Gallops of Glory Hat Sale

We are under starter's orders as this year's sale of extraordinary hats gets underway.

Brain Tumour Research is once again proud to partner with The Jockey Club and The British Hat Guild to showcase a unique fascination of hats. This collection of 19 bespoke hats was created to celebrate the winners of the illustrious race double of the 2000 Guineas and the Derby. 

Beautifully crafted by some of the biggest names in UK millinery, any of these stunning and unique pieces could be yours! All profits from the sale of these hats will be donated to Brain Tumour Research. 

Inspired by the death of Mike Hawthorn from a brain tumour, his widow (left) and his sister (right) – both named Emily – were among the fabulous front-runners modelling the spectacular headwear. They were joined by racing star Saffie Osborne and TV presenter Ella McNeil.

Mike lived with a meningioma for almost eight years, during which he and Emily had a son. However, in 2021, the tumour suddenly tripled in size. Mike died in July 2022, and both his wife and sister have continued their activism and fundraising for Brain Tumour Research in his name.

His wife Emily said: “When I tell people about what happened to Mike, and how common brain tumours are, they are always so shocked. We miss Mike so much, but we talk about him every day and that’s how we keep his memory alive.”

Any of these one-of-a-kind showstoppers could be yours, with 100% of the profits helping fund the fight to stop brain tumours devastating lives.

The head-turning collection will be on display and available for purchase at The Betfred Guineas Festival at
Newmarket Rowley Mile from 2nd-4th May and The Betfred Derby festival at Epsom Downs Racecourse from 6th-7th June.

Alternatively, any of these hats can be purchased online (please follow the links below) or by contacting Charlie Allsebrook at Charlie.Allsebrook@braintumourresearch.org or 07591 206624.

#GallopsOfGlory

  • Wave Rock by Lisa Tan (SOLD)

    Inspired by West Australian, a British thoroughbred, and based on the Aussie rock formation of the same name, this ocean-wave shaped piece shimmers with the golden tones of the Outback.

  • Galtee More by Martha Lynn Millinery (RRP £650)

    Capturing the essence of the Irish Galtee Mountains, this bespoke hat mirrors the emerald green fields and gentle blue skies where triple crown-winning racehorse Galtee More once galloped.

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  • Blue Peter by Bee Smith (RRP £350) 

    Inspired by the racehorse of the same name, this silk and ruffled beret draws inspiration from royal blues and clean whites to invoke the grace and stature of the victorious Blue Peter.

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  • Countess by Stephen Jones OBE (RRP £800)

    With cues taken from ‘Mary Countess Howe’ by Thomas Gainsborough, and inspired by the horse of the same name, the satin bow and wide brim merge elegance and playfulness for your day at the races.

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  • Ormonde by Jenny Roberts (RRP £650)

    Named for the undefeated thoroughbred, the handmade flowers atop this boater invoke the stories of Ormonde eating the boutonnieres from unsuspecting gentlemen.

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  • Minoru’s Celebration by Jenny Beattie (RRP £550)

    Sharing the name with a racehorse owned by King Edward VII, meaning ‘bountiful abundance’ in Japanese, this headpiece incorporates Japanese garden design principles such as simplicity and asymmetry.

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  • The Pretender by Fernanda Lewis (RRP £395)

    Taking its title from the horse of the same name, this vibrant headpiece is two hats pretending to be one – a red straw headband with a detachable bow allows for both subtlety and extravagance.

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  • Nijinsky Twist by Sally Ann Provan (RRP £465)

    Incorporating goose feathers and crystal pearls, this hat shares its name with the prize-winning stallion, incorporating Nijinsky’s scarlet red, emerald green and sunshine yellow racing colours.

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  • SunStar by Ellie Vallerini (RRP £390)

    Named for the Thoroughbred winner of the Guineas and Derby, the silk base and hand dip dyed feathers of this bespoke hat invoke the titular swirls of flame and fire.

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  • Sea the Stars by Rafa Peinador (RRP £650)

    This classically-shaped hat incorporates pure silk threads and sinamay to create a light blue transparent headpiece, reminiscent of cool ocean waves and the grace of the nominal racehorse.

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  • Flying Fox by Vivien Sheriff (RRP £980) 

    Named for the winning steed Flying Fox, this beret features hand-dyed pheasant and goose feathers to create a sense of swift elegance and proud, colourful vibrance.

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  • Elodie by Judy Bentinck (RRP £595)

    Inspired by winner of the 1893 Derby, Isinglass, the light blues and silvers of this brimmed hat conjure the elegance of the racehorse. Trimmed with 1940s German navy cherry vines, from which the hat takes its name.

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  • Nijinsky’s Dream by Rachel Trevor Morgan (RRP £1,795)

    A nod to the Russian ballet dancer’s costume in Le Dieu Bleu, and the stallion of the same name, this headdress recalls the dancer’s deathbed promise to return as a racehorse.

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  • Green & Gold by Sarah Cant (RRP £825) 

    An angular pillbox hat with gold straw and green bow detailing, this elegant headwear is named for the Guineas and Derby winner Crepello.

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  • Cirrus by Rachel Skinner Millinery (RRP £450)

    An airy and romantic hat, with dusky pinks and hints of black, this large piece is inspired by the stallion Nimbus – sharing a light and speedy feeling.

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  • The Rider by Rizvi Millinery (RRP £340)

    A silk number with detachable hair whip and silver crescent, this hat takes inspiration from the racehorse Crusader – and his Scottish owner.

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  • The Green Room by Foxglove Atelier (RRP £365)

    Inspired by the winning stallion Royal Palace, this hat takes cues from the Green Room of Buckingham Palace. Green and gold silk mirror the luxurious upholstery and ornate décor fit for royalty.

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  • Macaroni MDCCCLXIII by Savoca (RRP £1,250)

    Featuring Italian Baroque motifs and a crushed velvet front, this hat embodies grandeur and fluidity – shared with its inspiration, the winning racehorse Macaroni.

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  • Joy by Lyze Hats (RRP £525)

    Crafted with straw and topped with crystals, this statement piece resembles a brain encased within a cranium – and incorporates the rich browns and whites of Nashwan the racehorse.

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