- May 18, 2025
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Debbie Coulter, Beth Otto, Jana Pendery and Terri Guthier get in the Kentucky Derby spirit on Saturday at Lo' Key Island Grille.
Photo by Dana KampaSisters-in-law Kathy and Patrice Fanning dress to impress for the Kentucky Derby watch party. Patrice won the "best hat" competition at the restaurant's gathering.
Photo by Dana KampaJohn and Gale Mulligan, left, cheer as their pick for the winner of the Kentucky Derby, Sovereignty, reaches the finish line.
Photo by Dana KampaEmily Tiles, Sophia Acerb, Andrea Santiano, Madison Santiano, Rachel Tritschler and Brynleigh Tritschler don hats and frocks for Kentucky Derby Day.
Photo by Dana KampaPatrice Fanning wins the prize for best hat at the Kentucky Derby watch party.
Photo by Dana KampaGeneral Manager Courtney Rossler presents the award for best hat to Patrice Fanning.
Photo by Dana KampaThe ladies from Kentucky win for the "best grand entrance" at the Kentucky Derby watch party.
Photo by Dana KampaShannon Morgan and Donna Kozatek unite their love of multiple sports at the Kentucky Derby watch party.
Photo by Dana KampaKim Ayres, Jana Pendery, Beth Otto, Terri Guthier and Debbie Coulter
Photo by Dana KampaCarole and Robert Schaller decided on a whim to come out and enjoy the race. Carole joined the hat contest with a flower-adorned sunhat she decorated herself, and they almost correctly predicted the Kentucky Derby winner, with Journalism coming in second place.
Photo by Dana KampaWith their race-day trumpets, inflatable horse steeds and stylish hats of every variety, viewers of this year's Kentucky Derby packed Longboat Key venues on Saturday to watch the race.
The owners of Lo' Key Island Grille said even though it has been a busy few months since their grand opening, they didn't want to miss hosting a watch party given owner Kevin Pass hails from Lexington.
Patrons joined in on a hat contest, snacked on Derby-inspired fare like the classic mint julep or a hot brown and, of course, made their predictions on the winner.
Viewers had a variety of favorites for the top spot, including Tiztastic, Sandman, Journalism, and Render Judgement — who was owned by the late country music star Toby Keith.
However, only a few people correctly called the ultimate winner, Sovereignty. John Mulligan, joined by his wife Gale, was one of those lucky few to predict jockey Junior Alvarado would ride his horse to victory.
Mulligan said it was an especially enjoyable evening considering he has been a supporter of the restaurant from the beginning, and winning was just the cherry on top.
"We watch the Derby every year," Gale said when asked if they've correctly called the winner in the past. "He's very lucky — he's Irish."
The watch party even drew some fans from Kentucky, who fittingly won the "best grand entrance" title during the hat contest. Jana Pendery said she's been several times, from the infield to the grandstands.
Viewer Donna Kozatek said she dreams of someday seeing the race in person, especially given that her birthday falls around the same time. Last year, the race landed exactly on her birthday, and her friends held a Derby-themed celebration.
"Last year, I picked Mystik Dan, and he ended up winning," she said.
Patrice Fanning, who observed the race with her sister-in-law, Kathy Fanning, won the top "best hat" prize.
Her black hat contrasted with the typical neutrals and pastels popular in Derby fashion, but she added details, including faux flowers, horse cutouts and the restaurant logo.
