JOIN USFashion at the turf
The high octane racing action on the turf was well matched with the colour and pageantry on the stands, whether it was the lavishly red and white bedecked Kingfisher enclosures or the more exclusive members and invitees spaces. Underneath all the buzz was an almost palpable mix of uncertainty and bewilderment as the question on everyone's lips was: “Is this going to be the last Derby at this venue if the government has its way?”
That only time will tell but in the meantime there was plenty of fashion history being made as people were virtually spilling out of the stands at different levels and peeking through their designer sunglasses to take in what was happening on and off the racing track.
Srikantadatta Wodeyar in his new slim trim avatar looked spiffy in his grey jacket and matching hat while Ambarish, in an uncharacteristically sombre suit with Sumalatha in a dramatic black and white ensemble, seemed to be in high spirits. There were women making different style and fashion statements, wearing everything from hats with provocative veils and sweeping brims, figure-hugging dresses, smart jackets and short summery dresses. Society matrons were in sarees and elegant salwar kameezes and PYTs in the latest minis and floaty designer creations.
Of course, the dress code as always was in favour of the ladies, who were left to their own discretion but certain areas were strictly off limits to men who were not properly attired in formal suits and jackets. There were also those gentlemen, who played fast and loose with the dress code, mixing and matching sports shoes with an obviously borrowed jacket and mismatched tie, and some who opted for bold stripes and loud checks standing out in a riot of colours and patterns.
A couple of offenders, who actually flouted the code, stood around nonchalantly much to the chagrin of some of the members present.
“Hopefully, the powers that be will not treat the King of Sports in such a cavalier fashion and the 22-year-old tradition of the Kingfisher Derby will live on in the annals of Bangalore racing” was the sentiment expressed by all at the end of the day after the dust had settled and the winning horse Aboline walked away in a blaze of glory, bagging the richest race in the country.