Here for the hats ... and the horses on Derby Day at Arlington

It's all about the hat on Derby Day at Arlington International Racecourse.

Or at least it is for Brandon Massey.

"I own this hat to wear on one occasion," the Palatine man said of his straw boater. "It's the hats ... and the gambling."

Massey was having more luck with his hat than his gambling during the first part of the day at the track Saturday. However, his pal Mike Stralow was riding a hot hand on his first trip ever to the track, winning $68 on a $3 bet on a 22-to-1 long shot.

"I didn't even know what the odds were when I placed the bet," Stralow said while Massey rolled his eyes. "I just had three ones in my pocket and picked a number on the screen."

The track had nine races Saturday before the Kentucky Derby was run about 5:50 p.m. local time. A 10th race closed out the day at Arlington.

But perhaps the biggest event of the day for many who traveled from all over the country was the hat contest before the fifth race. Nearly 100 women competed.

Christine Schulz of Chicago didn't make it to the paddock for the contest that she won last year. A bum knee had her on crutches and knocked out of the competition, but it didn't dampen her derby spirits or her derby attire.

"When you're down to one leg, everything moves twice as slow," she said. "But there's always enough time to get a hat for Derby Day."

Palos Park's Tanya Adams first trip to Arlington Park together with her friends was all about the hat. The women all acknowledged they were much better at picking hats than ponies Saturday.

"I think we all went with the dress first and then found a hat to match," she explained. "The hat should be the cake topper of the outfit."

Besides the excuse of donning spiffy duds and sassy hats, the weather was a big draw for many of the thousands who attended races Saturday.

Even veteran bettors said they were enjoying the pomp of the crowds.

"It's a great day to be here because everyone's got something going on," said Chuck Baker of Palatine, who had set up camp at a table inside on the second floor near a wall of televisions. "You just got to make sure you get your bets in early on days like these, and don't stay around 'til the last race, or you'll never get out of here."