Dannielynn Birkhead, the five-year daughter of Anna Nicole Smith and Larry Birkhead, made a rare appearance at this year’s Kentucky Derby in Louisville. Wearing a flowery hat and a floral dress, the little girl seemed to enjoy her time at Churchill Downs over the weekend. She looks like a happy, well-adjusted little girl, which is good considering the vast amount of extreme sadness that swept over her life during her infancy.

Birkhead, who was eager to separate his daughter from the lifestyle that ultimately claimed the life of her mother, decided move Dannielynn back to his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky. Her mother, as you may recall, died when she was just five months old. His eagerness to keep her away from the madness and mayhem that consumed her family is entirely understandable.

However, nothing from the past seemed to darken their Derby Day experience.

Dannielynn spent the day with her father, checking out horses and attempting to navigate the tricky waters of the Turf Club. The little girl’s visit to Churchill Downs must have been bittersweet for Larry, as this was the place where he met Dannielynn’s mother back in 2004.

When asked how his daughter was enjoying the event, Birkhead stated, “She is having a great day but is more excited to go to Toys ‘R’ Us after the race.” Strangely, I can totally relate to that. However, something tells me that Dannielynn and her father will be back next year.

Image courtesy of Radar Online