overlooked. That’s changing with the inaugural Night of Silk Derby Party at the Galt House on Saturday, May 7. The event benefits the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund, which provides financial support to jockeys who have been injured in spills at racetracks.
The human stars of the Derby itself have committed to attend, including all of the riders with mounts in the big race. Pat Day, the Hall of Famer and local favorite who won the 1992 Derby aboard Lil E. Tee, was on hand at an April press conference to announce the new event. Other legendary jockeys have committed to show, including Rafael Bejarano, Gary Birzer, Javier Castellano, Victor Espinoza, Garrett Gomez, Laffit Pincay Jr., Joel Rosario, Mike Smith and John Velazquez.
The Galt House has been a big supporter of jockeys for years, and has a display near its East entrance with handprints from Derby winning jockeys. The fundraiser will feature live and silent auction items collected from the jockeys themselves, including artwork, silks and other equine-related memorabilia.
In the past, jockeys have been a part of some Derby galas on Friday night, and were feted as special guests at the Mint Jubilee for several years. And they’ve attended some quieter Saturday night parties. But this year they’re having their own big event on Saturday night, taking advantage of the opportunity to raise funds for their own cause.
Brown-Forman, Saks Fifth Avenue Cincinnati and Southern Wine & Spirits are also sponsoring the Night of Silk. There will be signature cocktails, mouth-watering desserts and even a life-sized chocolate horse. A cover band, Simply Irresistible, will provide dance music until 2 a.m.
Tickets to the Night of Silk are $375, and include complimentary valet parking. There’s a red carpet entrance.
Mary Moseley, the CEO of the Galt House, previewed the big party at an April press conference."Our hotel is planning a Derby party unlike any other. When coupled with raising awareness and funds for the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund, the inaugural Night of Silk will truly be an affair to remember."
Posted on Apr 8, 2011 by Rick Redding
