Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park

Photography by World Red Eye on April 1st, 2023 in Breakwater Hospitality, Carousel Club, Lifestyle

Miami Beach, FL – April 1, 2023 – The 72nd Curlin Florida Derby took place on Saturday, April 1st at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale, FL. One of the most important dates on the South Florida racing calendar, some of the industry’s top horses and jockeys competed for the coveted title of Florida Derby Winner on the road to the Triple Crown. Forte, ridden by jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. took home the Florida Derby victory, giving Ortiz Jr. his sixth win of the day.

In addition to a world-class day of thoroughbred horse racing, the Flamingo Room hosted Taste at the Track: Wine and Tapas, a sold-out unlimited tasting event where guests enjoyed a variety of charcuterie, cheeses, and gourmet bites, paired with premium red, rose, and sparkling wines with one of the best views of the track to catch the Florida Derby racing action. Dozens of fashionistas lined up for Gulfstream Park’s Florida Derby Hat & Fashion hosted by local celebrity Kelly Blanco, as judges Jacob Moran of American Idol, Jodie Vella Gregory of The Stronach Group, and Carol Sulla from Christine Moore Millinery judged the looks. Over at Gulfstream Park’s Carousel Club, guests sipped on “Mint To Be” mojitos and took in the sounds of legendary Vegas crooner and bandleader Brian Newman, and took part in another Fashion and Hat contest hosted by fashionista and STROLL Golden Beach Editor in Chief, Erin Michelle Newberg, in advance of this week’s one-year anniversary.