Greenwood Stakes: A Dose Of Derby Culture In Toronto

*By Erin Nicole Davis*

It could be that traditional events have turned somewhat stale and predictable for the social scene regulars; it could have something to do with the appeal of fascinator-filled fashion (especially in the wake of the royal wedding), or perhaps more people are simply realizing just how fun a day at the races can be. Whatever the case, derby culture is having a major moment with Toronto’s young urban professional set – and one that may just stick around.

On Saturday, May 26, the inaugural Greenwood Stakes, an initiative of The Social Concierge and Parade Agency, took over Woodbine Racetrack, inviting guests to rock their best fascinators and seersucker suits for a day of high-stake horse races, fashion, art installations, live music, gourmet eats, specialty cocktails, and lawn games.

The Vision

The first-ever Greenwood Stakes is a sister event to Vancouver’s Deighton Cup, and the Toronto event coincided with the 10^th anniversary of the latter. “We have actually wanted to host a sister event to Vancouver’s Deighton Cup for quite a few years now,” says one of the event organizers, Tyson Villeneuve, a partner at The Social Concierge. “The fashion scene in Toronto is getting stronger each year and the city’s culture runs deep with inspiring artists and designers. There is such a keen interest in quality food, unique beverage, and a lively energy in the city now that we felt the time was right.”

Villeneuve acknowledges that savvy and sophisticated Torontonians are searching for new and engaging ways to celebrate. “While going to sporting games and getting bottle service at clubs is a common form of reverie, there are few opportunities to enjoy a great afternoon gathering with friends in style than going to the races,” says Villeneuve. “Toronto has a much more aged and deep derby culture than most people realize, and Greenwood Stakes is a perfect opportunity for them to get fancy and live the nostalgia of a good old fashioned day at the races.”

The Art

Under the vision of Greenwood Stakes’ art director, Meghan Kraft – who united Toronto’s top creators for an overload of visual stimulation – the affair was filled with no shortage of talking point-filled art. “As the art director for the event, I felt it was important to curate a collection of installations that represented some of Toronto’s most talented artists and creators,” said Kraft. “From Duro the Third’s cheeky mural, to the oversized wall decal by Briony Douglas, and the fashion art installation by Coup de Tete, each artist brought a different medium and interactive experience to the event.”

The decision to participate in Greenwood Stakes was an easy one for well-known Toronto artist Briony Douglas. “As a visual artist, in a world full of artists, I am constantly at battle with myself to be different and stand out. If you take a look back at my career over the past few years my art is changing and growing as I do,” said Douglas. “When I was approached about Greenwood Stakes, I thought this would be a great opportunity to display some of my unique pieces in a manner that would make people stop and think.”

A particular hit was Douglas’s You’ve Been Poisoned piece, which was splashed over countless Instagram accounts. “You can see the China tea cup in a delicate forest scene, inspired by the beautiful childhood stories of Peter Rabbit, but at the end of that tea cup – when you have already drank and are at your most relaxed – is a deadly message,” says Douglas. “There are many levels of depth to this piece – the magical scene, and the poison. Poison through history has always been regarded as a powerful women’s weapon of choice and I enjoy anything that empowers women (even if it is a tad morbid).” The piece was such a hit that Douglas is currently working in a line of teacups in response to countless inquiries about purchasing them.

Other attention-grabbing artists included live muralist and graffiti artist Duro the Third; master of plate art, The Crazy Plate Lady Jacqueline Poirier; and 22-year-old Alpo Snow.

The Fashion

A day at the races, naturally, calls for one’s Sunday (or Saturday) best, and fashion was front and centre at this well-heeled affair. Naturally, the recent royal wedding helped the outfit inspiration cause. “While the Kentucky Derby may be the most famous horse racing event in North America, the pageantry and tradition of England, the Royal Ascot and the timing of the royal wedding chimed in perfectly into people’s minds when planning their outfits,” said Villeneuve. “I know that many guests were inspired by some of the racing fashion trends in England, but much of the fascinator and hat inspiration for ladies comes from the royals.”

Stepping up the style game not only helped the Instagram cause of guests, the Style Stakes Best Dressed Awards awarded the best dressed woman and man at Greenwood Stakes, as chosen by an esteemed group of fashion industry judges, with style fixture Julio Reyes as the event’s fashion director. The two winners were awarded the coveted Belle Du Jour and Gallant Sartorialist awards, respectively. They each received a $500 cash prize and will be the Greenwood Stakes Style Ambassadors next year.

The Perks

Other well-received talking points at the Greenwood Stakes were the memorable food offerings from the Woodbine Racetrack team, a well-stocked premium scotch lounge, a “Rose All Day” wine garden, a champagne sabering station, a unique luxury vehicle showcase, a busy vintage photo booth, an exclusive and bustling DJ tent, live music from the Birds of Bellwoods, and a Cocktail Jockey Showcase that featured five of Toronto’s top mixologists from some of the city’s best cocktail spots. Of course, we can’t forget about the horse races, which offered an adrenaline rush that many guests didn’t know were missing in their lives.

The Charity

In addition to a daylong affair like no other, Greenwood Stakes also helped an important cause. A portion of all proceeds from all event ticket sales will benefit the motionball for Special Olympics Canada Foundation, an organization that supports the strategic objectives of Special Olympics Canada.

If you missed the inaugural event, registration is currently open for next year.

A huge thanks to Greenwood Stakes for inviting us out for a day at the races. As always, reviews and opinions are our own.