Ginna Claire Mason & John Clarence Stewart Go Hats Off to Love On Hallmark

Premiering on Hallmark Channel in May 2025, Hats Off to Love stars Holly Robinson Peete, Ginna Claire Mason and John Clarence Stewart.

The feel-good network describes the movie as “This Derby season bet on your heart,” which is appropriate as the movie centers around a Derby romance. Read on to learn more about the movie and its cast, and look forward to the premiere in May this year.

Hallmark Channel’s Hats Off To Love

Airing at the same time as the Kentucky Derby itself, this new Hallmark rom-com stars Ginna Claire Mason and John Clarence Stewart. Moreover, it signals the return of fan favorite Holly Robinson Peete to the movies, but what is the movie about?

According to the Florida station Spectrum 9 News, the movie, originally titled Derby Romance, tells the love story of a man who’s training his horse for the Kentucky Derby, and a woman who makes hats for the big race. Interesting to note that while the movie is a nod to the popular Kentucky event, it was filmed in Florida.

Ginna plays Estella, a hat and fascinator maker, while Holly stars as the socialite Rosalind, and Stewart plays Rosalind’s son, Christian. Meanwhile, Estella’s fascinators are popular for this huge event. Mason shared with the news site, “Christian and Stella both have these big dreams that sort of center around the derby.” He added:

You sort of see us come together and cheer each other on to the finish line if you will.

The movie began filming earlier this year and due to this, Kentucky wouldn’t have been the ideal location, as it is a gloomier time of year. As the producers wanted a sunny movie, they chose the Sunshine State instead, filming in Tampa Bay, Florida. Moreover, Tampa Bay Downs allowed the production team to film at that race location.

Where have you seen the cast before?

Holly Robinson Peete (Rosalind) needs no introduction as she has always been a Hallmark fan favorite, starring in many of the network’s productions. However, she has also starred in 21 Jump Street (the movie and the series) and a TV series, For Your Love.

Meanwhile, Ginna Claire Mason, who plays the hat maker Estella, is known for her roles in A Holiday Spectacular, A Heidelberg Holiday and A Carol for Two.

John Clarence Stewart, who plays Rosalind’s son, Christian, has previously starred in Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist, Luke Cage and Gotham. At this stage, no other cast members have been named for Hats Off To Love.

When does Hats Off To Love premiere on Hallmark Channel?

Coincidentally, Hats Off To Love is set to premiere on Hallmark Channel on Saturday, May 3, at 8 pm ET. This is the same day that the Kentucky Derby happens, making it even better. Meanwhile, Peacock subscribers can catch the film up to 72 hours after the premiere, while Hallmark+ subscribers can catch it the next day.

Readers, are you looking forward to watching Hats Off To Love, with all those beautiful hats and coordinating outfits at the event?