Racing horses in Düsseldorf: grand headwear and swift steeds
In the heart of Düsseldorf, the annual Preis der Diana horse racing event took place, attracting a crowd of fashion-conscious spectators and world-class jockeys. This year, fifteen fillies from Ireland, England, France, and Germany competed for the prestigious title, with the race combining horse racing with fashion, particularly hats, a tradition that has become synonymous with the event.
Extravagant hats worn by attendees at the Preis der Diana are more than just a fashion trend; they are a form of social expression and a key part of the event's culture. These fashion statements are a well-known practice at major horse racing events worldwide, echoing traditions seen in similar races. The Preis der Diana, with its extravagant hats, offers an opportunity for attendees to showcase their personal style and elegance.
Despite the controversy surrounding the event, the Preis der Diana continued to be a popular attraction, with thousands of guests attending, including Carolin Seelbach from Meerbusch and her friends. For Seelbach, the topic of fashion, specifically hats, was as important as the horse races.
The event, first held in 1857, is one of Germany's most traditional gallop races, offering a total prize money of 500,000 euros. The horse racing event, however, has not been without criticism. Animal rights activists have protested at the entrance of the gallop racetrack, holding signs that read "Stop doping horses." These allegations of systematic doping have been a recurring issue for horse racing events worldwide.
Despite the protests, the animal rights activists did not deter the enthusiastic crowd from enjoying the event. Many spectators engaged in horse betting, with Frank Blumen, a Düsseldorf resident, basing his decisions on the odds.
The Preis der Diana is not the first horse racing event to face criticism from animal rights activists. However, the event's popularity and the allure of its fusion of fashion and horse racing continue to draw a crowd each year. As the horses and their riders gallop towards the finish line, the extravagant hats of the spectators add to the festive and elegant environment, making the Preis der Diana a unique and unforgettable experience.
Germany was represented among the fifteen fillies competing in the Preis der Diana, a traditional horse racing event that beautifully combines sports and fashion-and-beauty, with extravagant hats worn by spectators being a key part of the event's culture. Despite the ongoing controversy regarding the practice of sports-betting and allegations of systematic doping at such events, aficionados like Frank Blumen, a Düsseldorf resident, continue to find enjoyment in predicting the race outcomes based on the odds. The Preis der Diana, with its fusion of horse racing and fashion, remains a popular annual attraction, offering a captivating blend of sports, style, and traditions for its spectators.
