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Big, bold Kentucky Derby hats

Published:Sunday | May 12, 2013 | 12:00 AM
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Racegoers with extravagant hats examine the racing programme before the 139th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.
Martina McBride (left) and Jane Seymour walk the Kentucky Derby red carpet last Saturday.-AP photos
Country music superstar Maranda Lambert in a more demure creation.
Miss America 2013 Mallory Hagan arrives in a black and yellow hat to complement her outfit.
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AP:The Kentucky Derby is known as much for hats and high fashion as it is for fast horses. This year, rains are swamping Churchill Downs, but fans on the infield are still holding their heads - and their hats - high.

Bigger and bolder is the rule for hats that often dwarf their owners.

April Pauley of Columbus, Ohio, paraded around in the mud wearing a hat featuring flowers, a papier-mché jockey head and goggles, and ribbons. "It's just my own little creation," Pauley said before taking a swig of her beer.

Here's a gallery of Kentucky Derby headwear.