The VC Polo Classic at Liberty Island on May 31^st was all about the Veuve Clicquot. On entering, we were each given wristbands with five tickets entitling us to purchase either a bottle or five glasses of champagne during the afternoon. We quickly got through our bottles of Yellow Label, while the connoisseurs forked out $275 a bottle for La Grande Dame.

Designer, Lily Kubota, created two of her unique fascinators for the event. There is something about tiny hats that cheers people up. Nacho Figeuras also seems to make people happy, judging by how many people were yelling his name during and after the match.

Hilario Figeuras at half time

During half time the audience rushed to tread divots and seek a glimpse of attending celebrities. Since none were visible, and Nacho and Hilerio Figueras were too busy to pose, one of the champagne servers got a stream of requests for photographs.

Reigning champions, Black Watch beat the Veuve Clicquot team. Nacho Figueras took the prize for most goals (6). Figeuras’ 14-year-old son, Hilario, also scored 5 goals.

Lechuga the horse, won a prize for being a good horse or something.

Yuri wearing one of her fascinators

Do horses like to race? Peta says no. But when Yuri invited me to attend the 145th Belmont Stakes on June 8^th, it was less about the horses and more about the hats.

Oh! Audrey created by Yuri

Yuri made three fascinators for the event, one of which was for me, and it had a name: Oh! Audrey.

General Attendance Crowd early in the day

The Belmont Stakes is the final leg of the Triple Crown, which includes the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes. This year a different horse won each race in the Triple Crown. But it’s not just about winning. It’s also an opportunity to dress up, gamble and have a picnic.

When folding chairs were disallowed, this family brought blow-up chairs

At 10.30am, we were among the first to arrive. Long lines led out of Belmont Park LIRR station, with two security checks along the way. According to regular attendees, the rules have become stricter in recent years. Alcohol and folding chairs are no longer allowed in, although some people have found ways around these rules.

Picnicking with our permitted items, photo by Yuri

At the second checkpoint, I was asked to remove everything from my tote bag and place it in a clear plastic bag. The security guard stared at my many items and then waved me through, saying, “Have a good day.”

Horses and jockeys preparing for their raceWhen the first horses trotted out for viewing, I was happy to see how healthy they looked, their coats gleaming over their well-muscled flanks.

Yuri, Monami and I in the front row wearing Yuri's fascinators

We took a spot at the front of the racetrack. Other people set up their parties in the back near the paddock or in the terrace seating. Early on, the atmosphere was relaxed and there was plenty of space. As the hour got closer to the 6.36pm Belmont Stakes, the roar of chatter grew and people started cramming into our front row space.

Attendees at the Betting and Cashing Windows

In the spirit of the event, I decided to place a bet: $5 on the number 3 horse, Raven Rise, in the third race to win. Then I decided to bet again: on 1a, Fast Bullet, in the 7^th race. As a bonus, betting for 1a included 1, Justin Phillip.

Fast Bullet!

As the 7^th race started, Fast Bullet zoomed out in front, and kept the lead, with Justin Phillip close behind. And I didn’t see any riding crop come out; the horse was just racing.

Monami learning how to bet

I won $9 for the $5 I had bet on Fast Bullet.

“Big stakes you’ve got going there,” said the cashier.

Yuri with some dapper gents

Fashionable ladies at the event

Total betting for the Belmont Stakes, which was won by Palace Malice, reached $88,652,023, and 47,562 people attended. Some paraded in hats and braces, while others relaxed in shorts and flip-flops. There was something for everyone, and until someone proves otherwise, I will choose to believe the horses were happy too.