Why do people wear pink at the Kentucky Oaks?

If you turn on your television to watch coverage of the 143rd Kentucky Oaks you might be greeted by a barrage of pink.

At least that’s what the organizers at Churchill Downs hope. As an event honoring (and limited to) the “girls,” the Kentucky Oaks has become something of a spotlight event. It is one of the most popular (and well-attended) days of racing festivities, only falling behind the three Triple Crown races. And for the past eight years, this has been used to highlight some (predominantly) women’s health issues. Specifically, the cancers that often affect women more than men. All the spectators are encouraged to wear pink to support breast and ovarian cancer.

One of the marquee events is the Survivors Parade. This is exactly what it sounds like: A march of cancer survivors (both men and women) along the racetrack before the beginning of the race. It also serves as a major fundraising opportunity. The Parade has raised over $800,000 for various cancer charities over the past eight years.

This year Churchill Downs is partnering with the Breast Health Program at the Norton Cancer Institute. The Institute has designed an FDA approved treatment to help minimize hair loss from chemotherapy.  It will also donate $1 for each Oaks Lily sold during the event. The Lily is not only the official flower, but also the official drink of the Kentucky Oaks. So it’s all for a good cause.

Pink goes even further into the fabric of the race, as the winner gets draped in a garland of pink lilies (as opposed to the red roses for the Derby). The official drink for the race is also pink.

Next: 20 short stories about the 2018 Kentucky Derby horses

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