Special to Times
Upstairs Downstairs Home, located at 69 Charles St., again hosted their seventh annual Kentucky Derby celebration on Saturday, May 3.
Once more, store co-owner and acting racing commissioner, Laura Cousineau, welcomed dozens of racing enthusiasts who came to wear store-provided distinguished hats and colorful bonnets, and to play and (always) win a prize watching their favorite horse finish first on a vintage simulated hand cranked racing tract – 1/1000th of a furlong long.
As always, the proceedings began with a rendition of ‘My Old Beacon Hill Home.’ Then from the paddock, the now four famous horses – Dipsy, Doodles, Ruffles, and Noodles – proceeded to the starting gate for the greatest 15 seconds in Beacon Hill sports.
Unfortunately the fifth and sixth horses, as well as house favorites, Safety Pin and Back Itch, were scratched at the last minute.
As always, store alter-ego race announcer, ‘Biff’ Hawkins, called each race on what turned out to be a sunny day, a fast and bumpy track but thrills a minute from the first straightway, quarter turns, back stretches, the clubhouse turn and the home stretch to the finish line.
One participant said: “I loved it all to have such fun in my favorite store, but I was here for the fashion.’”
Meanwhile, Laura Cousineau said, “We are so pleased to have presented our Derby Day special for the last seven years and so honored that so many of our valued customers turnout to participate and enjoy the festivities.”