Champagne corks pop over the pounding of hooves and the "best hat" prize is as fiercely contested as the race itself: welcome to the Prix de Diane, a highlight of the year for France's horsey set. Some 40,000 well-dressed spectators flocked to Sunday's races in the shadow of a ch
Champagne corks pop over the pounding of hooves and the “best hat” prize is as fiercely contested as the race itself: welcome to the Prix de Diane, a highlight of the year for France’s horsey set.
Some 40,000 well-dressed spectators flocked to Sunday’s races in the shadow of a chateau north of Paris, clutching picnic baskets, ice-cold wine bottles, and -- in many cases -- hats ranging from the stylish to the outlandish.
Held each June in Chantilly, a picturesque forest town built around horseracing, the Prix de Diane or French Oaks has long been considered a pinnacle of “elegance a la francaise” since its founding in 1843.
The Prix de Diane or French Oaks has long been considered a pinnacle of “elegance a la francaise” since its founding in 1843. It was abandoned throughout World War I, with no running from 1915 to 1918. The first two post-war editions were held at Longchamp, and it returned to Chantilly in 1921.
While many come for an event that draws some of Europe’s best three-year-old fillies, plenty of others come simply to see and be seen.
In particular, the 300 fashionistas vying in the Concours d’Elegance or Elegance Contest, and the hundreds of others swarming around the catwalk, displayed minimal interest in the flat race won this year by feisty English 7-1 shot Laurens.
Some took inspiration from the race itself, topping their hats with model horses or champagne flutes. But other strayed from the equine theme.
A group of young millinery graduates came in Alice In Wonderland garb, including one dressed as the Queen of Hearts and another as the Mad Hatter’s tea table.
