Guest List

All players are asked to wear a hat worthy of the Kentucky Derby - have fun with it! 

 

Clark Crump

Owner, Moon Ranger

Moon Ranger is the undefeated horse and the number-one pick of the Louisville Derby this year. Clark Crump is the horse’s arrogant owner and founder of Cerebral Consultants, a management consulting firm. Clark is often stressed out and can be difficult to be around for extended periods.

Clark expects excellence from everyone nearby and rarely hesitates to point out when someone falls short. With Moon Ranger favored to win, Clark is already acting as though the trophy is already secured.

Costume suggestions: Highly fashionable attire. 

Fun prop: A faux racing trophy or horse figurine.

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Sunny Barbaro

Socialite

Where there is caviar, diamonds, and glitz, you’ll find Sunny Barbaro.  Sunny is a jet-setting socialite who travels to the biggest parties around the globe. The Gotham Downs Gala is next on her busy schedule. Sunny considers herself an expert on who is fashionable, fabulous, and worthy of attention. She is always ready to make an entrance and even more eager to be seen making it.

Costume suggestions: Highly fashionable attire. 

Fun accessories: Oversized glasses (sun or regular) with a sparkly clutch.

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Jules Meriwether

Gossip Columnist, New York Daily

Jules Meriwether is a tenacious gossip columnist and famous blogger. If there is a scoop to be uncovered, she will be there with bells on and an audio recording device in her hand. If you have skeletons in your closet, make sure to steer clear of this daunting diva. 

Fern treats strangers like lifelong friends and invitations like loose suggestions. If there is an exclusive room, private conversation, or velvet rope nearby, she will undoubtedly find her way past it.

Costume suggestions: Trendy attire for a journalist.

Fun props: A small voice recorder, note pad, &/or press badge.​

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Fern Belmont

Socialite

Fern Belmont is the overly friendly trendsetter from Beverly Hills. With a famous cosmetic surgeon husband, Fern is used to hobnobbing with the stars and always finds a way to gain access to the place to be—even if she has to sneak in like she did at a White House dinner party. Fern treats strangers like lifelong friends and invitations like loose suggestions. If there is an exclusive room, private conversation, or velvet rope nearby, she will undoubtedly find her way past it.

​Costume suggestions: Trendy, fashionable attire.

Fun props: VIP pass, statement necklace. 

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Diane Vich

Racing Analyst

Diane Vich is the new Director of Programming and Senior Racing Analyst at Gotham Downs. Diane was a writer and editor for The Thoroughbred Monthly for many years until she was forced to resign for unknown reasons. Diane has a feisty personality and holds an Ivy League degree.

She takes horse racing seriously and has little patience for people who mistake opinion for expertise. Ask Diane about the odds, and you may receive considerably more analysis than you bargained for.

Costume suggestions: ​Highly fashionable attire. 

Fun props: Racing forms or a clipboard covered in horse statistics.  

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Rose Withers

B Movie Star

If you are a fan of cheesy slasher films, you have seen Rose Withers’ face before. This scream queen is also an entrepreneur who is currently working on a ground-breaking social media app called Capture.

Not one for being recognized by 'fans,' Rose never misses an opportunity to remind people around her of her films. 

Whether cameras are rolling or not, she tends to behave as though she is permanently in the middle of a dramatic close-up.

Costume suggestions: B Movie Star gaudy glam. 

Fun props: Fake movie award, oversized movie-star sunglasses. 

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Gail Gallant

Owner, Itsy Bitsy Mitzy

Gail Gallant is the plucky owner of the long-shot horse Itsy Bitsy Mitzy. Gail is a founder of the fashion line Spicy – a contemporary casual wear and dress clothing brand. Gail is used to getting whatever she wants in life. Nobody knows how she would react to being told no—because it’s never happened.

Gail treats horse racing much like fashion: confidence matters almost as much as the final result. She remains convinced that Itsy Bitsy Mitzy is one spectacular performance away from shocking everyone.

Costume suggestions: ​Highly fashionable attire. 

Fun props: Designer-style sketchbook of your upcoming designs (make them good or horrible - your choice). Fabric swatches.

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Ben Buck

Owner, Thunder Thighs 

Ben Buck is one of the most high-profile billionaires in the horse racing industry's inner circle. His stallion, Take the Bank, won the Louisville Derby in 2008, and he’s been chasing the adrenaline ever since.

Ben has enough money to indulge nearly any whim and enough confidence to assume people want to hear about it. Mention horse racing around him and the conversation will inevitably return to his glory days.

Costume suggestions: ​Highly fashionable tycoon attire. 

Fun props: Fake stack of money or oversized gold/diamond money clip.

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Stew Pegasus

Venture Capitalist

Like a financial Santa Claus, Stew Pegasus finds joy in bestowing financial gifts to worthy entrepreneurs. Stew is a hardworking businessman who works from sun up to sun down. Stew hasn’t taken a break in months, and the tabloids are shocked he is attending the Gotham Downs Gala.

Even at a party, Stew cannot resist evaluating people as potential investments. Pitch him the right idea and you might leave the gala with more than a racing tip.

Costume suggestions: ​Highly fashionable tycoon attire. 

Fun props: Faux checkbook, a folder labeled 'Investment Proposals.' 

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Gigi Grindstone

Owner, Horrible Twilight

GiGi Grindstone, the heiress of Grindstone Tires, is the gregarious owner of one of the horses that are highly ranked for the big race, Horrible Twilight. Rumor has it that GiGi’s handlers have been dosing her horse with anabolic steroids, but to date, Horrible Twilight has not tested positive.

Gigi laughs off rumors as the unfortunate price of being wealthy, successful, and interesting. Still, she becomes noticeably less carefree whenever anyone starts discussing horse drug testing.

​Costume suggestions: ​Highly fashionable heiress attire. 

Fun props: Fancy binoculars, a miniature tire or pamphlet for Grindstone tires.

 

Barbara Barton

Heiress

Barbara Barton is the sole heir to the Chamblee Soup fortune. She recently became interested in horse breeding and has been importing stallions from Europe to the U.S. for breeding purposes. She is opening a private stud farm in San Diego, California, called Barton Stallions, and attending the Gotham Downs Gala to make connections and gain clients.

Gigi laughs off rumors as the unfortunate price of being wealthy, successful, and interesting. Still, she becomes noticeably less carefree whenever anyone starts talking negatively about her breeding program.

​​Costume suggestions: ​Highly fashionable heiress attire. 

Fun props: Mock brochure for Barton Stallions, headshots of your prize stallions.

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Guinevere Gotham

Comedienne

Guinevere Gotham is a famous standup comedian and former star of CBC Network’s comedy show Saturday Night Lively. Guinevere is fun to be around as she is always practicing her newest routine with her friends. Guinevere is a heiress of the legendary Gotham family from Louisville.

Nothing is safe from becoming material for Guinevere’s next comedy routine. Spend five minutes with her and there is a decent chance you will hear yourself mentioned on stage next week.

Costume suggestions: Trendy but rather silly attire.

Fun props: Toy microphone or a pocket notebook filled with jokes.

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Cathy Churchill

Entrepreneur

Cathy Churchill is the founder of Red Dragon Pharmaceuticals, an online pharmacy of weight loss medication and anabolic steroids. Cathy has earned a tremendous stash of cash but is widely disliked for how she acquired her fortune.

Cathy insists that critics are simply jealous of her success and refuses to apologize for being ambitious. She has entered the gala prepared to defend her business empire against anyone bold enough to question it.

Costume suggestions: ​Highly fashionable entrepreneur attire. 

Fun props: Dragon-centric accessories, a pharmaceutical briefcase or mock product brochure of your newest medication - make it anything ridiculous, like a drug with loads of side effects that make toenails pink for a polish free-pedicure look, etc. 

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Stone Epsom

Owner, Midnight Jailbird

Stone Epsom owns Midnight Jailbird, the front-runner of the Louisville Derby this year. Three years ago, Stone got into a skirmish at the Gotham Downs Gala and ended up in jail—hence, he named his stallion in honor of his bad fortune.

Stone claims the incident is ancient history, although everyone else seems to enjoy bringing it up. This year, he intends to leave Gotham Downs with a trophy instead of a police report.

​Costume suggestions: ​Highly fashionable tycoon attire. 

Or, lean into your role and wear a prisoner's costume. Fun props: Novelty handcuffs, toy leg shackles, mugshot, or faux racing trophy. ​

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Fox Pharaoh

Event Planner

Fox Pharaoh is the anxious event planner of the Gotham Downs Gala. Fox is a control freak and has to have hands in every aspect of the event from lighting to umbrella stands. Stress is Fox’s middle name.

Fox notices crooked centerpieces, empty glasses, and scheduling delays from across the room. If the gala appears effortless, it is only because Fox has worried about every possible disaster in advance.

Costume suggestions: Polished business attire. Business attire for men. ​

Business attire for women. 

Fun props: Clipboard, headset or in-ears or Walkie-Talkie, event itinerary.​

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Smokey Garland

Jockey, Moon Ranger

Smokey Garland is the mysterious jockey of Moon Ranger, the odds-on favorite in this year's Louisville Derby. This jockey stands in the shadows and eavesdrops on others’ conversations.

Smokey speaks far less than most people will speak during the gala, which will only make everyone more curious. When Smokey does offer an opinion, you can bet it is worth listening to, however.

Costume Suggestions: Highly fashionable horse jockey attire. 

Fun props: Riding goggles, riding crop, good luck charm of any kind.

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Binkie Brush

Owner, Cyclone of Terror

Binkie Brush is the fun-loving owner of Cyclone of Terror, the fourth favorite in this year's Louisville Derby. Binkie doesn’t have a serious bone in her body and never allows anything to get her down. No matter the situation, she loves to dance when music plays, and others find that to be quite charming. 

Binkie believes every gathering can be improved with music, laughter, and considerably less seriousness. Even the pressure of the Louisville Derby cannot keep her off the dance floor.

Costume suggestions: ​Highly fashionable attire with extra sparkles, feathers and flow. 

Fun props: Disco ball earrings and necklace, hand fan for when you get too hot dancing. 

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Lewis Ferdinand

Owner, Magic Mane

Lewis Ferdinand owns the uber-aggressive horse Magic Mane. He has been accused of dosing his horse with performance-enhancing medication for each race this season but has yet to have a positive test. Lewis can be just as aggressive as his horse, so watch yourself around this multi-millionaire.

Lewis has no trouble confronting anyone who questions his methods or his horse. He has arrived determined to prove that Magic Mane’s success requires no explanation.

Costume suggestions: ​Highly fashionable attire in bold colors. 

Fun props: Racing forms marked with Magic Mane as the winner. ​

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Tasha Black

ER Physician 

Tasha Black is the glamorous emergency room physician at Louisville Memorial Hospital. During her shift, she runs a tight ship in the ER. Her colleagues respect her but despise her. Tasha comes from old money; her family has had a spot on Millionaire’s Row since Gotham Downs opened.

Tasha approaches social situations with the same authority she brings to the emergency room. She is accustomed to giving orders, and people generally discover that ignoring them is exhausting. She is quick to correct you if you refer to her by anything besides Dr. Black.

Costume suggestions: ​Medical attire, but make it fashionable - you didn't have time to change.

Fun props: Stethoscope, assortment of bandages in a tiny travel kit. 

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Polly Preakness

Owner, Rags to Riches

Rags to Riches used to be the favorite horse for the Louisville Derby until she was scratched from two previous stakes races in a row this season. Both times, it was due to the jockey getting sick during the final minutes. Polly hired a new jockey for this race, so there is no telling what will happen with this undefeated horse. Polly seems to be handling the stress well.  

At least outwardly, Polly remains remarkably optimistic about her horse’s chances. She insists that Rags to Riches is finally ready to remind everyone why she was once the favorite.

Costume suggestions: ​Highly fashionable attire. 

Fun props: Anything considered to be a lucky charm - or maybe 3, 5 or 7 things that are lucky charms. You're a bit superstitious. Vitamin C tablets that you've been making your jockey take.

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Sally Spires

Owner, Pilgrim Promenade

Sally Spires is the nerdy owner of Pilgrim Promenade. Known for her love of Thanksgiving, She is an amateur chef and wannabe reality television star. She has auditioned for every cooking show on the air and hasn’t been chosen yet, but she is considering making her own cooking show.

Sally can turn almost any conversation into a discussion about recipes, television, or Thanksgiving dinner. She remains convinced that fame is right around the corner, even if she has to create the show herself.

​Costume suggestions: ​Highly fashionable attire. 

Or, lean in to your chef side and wear a chef's uniform. Or, you can lean into the Thanksgiving theme. Fun props: Wooden spoon, recipe cards, miniature turkey decoration or turkey hat. ​

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Carl Cannonade

Owner, Champagne Caviar

Carl Cannonade is the dashing owner of Champagne Caviar. Carl’s horse is a mid-runner for the Louisville Derby, so anything can happen on the big day of the race. Carl is a constant one-upper to his friends in the elite inner circle, so people tend to avoid Carl at all costs. 

No matter what story someone tells, Carl has done something bigger, better, or considerably more expensive. If Champagne Caviar wins the Derby, everyone at Gotham Downs may be hearing about it for the next decade.

Costume suggestions: ​Outrageously weathly-looking attire. 

Fun props: Faux or empty champagne bottle, faux caviar tin, racing binoculars. 

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R.C. King

Horse Trainer

R.C. King is a highly sought-after professional horse trainer who has won a Triple Crown, four Louisville Derbies, six Oak Hill Stakes, and five Kentucky Preakness. This year, R.C. is training Moon Ranger, who is the odds-on favorite in the big race. 

R.C. has the résumé to command respect in any racing circle and knows it. With Moon Ranger poised for another major victory, expectations could hardly be higher.

Costume suggestions: ​High fashion horse trainer attire ​

Fun props: Stopwatch or racing stopwatch app. Moon Ranger's latest stats on a clipboard.

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Mel Jones

Horse Trainer

Mel Jones is the horse trainer who wears a constant cloud of bad luck. Mel is great with horses and has trained them her entire life, as she grew up in a family of jockeys. However, Mel’s horses have never won a race. Mel is the trainer for Itsy Bitsy Mitzy.

Despite years of disappointing finishes, Mel refuses to give up on racing. She is hoping Itsy Bitsy Mitzy will finally turn her legendary bad luck around.

Costume suggestions: ​Horse trainer attire ​

Fun props: Well-worn lucky horseshoe. 

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Eric Ebony

Owner, Utopia

Utopia is a long-shot horse this year at the Louisville Derby. Eric Ebony is the debonair owner who spews compliments to everybody in his hearing range. Eric is great to be around, but his flattery starts to sound phony after a short while.

Eric can find something marvelous to say about absolutely anyone, whether he means it or not. His endless charm makes it difficult to determine when he is being sincere and when he simply wants something.

Costume suggestions: ​Highly fashionable attire. 

Fun props: Pocket mirror (to view yourself and show others what you are complimenting about them), and compliment cards (to remind yourself of what you can say to others).