Kentucky Derby draws festive crowd

By Andrea Hopkins

LOUISVILLE, Ky (Reuters) - Spectators in seersucker and straw hats crowded into the Kentucky Derby on Saturday in hopes of picking the winning horse and perhaps glimpsing one of the biggest race fans of all -- the Queen.

The Southern charm of Churchill Downs took on a bit of a British accent in honour of the first visit by the Queen, who watched along with thousands of race fans as Kentucky-bred favourite Street Sense won the 133rd "Run for the Roses."

Royal admirers entwined a string of Union Jacks along the flowered paddock near the racetrack's entrance, and the monarch's visit added excitement to what is the first leg of the Triple Crown of thoroughbred racing.

The Queen, wearing a lime green wool coat with a matching silk dress and lime green hat with fuchsia trim, arrived with husband Prince Philip a little more than two hours before the late afternoon race.

The monarch was given a round of applause as she entered a private suite accompanied by Will Farish, a former ambassador to Britain.

Erica Fencil, a college student from San Diego, was surprised to find herself in the same suite as the Queen.

"It's unbelievable," Fencil said. "I can't believe I'm in the same room with her."

Fans in shorts and flip-flops mingled with ladies in rose-adorned hats and men in summer suits as crowds packed the storied racetrack.