The Virginia Gold Cup's Hat Contest is a cherished tradition that adds flair and creativity to the steeplechase festivities. Held annually at Great Meadow in The Plains, Virginia, the contest invites attendees to showcase their most imaginative and stylish headwear.
The 100th running of the Virginia Gold Cup on May 3, 2025, featured an array of stunning and inventive hats. One notable winner was recognized for a hat modeled after the Steward's stand, blending architectural homage with fashion.
A Visual Feast
The Hat Contest at the Virginia Gold Cup is not just about the hats; it's a visual feast that captures the spirit of the event. Participants adorned their hats with flowers, feathers, and even miniature horses, showcasing their creativity and passion for equestrian culture.
The Hat Contest is not only a competition but also a spectacle, with attendees donning a wide range of headpieces—from classic elegance to whimsical designs. The event adds a vibrant and colorful dimension to the Virginia Gold Cup, celebrating both tradition and personal expression.
The Hat Contest is a highlight of the Virginia Gold Cup, where creativity and fashion collide.
The contest is open to all attendees, and participants are encouraged to express their individuality through their hat designs. The judges, often local celebrities or fashion experts, evaluate the hats based on creativity, craftsmanship, and overall presentation.
Participants go all out to impress the judges and fellow attendees with their unique designs, making it a must-see event for fashion enthusiasts and horse racing fans alike.
Historic Hat Contest
Best Child's Hat Entrants
The Virginia Gold Cup hat contest is equally competitive with awards given to winning entries in five categories: Most glamorous or elegant, Funniest or Most Outrageous, Best Racing Theme, Best Child’s, and Best Men’s.
Below are several entrants in the Best Child's hat category:
Multiple-Year Winner and Milliner
Devon Zebrovious won the Virginia Gold Cup hat contest “most glamourous” hat for multiple years. In 2023, she helped others organize their hats. Zebrovious has been competing in hat contests at races in the Mid-Atlantic region since 2004 with wins at more than five different race locations. In 2018, she started designing and making her own hats. Soon, friends were coming to her to borrow hats. Her hats have been to the Kentucky Derby, Breeders Cup and Saratoga races with her friends.
Devon Zebrovious, a seasoned hat contest participant and milliner, offers valuable advice for aspiring contestants:
Coordinate with Your Outfit: Choose your attire first, then design a hat that complements it.
Consider Proportions: Ensure the hat's size and shape suit your frame and the event's ambiance.
Mind the Weather: Opt for materials appropriate for the season and weather conditions.
Secure Fit: Use hat pins or elastics to keep your hat in place, especially on windy days.
Hairstyle Matters: An updo can help showcase the hat and keep it secure.
“Many may think that the Virginia Gold Cup is all about horse racing but there are a good number of attendees who are more focused on the social aspect of the event,” explained Zebrovious. “The hat contest is one of the day’s most anticipated events.”
