SLIDESHOW: Fantastic Fashion of Haskell Day

August 1st, 2017 by Pia Catton

Pia Catton photo

At Monmouth Park, the historic track known as "The Shore's Greatest Stretch," race days can be casual affairs, with beachgoers taking a break from the waves to set up picnics and pick some winners.

But dressing up for the races is a tradition that perseveres. And for the betfair.com Haskell Invitational, on Sunday, July 30, race fans turned out with wide-brimmed hats and summer dresses that bring some chic to the track.

Jersey girls Nisha, Jennie and Cami found a cool spot to share a beer with a jockey. Great hat! (Pia Catton photo)

Former jockey Andrea Sgro (left), who rode at Monmouth Park in the 1970s and ‘80s, traded in her racing silks and now looks stylish in a silk scarf. She attended with her daughter Ali. (Pia Catton photo)

Yes, there was an elite fashion model at Monmouth Park. But Esther de Jong, who has a passion for breeding race horses, played it cool in the paddock talking with breeder Joe Seitz of Kentucky’s Brookdale Farm. (Pia Catton photo)

This camera-ready group includes racing insiders Ryan Seewald (far right), son of late trainer Alan Seewald. Jockey agent Jay Rushing, center, represents Nik Juarez, who is on a streak this summer as leading jockey of the 2017 Monmouth meet. (Pia Catton photo)

Former jockey Rosie Napravnik stood out in neon pink walking Girvin through the paddock. But she stood out even more in the winner’s circle after Girvin won the 2017 Haskell Invitational for trainer (and Rosie’s husband) Joe Sharp. (Courtesy Jim Chairusmi)

The 50th Haskell was a first for Amber, of West Long Branch, N.J., who said: “I just kept looking in my closet until I found something appropriate.” Perfect look for a perfectly sunny day at the track. (Pia Catton photo)

Emilee Carton wore one of the feathery fascinators around the track on Sunday. And Brian Skirka is wearing a suit because he’s at work! Brian runs marketing for Monmouth Park. (Pia Catton photo)

Amy Castillo’s hat, originally purchased in Kentucky, is fabulous, but she’s known for boots: Her family company, Castillo Boots, has kept jockeys in custom footwear for generations. (Pia Catton photo)

When your child decides on a career in horse racing, you might wind up loving it: That’s what happened to Jeanne when her son attended University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program. He’s now at Hoosier Park, and she’s trackside most weekends. (Pia Catton photo)

Winning owner of the 2016 Preakness Stakes Sol Kumin shares a moment in the paddock with friend Sarah (left) and Julie, who are not afraid to rock the colorful prints. (Pia Catton photo)

Sisters Olivia and Michelle of Manchester, N.J., wore custom-made outfits for the 50th Haskell Invitational. They’ve been attending the race for years as it falls around Michelle’s birthday. Happy Birthday, Michelle! (Pia Catton photo)

“It’s a Jersey Shore hat,” said Dee, a resident of Freehold, N.J. And she knows how to rock the look for the Haskell from experience. How many? “A lot!” she said. (Pia Catton photo)