Sneak Peek: What to Expect From This Year’s Deighton Cup

We sat down with Dax Droski of Droski Turner Hospitality Management to get the inside scoop on next Saturday’s derby.

Start scanning those Pinspiration boards—it’s derby time. The Deighton Cup at Hastings Racecourse is just days away now and this year’s event is promised to be packed with runway-ready fashion, elevated cuisine, and, of course, a good old fashion derby.We sat down with long-time derby enthusiast and co-organizer of the Deighton Cup, Dax Droski, to talk about all things derby, fashion, and Deighton. How did the Deighton Cup start?DD: One day Tyson and myself were out at the track having a few cocktails and cigars and we just really enjoyed the experience (I have fond memories of going to the track in the Niagra region where I grew up). We decided that we wanted to start producing events that we wanted to attend. That’s how the Deighton Cup was born. And now 7 years later we’re 35,000 people strong.Do you have any favourite Deighton Cup Moments? DD: My friend Nick proposed to his girlfriend at the Deighton cup, so that was a big moment. To have a couple meet at the Deighton Cup and then get engaged at it a few years later was quite lovely.I love just seeing the fashion every year and different people step it up. It was kind of fun getting to meet the last couple Miss America’s that attended the event.One of my favourite parts is just sitting back in the corner of the event and just seeing the crowd enjoy themselves–there’s no better feeling as an event producer than seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces sitting from afar.This is the seventh year of the Deighton Cup. What can people look forward to this year that’s different from the past years? DD: This year we’ve partnered with Variety and we’re offering a lower priced admission ticket targeted at a bit of a different audience, making the event a little more accessible. You’ll see everything from stilt walkers and jugglers to a 10-piece funk band—and we’ve built a track-side patio with Corona this year.One of the big things we’ve done is really elevated the food program this year. In the past we’ve gone more of a traditional style whereas this year we’re going to be offering more of a causal-fine plate through our catering company, Cocktails and Canapes.Do you have your Derby outfit ready? DD: I’m working on it. I never thought I would have so much fun picking out a suit and it would be such a stressful job but I definitely spend some time on it. I attended the Kentucky Derby last year so I’ll wear the cufflinks that I purchased—little horseshoe cufflinks—and my grandfather’s watch, given to him by his father. It’s a little bit of a throwback to memories of going to the track with him as a kid.THE DETAILS:What: The Deighton Cup: Lucky Number SevenWhere: Hastings Racecourse (188 N. Renfrew Street)When:  Saturday, July 25, 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.Tickets: $35 GA Concourse ($47 with lunch addition), $75 VIP and $150 Cocktail Jockey from www.deightoncup.com. $5 from the sale of every ticket benefits Variety – The Children’s Charity.Bonus: The best dressed woman (Belle Du Jour) and man (Gallant Sartorialist) in the Style Stakes will be chosen by a panel of fashion industry professionals to win $500.