Churchill Downs has announced that Christine Moore will continue on as a featured milliner for this year’s Kentucky Derby. Moore became a featured milliner of the Kentucky Derby in 2018.

Her exceptionally popular hats for women and men are available for purchase at www.camhats.com or at her shop in Herald Square in New York City.

Her work has become iconic in the horse racing industry over the past decade, as she is also a featured milliner at the Florida Derby, Keeneland, and the Preakness Stakes. She is also the Official Milliner of the Breeders’ Cup.

“Generally, people don’t think about that they’re wearing to sporting events, but [with] racing you do, and it’s obviously something that’s really important because it’s kept on going,” said Moore. 

Moore’s distinctive fascinator and hat designs have been seen around the world, from Broadway productions of The Phantom of the Opera to Vanity Fair.

“Statement-making hats are such a treasured part of the traditions of the Kentucky Derby and why it is one of the most exciting days in fashion as well as racing,” Moore said.

“I’m thrilled to continue my relationship with Churchill Downs for the fifth consecutive year as a featured milliner and to bring my designs to Derby fans whether they are watching at the track or celebrating at home.”

 As far as the tradition of the Kentucky Derby hat- it’s patterned after an old custom that originated at Epsom Downs in England, where hats were considered upscale and brought good luck.

Once the wearing of hats at the Derby took hold in America, the thinking was the bigger the hat the bigger the luck, so wide brims were here to stay.