Juleps & Jockeys at Oak Hill Stables to benefit local United Way

Published 10:51 am Wednesday, May 3, 2017

Can’t make it to the Kentucky Derby in Louisville this year? Don’t worry, the United Way is bringing it to Oxford.

In what is to become an annual signature event for the organization, the inaugural Juleps & Jockeys will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday at Oak Hill Stables in Oxford.

Associate Director of the United Way of Oxford and Lafayette County Kathy Williams says the “beautiful” horse farm at Oak Hill immediately came to mind when she thought of where to host the event.

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“I went out and talked with Laura Sarthou (the co-owner of Oak Hill) and she was gracious enough to allow us to have the event there,” Williams said. “What’s better party than a Kentucky Derby party in Oxford, Mississippi? Southern elegance, southern grace, it’s just a great fit.”

Juleps & Jockeys will feature a live screening of the Derby, southern cuisine, a hat contest and a Best Dressed Gent competition. Attendees will be able to bet on horses in the big race for prizes.

There will also be live and silent auctions with some ideal lots for race horse enthusiasts.

The biggest item being live auctioned off is a six person getaway to the VIP box at Keeneland Race Track in Lexington.

“We’re not talking the owner’s box, we’re talking about the boxes that they save for world leaders coming to this race,” Williams said. “You can’t buy it, you can’t get tickets to it. It’s priceless.”

The package will also include a behind-the-scenes VIP tour of Woodford Reserve all for six people and a VIP behind-the-scenes tour at Ashford Stude, which is home to previous winning horses like American Pharaoh.

Finally, the highest bidder will get six tickets to the Fasig-Tipton Thoroughbred Sale and three rooms at a four star resort.

Other prizes include a five night trip to Las Vegas to see the Professional Bull Riding World Finals and smaller items like grills and watches.

Those who are interested, but not able to make the event can also place a bid, by calling the United Way.

For tickets, go to the United Way’s website at unitedwayoxfordms.org or text “derby2017” to 41444. In addition, you can call 662-236-4265 and they’re also available at Lulu’s on the Square (265 N. Lamar Blvd). Tickets are $50 per person and for an extra $50 a “bottomless mint julep” can be added. The party will run until 7 p.m.