Berger wins Derby Day Hat Contest
at Horseshoe Indianapolis
 
SHELBYVILLE, Ind. (Saturday, May 6, 2023) – More than 30 people participated in the annual Derby Day Hat Contest Saturday, May 6 at Horseshoe Indianapolis. Several creative ensembles were among the contestants, including a family from Morristown, who took home third place.
 
The Derby Day Hat Contest winner was a hat featuring money, horses, and a horseshoe of roses worn by Kayla Berger of Indianapolis. Second place went to the famous Churchill Downs Twin Spires themed hat worn by Brent Gray of North Vernon, Ind. Third place was the Straber family of Morristown, Ind. with a trio of coordinated outfits and hats. Megan Straber, a hair stylist who now is self employed at her own shop in Morristown off Blue River Trail, was accompanied by her sons, Cooper, and Cameron for the third place win.
 
Straber attends the races a few times a year but also has a different tie to the track.
 
“I style several of the owners and trainers’ hair here at the track,” said Megan. “Several of the ladies here, such as trainers Tianna Richardville and Tracey Wisner, have been clients for several years.”
 
Berger won the top prize of $300 while Gray won $200 for second. The Straber family earned $100 for their win and Megan said, “we are off to buy some horse toys with our winnings.”
 
The 21^st season of live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing will resume Tuesday, April 18 for a 123-day meet. The season extends through Friday, Nov. 17. Live racing will be held Monday through Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. with Thursday post time set for 2:10 p.m. Saturday racing will be held during the summer months featuring six all-Quarter Horse dates June 3, July 1, July 22, Aug. 12, Sept. 2, and Oct. 7 beginning at 10:45 a.m. Indiana’s featured event, the Grade 3 $300,000 Indiana Derby is set for Saturday, July 8 with a first post time of 12 p.m. For more information on live racing at Horseshoe Indianapolis, visit www.caesars.com/horseshoe-indianapolis.


From left, Brent Gray, second place finisher, Kayla Berger, winner, and Megan Straber holding her son Cameron with her other son, Cooper, by her side finished third in the annual Derby Day Hat Contest at Horseshoe Indianapolis. Photo by Coady Photography