Category Archives: Racing

Futural, Multiple Graded Stakes Winner, Euthanized at 20

Futural in retirement at Old Friends. (Photo by Laura Battles)

GEORGETOWN, KY – JULY 26, 2016 – Multiple-graded-stakes winner Futural has died. The 20-year-old gelding was euthanized Monday evening due to complications caused by advance chronic osteoarthritis.

Futural had been pensioned at Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Farm in Georgetown, KY, since 2006. Michael Blowen, founder and President of Old Friends, made the announcement of his passing this morning.

Bred in Florida by Harry T. Mangurian, Jr, Futural (Future Storm – Twigazuri, by Dixieland Band) scored his biggest wins at the age of five, capturing the 2001 San Bernadino Handicap (G2) and Mervyn Leroy Handicap (G2).

In 2002 Futural captured his first Grade 1 win in the Hollywood Gold Cup, but he was controversially disqualified for interference and placed third.

His other victories included the Tokyo City Cup Handicap and the Sir Winston Churchill Handicap at the age of seven.

Racing to the age of 10, Futural won 12 of his 70 Starts for career earnings of $816,107.

His retirement to Old Friends was prompted in 2006 by renowned equine photographer Katey Barrett. After photographing the handsome chestnut during his banner year in Southern California in 2001, she fell in love with him. “When I photograph these horses, I often get connected to them,” she said at the time.

Futural had been running at Hastings in Vancouver, British Columbia when Barrett contacted then owners Donald Muldoon and trainer Dave Milburn and asked if she could find him a home when he was finished racing.

“Futural was a very generous horse and very kind,” said Hall of Fame Jockey Chris McCarron, who rode Futural in seven of his career starts. “He got me across the wire in the one and only time I ever won the Hollywood Gold Cup, and he’ll always have a special place in my heart.”

“It was an honor having Futural with us all these years,” said Blowen. “We are grateful to Katey for helping us retire him and to his connections for their support.

“Futural has been a great friend to us and to his fellow geldings, most recently Yankee Fourtune,” added Blowen. “All he ever asked for in return was a nice banana, his favorite treat. We’ll certainly miss him.”

Old Friends is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that cares for more than 160 retired racehorses. Its Dream Chase Farm, located in Georgetown, KY, is open to tourists daily by appointment. Old Friends also has a satellite facility in Greenfield Center, New York, Old Friends at Cabin Creek: The Bobby Frankel Division, which is also open to visitors. For more information on tours or to make a donation, contact the main farm at (502) 863-1775 or see their website at www.oldfriendsequine.org.

MEDIA CONTACT: Cynthia Grisolia, (347) 423-7322, cindy@oldfriendsequine.org; Michael Blowen, (502) 863-1775, michael@oldfriendsequine.org

Limato Takes the July Cup at Newmarket

The July Cup at Newmarket held on the final day of Newmarket’s three-day July Festival meeting is one of Britain’s most valuable and prestigious sprint races, and many of its winners have been acknowledged as the champion sprinter in Europe. According to 888sport Newmarket horse race odds, Limato (9-2) was the favorite going into the race, beating out Suedois (25-1) who finished second by two lengths, and the 7-1 Quiet Reflection finished third.

Limato is a four-year-old gelding, ridden by Harry Bentley and trained by Henry Candy who said, “He’s exciting, isn’t he? Absolutely amazing to watch…. Absolutely wonderful. In a year when things haven’t gone great, it’s doubly wonderful but to see a horse perform like that is just very exciting.” Candy had a 42 year winless streak in the Group 1 competition at the July Cup. Limato was the odds on favorite having won 7 of his previous 11 races and finishing second three times and a fourth place finish. 888Sport listed Limato’s Newmarket horse race odds at 9-2  and Limato made good with a thrilling finish.

BBC Racing correspondent Cornelius Lysaght was quoted as saying, “The 2016 July Cup was billed as an outstanding staging of the historic Group One sprint with no horse absent that you would have wanted to see, so for Limato to drop down from a mile to win by two lengths in a very fast time – one minute, 9.97 seconds – and despite drifting off a straight line late on, is outstanding.”

The Newmarket July Cup is part of the The Global Sprint Challenge as a series of six sprint races run across three racing jurisdictions in Australia, England and Japan. 888sport will have the most recent and up to date information on the remaining races and the horses’ odds in each race.

Grade 1 Winner Halo America, Dead at 26

Halo America during her racing years. (Photo by Laura Battles)

GEORGETOWN, KY – JULY 8, 2016 – Pensioned broodmare Halo America has died. The Grade 1 winning, millionaire was euthanized July 7 due to declining health at Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Facility based in Georgetown, KY. She was 26.

The mare had retired to Old Friends in 2014 following a prestigious breeding career at Hill ‘n’ Dale Farm in Lexington. She was cared for at Nuckols Farm in Midway for most of her tenure, but returned to Old Friends’ Georgetown location when space became available.

Halo America was bred in Florida by John Franks and she also raced in his colors, capturing 15 wins while racing to the age of 7. One of the most successful progeny of the stallion Waquoit, the mare earned nine stakes victories, including the 1997 Apple Blossom (G1) and the 1996 Molly Pritchard Breeders’ Cup Handicap (GR2).

She also won her final career start, the Louisville Breeders’ Cup Handicap (GR2) at Churchill Downs, which brought her career earnings to over $1.46 million.

As a broodmare she is well represented by the Irish Stakes winner Marino Marini and the multiple graded stakes placed Quick Temper.

In 2009 Halo America foaled the only colt from the last crop of the great sire Storm Cat.

“Halo America wasn’t with us long but it didn’t take her long to make a lasting impression,” said Old Friends founder and President Michael Blowen. “She was a spectacular racehorse, a successful broodmare and a kind, intelligent, beautiful old friend. Thanks to Hill ‘n’ Dale for trusting us to care for her and to Charles Nuckols for providing a spot for her until she could come to the main farm.”

For additional information, contact Old Friends at (502) 863-1775.

Old Friends is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that cares for more than 160 retired racehorses. Its Dream Chase Farm, located in Georgetown, KY, is open to tourists daily by appointment. Old Friends also has a satellite facility in Greenfield Center, New York, Old Friends at Cabin Creek: The Bobby Frankel Division, which is also open to visitors. For more information on tours or to make a donation, contact the main farm at (502) 863-1775 or see their website at www.oldfriendsequine.org.

MEDIA CONTACT: Cynthia Grisolia, (347) 423-7322, cindy@oldfriendsequine.org; Michael Blowen, (502) 863-1775, michael@oldfriendsequine.org

Old Friends Update

Belmont Stakes winner Touch Gold (Photo © Laura Battles)

There is so much to be thankful for this week. Most importantly, thanks to everyone that banded together to help with the abandoned Borell horses. The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA), the selfless volunteers, and so many others worked very hard to do what’s best for these great athletes. Through Stacey Clark of the TAA, Old Friends has pledged to give two of the horses a place to retire if needed. As this situation progresses we’ll offer more news about that. But thankfully these horses are finally getting the help they need.

Second, very special thanks to Zenyatta, the Breeders’ Cup, Maker’s Mark, and Jerry and Ann Moss for making Old Friends the 2016 beneficiary of their “Champions for Charity” campaign. They’ve created a gorgeous collectible bottle of Maker’s Mark signed by Jerry and Ann, John Shireffs and Mike Smith, and 100% of the proceeds go to Old Friends.

If you’d like to reserve one of these commemorative bottles, visit the website https://www.breederscup.com/champions-for-charity?force-web (sorry, we can’t take your request in the office).

You’ll notice that donors will be collecting their bottles at Arcadia Night: Salute to Zenyatta, which will take place on Wednesday, November 2 at the Gold Line Plaza in Arcadia, CA. The evening will include live music, food trucks, and signature Breeders’ Cup cocktails, among other special amenities.

But for those unable to attend the California event, bottles also may be collected at Breeders’ Cup offices in Lexington, KY on November 16, from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Proxies will be accepted at both locations. Breeders’ Cup will correspond with donors in October to determine their pick-up preferences and other possible options.

This donation will be significant to our retirees. We’ve earmarked it to continue expanding our Georgetown facility so we can take in more deserving retirees.

Speaking of expansion, the new barn is just about done and it’s just beautiful! We’ll be having a “Grand Opening” ribbon cutting ceremony on Saturday, July 9 around 11 p.m. At this time we will officially name it the “John Hettinger Memorial Barn.” Anyone is welcome to come and see the new place on that morning.

What’s in a name? This weekend Narrow Escape runs in the Queen’s Plate at Woodbine. Our first retiree was named Narrow Escape. Belmont winner, Creator, is trained by Steve Asmussen and Steve’s brother, Cash, who rode our Creator to Group 1 wins in France. Delay of Game, our longtime friend who recently passed away, is represented by another Delay of Game who’s still running. I root for all three, and I hope you will, too.

Meanwhile, the Saratoga meet is just around the corner and we can’t wait. In conjunction with JoAnn and Mark Pepper and all the great people at Old Friends at Cabin Creek, we’re planning some fun events in New York in the coming weeks. You can visit the Cabin Creek website for more info: www.oldfriendsatcabincreek.com.

We’ll be giving this year’s Frankel Award to Eclipse-Award-winning photographer Barbara Livingston at our annual get-together at Anne’s Washington Inn in Saratoga on August 11. Innkeeper Joe Bokan, one of our dearest and most generous supporters, is also a great, great friend. We could never spend as much time having fun and raising money at the Spa without Joe letting us stay for free.

On August 16, the National Racing Museum and Hall of Fame is celebrating Old Friends Day. Many of the owners, trainers and jockeys whose horses have been retired to Old Friends have agreed to appear. We’ll be updating our list of participants as we get closer to the date but H. James Bond (Behrens, Will’s Way), Richard Schosberg (Affirmed Success), Jack Knowlton (Saratoga Episode) and Tracy and Carol Farmer (Commentator) have agreed to participate.

The horses are doing great, by the way. War Emblem is happy in retirement, Touch Gold is becoming a new favorite, and Silver Charm is loving his fans.  We hope you will all be able to come out for a visit this summer and say hello.

Old Friends, Inc. 1841 Paynes Depot Rd., Georgetown, KY 40324
502-863-1775 www.oldfriendsequine.org   michael@oldfriendsequine.org

Old Friends at Cabin Creek   483 Sandhill Rd., Greenfield Center, NY 12833
518-698-2377   www.oldfriendsatcabincreek.com   cabincreek4@hotmail.com

Upcoming Horse Racing Highlights for 2016

After all of the excitement of the Kentucky Derby, it’s time to look ahead to see which top horse racing events are going to provide the best bet for equine entertainment over the coming months.

From traditional race meetings in the racing heartlands of the UK, to some of America’s most dazzling races, here’s a selection of events to keep an eye on, along with some horse racing tips to guarantee a perfect day’s entertainment.

California State Fair

One of the best tips for enjoying a truly glamorous day at the races is to head to the California State Fair in July. Held at the prestigious Sacramento Miller Lite Racetrack, this epic event features three successive weekends of racing action including thoroughbreds, quarter horses and mules all providing quality entertainment for the thousands of racing fans who pack the grandstands.

In 2016 the event kicks off on July 8, but it’s July 23 when the most highly-anticipated races occur with the Governor’s Cup always providing some lucrative betting options. Last year was one of the best California State Fairs yet with the recently introduced Sacramento Golden Bear Sprint offering a fresh challenge for three-year-olds.

Glorious Goodwood

However, for some truly traditional racing entertainment, then it’s best to take a look over to the UK where the Glorious Goodwood event delivers one of the best examples of flat racing in this horse racing-crazy nation.

Beginning on July 26 in the heartlands of West Sussex, the event offers all of the extravagance that you’d expect from UK racing. And with the Sussex Stakes and Nassau Stakes forming the main Group 1 contests, there’s many interesting betting options to be had as several key players are coming on leaps and bounds for what will surely be a hotly contested affair.

Breeder’s Cup

However, for all American racing fans, it’s always the Breeder’s Cup that truly delivers what racing is all about. Returning to the legendary Santa Anita Park in California, this promises to be yet another fantastic racing spectacle that should repeat the excitement felt in 2015 when American Pharoah turned in a commanding victory to claim racing immortality.

This year the $5 million Breeder’s Cup will be broadcast live on NBC, but for a true taste of the excitement of top level horse racing with the chance to take advantage of the best tips, it’s best to get to California and enjoy the most intense horse racing of 2016!

Stake Winner Delay of Game Dead at 23

Photo by Laura Battles.

GEORGETOWN, KY – JUNE 7, 2016 – Graded-stakes winner Delay of Game has died. The 23-year-old gelded son of Summer Squall was euthanized on Monday evening due to the infirmities of old age. The horse also suffered from the neurological disease EPM.

Delay had been pensioned at Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Farm in Georgetown, KY, since 2010. Michael Blowen, founder and president of Old Friends, made the announcement of his passing this morning.

Owned by John H. Peace and trained by George “Rusty” Arnold, Delay of Game (Summer Squall – Wimbledon, Blushing Groom) won his first stakes as a 4-year-old, capturing the 1997 Stuyvesant Handicap (GR2) at Aqueduct.

He went on to score 16 victories over seven seasons in premium allowance races at virtually every track and on virtually every surface, from Keeneland and Churchill Downs to Saratoga, Belmont, and Gulfstream Park.

Among his final triumphs were back-to-back wins in the 2000 and 2001 Tampa Bay Breeders’ Cup Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs.

Delay of Game retired from the track shortly after with career earnings of $809,023.

Following his retirement from the track, Delay returned to the stable of Rusty Arnold and his wife Sarah. “We had him almost his entire career,” said Sarah Arnold. Off the track, he had a stint as a stable pony and also as a riding horse. But once he contracted the EPM, we knew we had to find permanent retirement for him, and Michael was kind enough to take him and take great care of him.

“I never met a horse who loved his job like he did,” Arnold continued. “He loved racing, and not just winning, but racing. When I think of how to describe him, I think of what groom Will Harbut always said about Man o’ War: ‘He was the mostest horse.'”

“Delay of Game was not only terrific racehorse; he was just a total ‘people’ horse,” noted Old Friends’ Blowen. “He was a favorite with many of our tour guides and visitors, and he loved the attention. We were proud to care for him these last years, and we can’t thank the Arnolds enough for all they did for him.”

Old Friends is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that cares for more than 160 retired racehorses. Its Dream Chase Farm, located in Georgetown, KY, is open to tourists daily by appointment. Old Friends also has a satellite facility in Greenfield Center, New York, Old Friends at Cabin Creek: The Bobby Frankel Division, which is also open to visitors. For more information on tours or to make a donation, contact the main farm at (502) 863-1775 or see their website at www.oldfriendsequine.org.

MEDIA CONTACT: Cynthia Grisolia, (347) 423-7322, cindy@oldfriendsequine.org; Michael Blowen, (502) 863-1775, michael@oldfriendsequine.org

Old Friends Commemorative Service to Be Held Monday May 30th

Breeders’ Cup Sprint Champion Gulch passed away at age 32 at Old Friends (Photo by Equisport)

GEORGETOWN, KY – MAY 24, 2016 – Join Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement on Monday May 30th at as we honor our champions that have passed on in the last year.

Gulch
Mixed Pleasure
Flick
Do One Dance
Wallenda

Our memorial ceremony, featuring guest speakers and the final “Call to Post”, begins at 1 pm on our Georgetown farm, located at 1841 Paynes Depot Road. The public and press are welcome. Refreshments will be served.

Old Friends is an assisted-living facility and we specialize in the elder care of these great athletes. The only down side of the job is when they leave us. But in death, as in life, we try to treat them with the dignity they deserve. It’s an honor to pay tribute to these great champions.
–Michael Blowen, founder and President of Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement.

Old Friends is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that cares for more than 160 retired racehorses. Its Dream Chase Farm, located in Georgetown, KY, is open to tourists daily by appointment. Old Friends also has a satellite facility in Greenfield Center, New York, Old Friends at Cabin Creek: The Bobby Frankel Division, which is also open to visitors. For more information on tours or to make a donation, contact the main farm at (502) 863-1775 or see their website at www.oldfriendsequine.org.

MEDIA CONTACT: Cynthia Grisolia, (347) 423-7322, cindy@oldfriendsequine.org; Michael Blowen, (502) 863-1775, michael@oldfriendsequine.org

WIHS Shetland Pony Steeplechase Championship Series Announces 2016 Dates

WIHS #PonyPower Kicks Off in May at the Devon Horse Show

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Washington International Horse Show’s wildly popular Shetland Pony Steeplechase Championship Series, presented by Charles Owen, will be held in May and October 2016, commencing Memorial Day weekend at the Devon Horse Show.  The high octane sport features junior jockeys in the saddle racing the cutest, fluffiest Shetland Ponies to the enjoyment of spectators of all ages.

The first stop in the series is the historic Devon Horse Show and Country Fair in Devon, Pa., on Sunday, May 29, and Monday, May 30, and it concludes in the fall with the finals at the Washington International Horse Show on WIHS Barn Night, Thursday, October 27, and Grand Prix Night, Saturday, October 29, at Verizon Center in Washington, D.C.

Introduced in 2013, the WIHS Shetland Pony Steeplechase races, dubbed “D.C.’s newest — and cutest — sport” by the Washington Post, are run like professional racing events with a bugler, race caller and photo finish, but in miniature. The jockeys are youngsters from ages seven to 14 mounted on traditional Shetland Ponies racing over a course of mini-hurdles.

“We’ve had an overwhelming response to the WIHS Shetland Pony Steeplechase Series from our fans,” said WIHS President Victoria Lowell. “Not only is it really exciting to watch, pony racing is also a great way for kids to get into equestrian sports. Not too many people know that Kent Farrington, currently ranked #6 in the world in show jumping and a frequent competitor at Washington, used to race ponies.”

For those unable to attend in person, the races at Devon and Verizon Center will be streamed live by USEF Network at usefnetwork.com, and archived on WIHS.org. Fans can also follow WIHS on Periscope (@WIHS) for exclusive behind-the-scenes and live race action.

An exciting social media contest will have race fans studying the race card for each pony’s winning form. The #PonyPower Prize Sweepstakes will take place May 29 and 30 in conjunction with the races at Devon. Fans can enter to win a Swag Bag of official WIHS merchandise including VIP tickets to the 58th Annual Washington International Horse Show, October 25-30 at Verizon Center.

Well-established in the United Kingdom, pony racing is growing in popularity in the U.S., thanks in part to Maryland-based U.S. Pony Racing, LLC (USPR), organizer of the WIHS exhibition series, which runs flat and jumping pony races at events throughout the region, including at Pimlico.

“Our partners at USPR work closely with the children and ponies to ensure they are fully prepared for a safe, fun, and exciting race day,” said Bridget Love Meehan, WIHS Executive Director. “We love including sports across equestrian disciplines at WIHS, especially those like pony racing that are such fun to watch.”

Ongoing sponsor Charles Owen is no newcomer to pony racing. The Wrexham-based helmet maker has been a significant supporter of pony racing in the U.K. since 2005.

“Charles Owen is delighted to continue its support of the WIHS Shetland Pony Steeplechase Championship Series,” said Roy Burek, Managing Director of Charles Owen. “With our long association with pony racing in the U.K., we’re especially excited to be a part of its growth in the U.S. The WIHS Series at Devon and Washington offer an ideal showcase and we encourage everyone to come out and experience it.”

The 58th annual Washington International Horse Show will take place October 25-30, 2016, at Verizon Center in Washington, D.C.  For the show schedule, tickets, hospitality and more, please visit wihs.org.

For more information on the WIHS Shetland Pony Steeplechase Series, visit http://www.wihs.org/shetland-pony-steeplechase.

About Washington International Horse Show, www.wihs.org

Established in 1958, the Washington International Horse Show is one of the oldest and most prestigious equestrian sporting events in North America. More than 26,000 spectators attend the six-day show, which includes Olympic-level competition along with community and charity events. More than 500 top horses and riders come to D.C. from all over the globe to jump for more than a half a million dollars in prize money. Highlights include the $130,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Washington, the President’s Cup Grand Prix, presented by Events DC, (Saturday night), The Boeing Company Puissance high jump competition on Military Night (Friday) and Kids’ Day (Saturday), a free, fun and educational community event. The Washington International Horse Show Association, Ltd. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization headquartered in Washington, D.C. WIHS is an official USEF Heritage Competition and is currently ranked #7 in the Top 25 Horse Shows by the North American Riders Group. WIHS is rated CSI4*-W by the Fédération Equestre Internationale, the world governing body for horse sports.

Lauren Fisher
Jump Media
lauren@jumpmediallc.com

Old Friends Derby Time!

Photon and Rail Trip racing for carrots. Photo © Laura Battles.

We’re just a few days away from the first Saturday in May and virtually every entry has an Old Friends connection. Creator, who shares his name with our great European Gr. 1 winner, was ridden by Cash Asmussen. Steve Asmussen, Cash’s brother, trains the American Creator. Bob Baffert with Mor Spirit is one of our most generous, supportive friends and trained our two Derby winners, Silver Charm (1997) and War Emblem (2002). We have retirees ridden by John Velasquez (Commentator), Gary Stevens (Silver Charm), Mike Smith (Game On Dude), and Victor Espinoza (War Emblem). The list goes on and on.

And while I agree that the Kentucky Derby is the most exciting two minutes in sports, these great athletes’ lives go on for many, more years. That’s where Old Friends and all the other Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance organizations come in handy. Whether it’s Lusty Latin or Easy Grades, both well-beaten by War Emblem, or precocious horses such as Dinard, Afternoon Deelites and Wallenda, who were all Derby candidates, we treat them all the same. We are honored to care for them well beyond their three-year-old years. Sometimes, like Derby contender Gulch, they live into their early 30s. So when the gates open at Churchill Downs on Saturday, and we all hold our collective breaths, I’ll be thinking of the hundreds of Saturdays that many of them will be with us. Because to me, at Old Friends, every day is as exciting as the run for the roses. Except now, they’re running for carrots.

We hope you can attend our 12th Annual Homecoming Event May 8th, the day after Derby here on the farm. Many thanks to all of our supporters and volunteers.

Old Friends, Inc. 1841 Paynes Depot Rd., Georgetown, KY 40324
502-863-1775 www.oldfriendsequine.org   michael@oldfriendsequine.org

Old Friends at Cabin Creek   483 Sandhill Rd., Greenfield Center, NY 12833
518-698-2377   www.oldfriendsatcabincreek.com   cabincreek4@hotmail.com

The “War Emblem” Is Final Design on the Block in Old Friends 7th Hats Off to the Horses Auction

All proceeds from the online fashion auction to benefit Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Facility

GEORGETOWN, KY – FEBRUARY 2, 2016 – Last chance! The sixth and final Derby-style hat in the online fashion auction “Hats Off to the Horses: The Road to the Derby” goes on the block April 1st.

The last hat in the six-month auction, which raises money for Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Facility in Georgetown, KY, will honor 2002 Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner War Emblem, who retired to Old Friends last September.

The beautiful chapeau is modeled by Shea Leparoux accompanied by her husband, leading jockey Julien Leparoux.

Bidding on “The War Emblem” begins at 8 pm on April 1st and will be open for 10 days only.  Interested bidders can go to the Old Friends website at www.oldfriendsequine.org and follow the link.

This is the seventh consecutive year that Old Friends has joined with acclaimed milliner Sally Faith Steinmann of the Massachusetts-based Maggie Mae Designs® to auction off six exclusive Derby-style chapeaus between November and April, each inspired by one of the non-profit organization’s 160 retired racehorses.

For more information and additional photos, CLICK HERE.

About the Horse

Bred by Charles Nuckols of Midway, KY, War Emblem (Our Emblem – Sweetest Lady, Lord at War) captured the Illinois Derby in an impressive gate-to-wire victory. Three weeks later he captured the 128th running of the Kentucky Derby.

Following a win in the Preakness, War Emblem became a serious contender to capture history’s 12th Triple Crown, but he stumbled badly at the start of the Belmont Stakes and ended up beaten by long-shot Sarava, who, as fate would have it, is now also a retiree at Old Friends.

War Emblem went on to capture the Haskell Invitational for a third Grade 1 win that year and retired with 13 starts, 7 wins and earnings of $3,491,000.

He stood stallion duty in Japan until 2015, when he was returned to the United States to be pensioned at Old Friends.

About the Hat

The foundation of the “War Emblem” hat was fashioned as a wide-brim design, measuring a full 30 inches across, done in deep black silk, with a white brocade under brim that frames the wearer’s face when the hat is upturned.

The chapeau is trimmed with a unique ruffled edge that allows light to pass through the sheer fabric. Created out of black silk organza overlaid with black silk “pinstripes”, the resulting look is one of smooth elegance befitting this great Thoroughbred athlete.

Three large rose curls were placed along the crown to echo the horse’s Triple Crown campaign, with each rose beautifully framed in a medley of emerald green and bold blue leaves.

For the finishing touch, a large black pebble button adorns the back of the hat.

Maggie Mae Designs® Custom Millinery offers magnificent hats for all occasions – from glamorous racing events such as the Kentucky Derby and the Royal Ascot to stunning bridal wear and handsome cocktail fashions. Every hat is carefully handcrafted by milliner Sally Faith Steinmann from her home base in South Harwich, MA. Salons of her fashions can be seen on her website at www.maggiemaedesigns.com.

Old Friends is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that cares for over 160 retired racehorses. Its Dream Chase Farm, located in Georgetown, KY, is open to tourists daily by appointment. Old Friends also has a satellite facility in Greenfield Center, New York, Old Friends at Cabin Creek: The Bobby Frankel Division, which is also open to visitors. For more information on tours or to make a donation, contact the main farm at (502) 863-1775 or see their website at www.oldfriendsequine.org.

MEDIA CONTACT: Cynthia Grisolia, (347) 423-7322, cindy@oldfriendsequine.org; Maggie Mae Designs (508) 430-1626, sally@maggiemae.com