LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- For the 148th time, fancy-dressed fans roared as the fastest fillies in the world took off.
Kentucky Oaks Day had a similar feel to the last pre-COVID-19 Derby weekend in 2019. Not only because of the 100,000-plus crowd but also the return of the rain.
IMAGES | Horses, trainers and scenes from Churchill Downs on Kentucky Oaks day
The grandstand begins to fill in early on Kentucky Oaks Day, 2022. (Eric Crawford photo)
- ERIC CRAWFORD
Fans at the Kentucky Oaks didn't let rain dampen their spirits -- our outfits. (Eric Crawford photo)
- ERIC CRAWFORD
Churchill Downs on Kentucky Oaks Day. May 6, 2022.
The grandstand fills in Thursday afternoon on Kentucky Oaks Day. May 6, 2022.
Horses break from the starting gate for the first race of Kentucky Oaks Day, 2022. (Eric Crawford photo)
- ERIC CRAWFORD
Horses head toward the finish of the first race on Kentucky Oaks Day, 2022.
- ERIC CRAWFORD
"Pink Out" fashion rules Kentucky Oaks Day at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. May 6, 2022.Â
Horses parade through the Paddock at Churchill Downs on Kentucky Oaks day. May 6, 2022. (WDRB Photo)
Horses in the paddock at Churchill Downs on Kentucky Oaks Day in Louisville, Ky. May 6, 2022.Â
A trunk full of roses at Churchill Downs for Kentucky Oaks Day in Louisville, Ky. May 6, 2022
Crowds and vendors in the paddock at Churchill Downs for Kentucky Oaks Day in Louisville, Ky. May 6, 2022
Crowds file into Churchill Downs for Kentucky Oaks Day in Louisville, Ky. May 6, 2022
A giant Old Forester mint julep in the paddock at Churchill Downs for Kentucky Oaks Day in Louisville, Ky. May 6, 2022
The Garland of Lillies arrives at Churchill Downs for Kentucky Oaks Day in Louisville, Ky. May 6, 2022
A view of turn one of the Churchill Downs track from the grandstand on Kentucky Oaks Day. May 6, 2022.
A view of the infield of the Churchill Downs track from the grandstand on Kentucky Oaks Day. May 6, 2022.
A view of the infield of the Churchill Downs track from the grandstand on Kentucky Oaks Day. May 6, 2022.
Mint juleps sit ready for fans on Kentucky Oaks day at Churchill Downs. May 6, 2022.
Horses in the paddock at Churchill Downs on Kentucky Oaks Day in Louisville, Ky. May 6, 2022.Â
Horses in the paddock at Churchill Downs on Kentucky Oaks Day in Louisville, Ky. May 6, 2022.Â
Horses in the paddock at Churchill Downs on Kentucky Oaks Day in Louisville, Ky. May 6, 2022.Â
Crowds at Churchill Downs on Kentucky Oaks Day. May 6, 2022.
Crowds overlook the track at Churchill Downs on Kentucky Oaks Day. May 6, 2022.
That meant plenty of ponchos accompanied the pops of pink around the track.
"18. 18. I'm 36, been here since I was 18. And I fell in love," Tara Sue said.
Sue is a veteran of Oaks day, but we found plenty of rookies.
"First time. First time. Bucket list. Bucket list," Mike Verney said.
"I'm super-excited, super-stoked to be here with my friends," Sydney Calmus said.
Calmus brought beginner's luck with her, cashing in on her first ever bet.
"Just a few dollars. I didn't go big, but I'm excited that my first time got a little lucky," Calmus said.
Morgan and Tori Rosencrans have been to about 10 Derby weekends. For the past few years, they've brought their young sons to the experience.
"We're all about, family and having us get together and watching them have fun. It's worth it," said Rosencran.
But the biggest win of all may have gone to Michael Knopf.
He hired a pilot to fly a banner over Churchill Downs around 4:00, asking his fiancée, Madison, to marry him.
"It's the greatest day for us," Madison said. "Amazing. This is the best day of my life. We met at Oaks six years ago, so this is bringing it full circle for us."
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