Del Mar Opening Day Hats Contest Finalists (L to R) Violet Oughton, Randi Zakrzewski, Akilah Templeton, Lori Shelton © Benoit Photo

The 30th annual Opening Day Hats Contest at Del Mar drew more than 150 contestants. Categories included Most Glamorous, Best Fascinator, Best Flowers, and Best Racing/All Others Theme. Contestants competed for more than $4,000 in total cash and prizes, distributed to first to third-place winners in each category.

The Grand Prize winner was Randi Zakrzewski of San Diego who competed in the Best Flowers category and was awarded a one night stay and meal for two at Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa, a $500 Studio Savvy Salon gift basket, and a $300 cash prize for a Total value $1,800.

As mentioned, Randi Zakrzewski took first place in the “Best Flowers” category with her hat theme "And away they go!". This gorgeous epic-brimmed flower hat stunned the judges with its beauty. Her large elegant work of art was a modern-day nod to 'My Fair Lady' with a translucent cream and maroon pallet inspiring a symphony of 'oohing' and 'ahhing.'

First place in the “Most Glamorous” category was awarded to Akilah Templeton from San Diego. Her hat consisted of rich emerald green from head to toe with a classic Hollywood with a romantic feminine silhouette.

First place in the category of “Best Fascinator” went to Violet Oughton from Laguna Niguel. Whimsical and elegant with beautiful layers and delicate detail, this fascinator is on theme and fabulous. 

First place "Racing Theme" category goes to seasoned contestant Lori Shelton from Scripps Ranch. The hat was constructed with over 700 tiny teal and large yellow roses forming the classic Del Mar diamond pattern.