Category Archives: Auctions

Auctions, Community/Charity, Racing

Old Friends Auction Halters Open for Bid

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GEORGETOWN, KY – MAY 2, 2017 – Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Facility is Georgetown, KY, will host its 13th Annual Homecoming Event on Sunday May 7th beginning at 1 pm.

The event features a live and silent auction of artwork, prints, and racing memorabilia, including several premiere collectible stallion halters.

On the block are halters worn by:

  • American Pharoah, who won the Belmont Stakes in 2015 to become history’s 12th Triple Crown Champion. By capturing the Breeders’ Cup Classic that same year, he became the first horse to win racing’s Grand Slam. He now stands at Ashford Stud.[*]
  • California Chrome, who won the 2014 Kentucky Derby and Preakness stakes as well as the GR1 Pacific classic, the GR1 Awesome Again Stakes, and the Dubai World Cup. The two-time Horse of the Year now stands at Taylor Made Farm.
  • Curlin, the two-time Horse of the Year, now a leading industry sire at Hill ‘n’ Dale Farm. His son, Irish War Cry, is a leading contender for this year’s Kentucky Derby.
  • Runhappy, winner of the 2015 Breeders’ Cup Sprint and the 2015 Eclipse Sprint Champion award, who now stands at Claiborne Farm.
  • Littleprincessemma, the dam of Triple Crown winner American Pharoah. She was named Broodmare of the Year in 2015. She resides at Summer Wind Farm.

Interested buyers unable to attend on Sunday can now absentee bid on these items. To bid, email your name, address, and phone number along with your highest bid to: oldfriendshalters@gmail.com.

The deadline to receive bids is Saturday May 6th, at 9 pm (EST).

At the event, someone will be assigned to proxy bid for you starting low and bidding up to your highest number.

The Old Friends Homecoming event will be highlighted by live music, a barbecue buffet, and farm tours where guests can meet the farm’s two Kentucky Derby Champions, Silver Charm and War Emblem, among other memorable equine athletes. There will also be a special book signing by Eclipse Award winning photographer Barbara Livingston, who will autograph copies of her new book Old and New Friends (Daily Racing Form, $39.95).

Tickets are still available and can be reserved by calling (502) 863-1775 or booked online by visiting the website at www.oldfriendsequine.org. Tickets are $25; $15 for Old Friends members. Children under 12 are free.

Special thanks goes out to the farms that so generously donated these and other wonderful halters to Old Friends. For more information on the event, visit the website or call the farm at (502) 863-1775.

* This item lists with a reserve of $3,000.

Old Friends is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that cares for more than 175 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, (502) 863-1775, cindy@oldfriendsequine.org; or Barbara Fossum, (502) 863-1775, barbara@oldfriendsequine.org

Auctions, Community/Charity, Fundraisers, Racing

Old Friends “Hats Off to the Horses: The Road to the Derby” Unveils “The Danthebluegrassman”

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Jockey Chris and his wife Shelby Landeros. Photo © Equisport Photography.

The 8th Annual Maggie Mae Designs® Old Friends-sponsored online fashion auction, “Hats Off to the Horses: The Road to the Derby”, has opened bidding on the final hat in the 2017 series.

The Derby-style chapeau currently up for bid honors one-time Derby contender Danthebluegrassman.

Bidding in this online auction will be available through April 11, 2017, 8:00 pm (EST). To bid, CLICK HERE.

This unique fundraiser features one-of-a-kind couture hats created by Maggie Mae Designs®, the sale of which benefits Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Facility based in Georgetown, KY.

To date, this annual online fashion auction has raised over $30,000 for Old Friends.

Kentucky-bred Danthebluegrassman captured the 2001 Gold Rush Stakes as a two-year-old and then the 2002 Golden Gate Derby, which made him a top contender for the 2002 Kentucky Derby. But injury kept him from starting on the First Saturday in May in the race that was won by his stablemate, War Emblem. Dan continued to race, but by 2008 had fallen down the claiming ranks. Thanks to several fans and supporters, the chestnut son of Pioneering was claimed and retired to Old Friends.

The custom-crafted chapeau honoring this athlete makes use of owner Mike Pegram’s bright racing silks of bold red and yellow. The hat features a champagne silk foundation highlighted by wispy layers of bright tulle. The centerpiece is a large red rose placed along the crown. The flower is framed with a medley of yellow organza leaves, each of which is delicately top stitched in red for added detailing.

As with all of the Maggie Mae Designs®, the “Danthebluegrassman” hat is stunning from every angle with no detail left untouched.

Special thanks to our models Krystal and Jon Court and their daughter, Aubrey, and Shelby and Chris Landeros. Thanks also to Lexington-based boutique Bella Rose for furnishing Krystal and Shelby’s lovely dresses!

To see more photos and read more about the hat’s design, CLICK HERE.

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

Auctions, Community/Charity, Equestrian Aid Found.

Win a Trip to Aspen and Help an Equestrian in Need

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Tired of the winter blahs? Want to hit the slopes for some sunny spring skiing, or simply ready to take a break from the horse show circuit?

Thanks to the generosity of a wonderful sponsor, you have the chance to win a fantastic Aspen get-away and support the Equestrian Aid Foundation’s mission to help horse people with catastrophic injuries or illness.

Ski, hike, bike, kayak, shop, dine or simply relax and enjoy the scenery. It’s YOUR turn to Defy Ordinary!

Just register, and start bidding! The package starts at only $5,000 for 5 nights at a designer townhouse that is walking distance to town and Aspen Mountain and sleeps 8.

Place your bid NOW to relax in style and support a great cause. Funds raised will make a difference in the life of an equestrian in need.

LOGIN TIP:  When you create your account, it’s easy to simply enter EAF and your last name, for example EAFJones. That way, it’s simple to remember your login and keep tabs on the auction.

Happy bidding!

The Equestrian Aid Foundation® is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that assists people from all corners of the horse world who are coping with life-changing injury or illness and financial crisis. Since its inception 20 years ago, the Foundation has granted $2.7 million in direct financial aid to equestrians facing adversity. Our needs-based support provides assistance with basic living and rehabilitative expenses to riders, trainers, farriers, grooms, horse farm owners and other equestrians who need a helping hand to get back on their feet. For more information, please visit EquestrianAidFoundation.org.

Auctions, Revolution Sports, Show Jumping

Full Veterinary Reports Now Available for SFN Horses Ahead of Sale

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The Showjumping Fund of the Netherlands (SFN) are pleased to confirm that that all six horses under their ownership, including World and European Champion SFN Zenith N.O.P. and 2016 Olympic second reserve Aquila SFN, have completed extensive veterinary examinations with positive results.

The SFN engaged the services of top veterinarians Frans van Hoeck and Edwin Enzerink, who recorded the examinations in full and have produced video and written reports for each horse.

The videos and X-rays, along will detailed veterinary reports, are now available to those who have officially shown an interest in a horse by registering with BVA Auctions and paying a deposit or providing a bank guarantee. Once registered and authorised as a potential bidder, it will be possible to access the information via bespoke data page on the SFN section of the BVA Auctions website.

Speaking on behalf of the SFN, Henk Rottinghuis, the President of the SFN Board, said, “We are thrilled all of the horses have received good results in the veterinary examinations and look forward to seeing the outcome of the sale in two weeks’ time. We have had an extremely positive reaction from the market to date so we head into the auction confident of a positive result.

“This is a time of mixed emotions as we say farewell to these fantastic horses, which have brought us so much enjoyment and success; however, there are exciting times ahead as we work towards the launch of a second fund, the SFN II.”

The news that the veterinary reports are now available to prospective purchasers comes six days before the online auction officially opens. Operated by BVA Auctions in the Netherlands, the auction will officially commence at 5pm on Wednesday 14th September, and will remain open until 2pm on Wednesday 21st September.

To participate in the auction, it is necessary to register and pay a deposit or provide a bank guarantee, after which further information will be accessible, including the full veterinary reports. For further information and advice about how to register as an authorised user and participate in the auction, please visit the BVA Auctions website: www.bva-auctions.com/SFN.

All six horses will be available for viewing on Monday 19th September at Balkenschoten, the Netherlands, which will be the final opportunity for prospective buyers to see the horses up close. The stables will open its doors to the public at 2pm, with each horse parading in-hand for approximately 10 minutes.

For further details on all horses due to feature in the sale, including up-to-date videos of them in action, please visit www.sfnauction.com or contact:

Jacob Melissen
SFN
Tel: +31 528 241919 / + 31 654 220246
Email: jacobmelissen@hotmail.com

Anna Blunden
Revolution Sports
Tel: +44 (0)207 592 1207
Email: anna@revolutionsports.co.uk

For further details on the sale, please contact:

Rob Meijer
BVA Auctions
Tel: +31 (0)6 1251 9452
Email: r.meijer@bva-auctions.com

BVA Auctions
www.bva-auctions.com/SFN

Auctions, Community/Charity, Racing

Celebrate “Old Friends Day” at Belterra Park Gaming on September 5

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Kentucky Derby and Preakness Champion War Emblem is just one of the equine retirees at Old Friends (photo Rick Capone).

GEORGETOWN, KY – AUGUST 29, 2016 – Monday, September 5th, is Old Friends Day at Belterra Park Gaming in Cincinnati, OH.

The day will celebrate the Thoroughbred Retirement Facility in Georgetown, KY that cares for more than 160 retired racehorses. Fans can bid in a silent auction of unique items, as well as meet Old Friends founder Michael Blowen.

The auction will take place on the outdoor terrace overlooking the track. It will start at 1:30 pm and conclude at 4:00 pm.

Among the items up for auction are a set of Old Friends commemorative glasses, posters for such champions as American Pharoah and Zenyatta, decorative horse items, collectible ball caps, artwork, and jewelry.

Old Friends farm in Georgetown is home to over 100 of the organization’s 165 retirees, and star attractions include  Hall of Fame Champion and 1997 Kentucky Derby winner Silver Charm, 2002 Derby and Preakness winner War Emblem, three-time winner of the Santa Anita Handicap winner Game On Dude, and Breeders’ Cup Classic Champion Alphabet Soup.

The farm is open to the public daily by appointment. For tour times and information, call (502) 863 1775.

Belterra Park Gaming, located at 6301 Kellogg Road in Cincinnati, OH 45230, features live racing along the beautiful Ohio River. Post time for the first race is 1:30 pm.

Belterra Park’s 2016 racing season includes over 90 race days and is home to Ohio’s only turf race track. The River Downs Club features simulcast Thoroughbred racing.

For more information, contact Belterra at (513) 232-8000.

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

Auctions, Olympic Games, Revolution Sports, Show Jumping

Ever-Consistent SFN Zenith N.O.P. Home from Rio

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SFN Zenith N.O.P., one of the most consistent horses throughout the four days of the 2016 Olympic competition, was no doubt also one of the unluckiest, with only 0.02 seconds coming between him and a chance to be part of the individual medal battle.

Despite jumping an immaculate double clear round on the final day of competition, SFN Zenith N.O.P., expertly piloted by 2000 Olympic gold medallist Jeroen Dubbeldam, picked up a single time fault, preventing them from progressing to the jump-off.

Throughout the week, the World and European Champions maintained a reliably high standard, posting a series of excellent results and proving what an exceptional combination they are on the big stage.

In addition to winning Team and Individual gold in the World Equestrian Games in Caen, 2014 and repeating this feat by winning Team and Individual gold at the European Championships in Aachen, 2015, SFN Zenith N.O.P. has an incredible track record including Team gold at the 2014 Nations Cup Finals in Barcelona.

Speaking on behalf of the SFN, Henk Rottinghuis, the President of the SFN Board, said, “I would like to express my gratitude to Jeroen, who is one of the best show jumping riders ever seen in the Netherlands. Since becoming a partnership in 2011, Jeroen and SFN Zenith N.O.P. have achieved so many extraordinary accomplishments and given the SFN and Dutch show jumping communities much success and enjoyment.”

SFN Zenith N.O.P., now safely back in his home stable, is one of six horses due to be sold via an online auction on Wednesday 21st September 2016, which also includes Aquila SFN, second reserve for the Dutch Olympic Team in Rio. The unique selection process of the SFN, whereby an elite group of leading horse dealers and trainers must all agree unanimously on the potential of a horse before it is purchased on behalf of the fund means that the quality of the horses up for sale is unparalleled.

The online auction, which will be operated by BVA Auctions in the Netherlands, will officially open at 5pm on Wednesday 14th September, and will remain open until 2pm on Wednesday 21st September. To participate in the auction, it is necessary to register and pay a deposit, after which further information will be accessible, including full veterinary reports. For further information and advice about how to participate, please visit the BVA Auctions website: www.bva-auctions.com/SFN.

All six horses will be available for viewing on Monday 19th September at Wout-Jan van der Schans stables (Landgoed Balkenschoten Barneveldseweg 122 3862 PD Nijkerk), which will be the final opportunity for prospective buyers to see the horses up close. The stables will open its doors to the public at 2pm, with each horse parading in-hand for approximately 10 minutes.

For further details on all horses due to feature in the sale, including up-to-date videos of them in action, please visit www.sfnauction.com or contact:

Jacob Melissen
SFN
Tel: +31 528 241919 / + 31 654 220246
Email: jacobmelissen@hotmail.com

Anna Blunden
Revolution Sports
Tel: +44 (0)207 592 1207
Email: anna@revolutionsports.co.uk

For further details on the sale, please contact:

Rob Meijer
BVA Auctions
Tel: +31 (0)6 1251 9452
Email: r.meijer@bva-auctions.com

BVA Auctions
www.bva-auctions.com/SFN

Auctions, Community/Charity

SFN Horses, Including SFN Zenith N.O.P., to Be Available to View ahead of Sale

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The Showjumping Fund of the Netherlands (SFN) has announced that the six horses currently under their ownership, which are due to be sold via auction, will be available for viewing on Monday 19th September. The auction will start on the same date. It has also been confirmed that the horses will undertake a full veterinary examination before Thursday 1st September, ahead of being showcased at Wout-Jan van der Schans stables (Landgoed Balkenschoten Barneveldseweg 122 3862 PD Nijkerk) on Monday 19th September.

The uniquely structured syndicate group, the SFN, revealed in June that their six horses will be offered up for sale via an internet auction operated by BVA Auctions in the Netherlands. This includes SFN Zenith N.O.P., Jeroen Dubbeldam’s World and European Champion, and Wout-Jan van der Schans Nations Cup ride Aquila SFN, both on the Dutch Olympic Team longlist.

BVA Auctions, the company which operated the successful Eurocommerce Stables sale in 2014, has notable experience in the sale of sport horses, having previously managed the sale of top quality show jumpers, including 2012 Olympic silver medalist, London.

The viewing on Monday 19th September will showcase each of the six horses in hand and will be the final chance for prospective buyers to see the horses up close ahead of the sale.

The online auction will be officially opened directly after the viewing and will remain open until 4pm on Wednesday 21st September. For further information and advice about how to participate in the auction, please visit the BVA Auctions website: www.bva-auctions.com/SFN.

Speaking on behalf of the SFN, Henk Rottinghuis, the President of the SFN Board, said, “The six SFN horses in the auction have all proved their abilities in the competition arena and there are plenty of videos available to demonstrate this; however, we are holding this open day to allow potential buyers to see the horses in a more relaxed environment, enabling people to see more closely what quality types they are.”

The stables will open its doors to the public at 2pm, with each horse parading for approximately 10 minutes.

The online auction for the six horses will open immediately following the parade at 3pm on Monday 19th September and will remain open until 4pm on Wednesday 21st September. To participate in this auction, it will be necessary to register as well as to pay a deposit. For further information, please visit the auction website.

For further details on all horses due to feature in the sale, please visit www.sfnauction.com or contact:

Jacob Melissen
SFN
Tel: +31 528 241919 / + 31 654 220246
Email: jacobmelissen@hotmail.com

Anna Blunden
Revolution Sports
Tel: +44 (0)207 592 1207
Email: anna@revolutionsports.co.uk

For further details on the sale, please contact:

Rob Meijer
BVA Auctions
Tel: +31 (0)6 1251 9452
Email: r.meijer@bva-auctions.com 

BVA Auctions
www.bva-auctions.com

Art/Photography, Auctions, Community/Charity

Lauren Kieffer and Lisa Curry Mair Join Forces to Benefit the Brooke

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“Lauren and Patrick at Rolex”. Image courtesy of Lisa Curry Mair.

One of three-day eventing’s own top riders, Lauren Kieffer, and Vermont-based artist, Lisa Curry Mair of Canvasworks Designs, have teamed up to raise funds for Brooke USA. In May, Lauren sent Lisa one of her boots that was destined for the boot pile in the back of the tack-room closet. The charity, Brooke USA, supports the work of the Brooke, the world’s largest international equine welfare charity, which has worked tirelessly for over 80 years to improve the lives of working horses, donkey, mules and thus, the many people that rely on them.

Lisa is blazing a new creative path by painting life back into “retired” saddles and boots, covering them with her own equestrian inspired folk-art designs. They really are a unique twist on a classic equestrian staple and are a wonderful way to commemorate a horse-of-a-lifetime, a notable competition win, or even the history of one’s own farm. Put on display in your trophy case, library, tack room or entryway, both the saddles and boots are conversation pieces that are also true works of art.

Want one of these fabulous creations for your very own? Now’s your chance! Interested bidders have until 5:00 pm on August 3rd to place the highest bid for “Patrick and Lauren at Rolex.” To bid, visit Canvasworks Designs’ blog and comment with your bidding price. That’s it. Simple.

All bidders will receive a daily email with the current highest bid. Winner will be announced on August 3rd. The winning bid will be a tax-deductible donation made directly to the Brooke USA. For more information, contact Canvasworks Designs directly.

Auctions, Revolution Sports, Show Jumping

The Showjumping Fund of The Netherlands (SFN) Announces Sale of Six Horses

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Current World and European Champion SFN Zenith N.O.P. Included in Sale

The Showjumping Fund of the Netherlands (SFN) Auction will take place on 21 September 2016.

All six horses currently under its ownership, including SFN Zenith N.O.P. – Jeroen Dubbeldam’s World and European Championship mount – will go up for sale via an internet auction operated by BVA Auctions in The Netherlands.

Formerly known as Springpaarden Fonds Nederland, the SFN was created in 2006. The uniquely structured syndicate group was the brainchild of Dutch equestrian journalist Jacob Melissen.

It was Jacob’s initial vision to create a financial fund, open to Dutch equestrian fans, who wanted to invest in keeping some of the finest Dutch-bred horses on home soil and made available to Dutch riders.  Uniquely, five of Holland’s leading horse dealers, Emile Hendrix, Willy van der Ham, Egbert Schep, Teus van den Brink and Johan Heins, advise the SFN Board on the horses the Fund should purchase and which riders they should be given to. Only when all five agree unanimously will an investment go ahead.

The SFN has been closely responsible for an unparalleled period of Dutch success both at team and individual level. Its strategy has achieved exceptional results, not only through the world class SFN Zenith N.O.P., who will be the highest profile lot offered at the September sale, but also Aquila SFN. Under Wout Jan van der Schans, Aquila SFN jumped one of only two double clears in the 2015 Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup in Dublin and again at the 2016 Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup in La Baule, also winning the 3* Grand Prix in Luxembourg earlier this month.

Another former star of the SFN, Utascha SFN, who was sold in December 2013, competed at the FEI World Equestrian Games and two FEI European Championships, as well as numerous Furusiyya FEI Nations Cups.

Discussing the sale, Henk Rottinghuis, the President of the SFN Board, said, “The first SFN has been hugely successful and has not only contributed towards an unprecedented period of success for The Netherlands in the sport of show jumping, but has also given the original investors a great deal of emotional pleasure in supporting the horse and rider combinations. We thank everyone involved in the SFN for their support and commitment over the last ten years, and we hope to reward them with a good financial return from the auction.”

He continued, “The original SFN always had a lifespan of 10 years and the Board has been focussed on ensuring that the investors received a significant financial return. It is this approach, managed in partnership with Van Lanschot Bank that has allowed us to launch SFN II, which will be open to investors from around the world, and which we hope will enjoy equal success and support for the sport in The Netherlands.”

The horses in the auction will be:

SFN Zenith N.O.P., an impeccably bred 12-year-old, a son of Rash R, out of a Jalisco B line mare, has surpassed the expectations of the SFN, who acquired the gelding as a seven-year-old. SFN Zenith N.O.P. and Jeroen Dubbeldam have been regulars on the 5* Grand Prix circuit in recent years, with highlights including team and individual gold at the FEI World Equestrian Games in Caen 2014, team and individual gold at the FEI European Championships in Aachen in 2015, and team gold at the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Final in Barcelona, also in 2014.

Another 5* horse to be offered up for sale is the 10-year-old gelding Aquila SNF, who with Wout-Jan van der Schans has represented Holland in Nations Cup teams, most notably when one of only two combinations to jump double clear in Dublin in 2015 and in La Baule in 2016. Aquila SNF was the recent winner of the 3* Grand Prix at CSI Luxemburg in early June, again as one of only two to jump double clear.

SFN Zenith N.O.P. and Aquila SFN will be aimed at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro before entering the sales ring in the autumn, with both making the longlist announced earlier this week.

Chuck Blue SFN will be offered from the stable of Emile Hendrix, where he is currently ridden by Niels Knape. A nine-year-old gelding, with world class breeding, Chuck Blue SFN has been competing in 1.40m classes with continued success.

Djumpsina SFN, an eight-year-old daughter of Zurich, moved to the yard of Gerco Schröder at the end of 2015 following a successful career to date in the Dutch young horse classes. Gerco will bring the mare on over the summer, giving her valuable competition experience before she goes up for auction.

Another to achieve great success in the young horse classes is Eloma’s Blue SFN, who under Wout-Jan van der Schans was joint winner of the KWPN six-year-old championships in 2015, finishing sixth in the World Championships six-year-old final in Lanaken. The seven-year-old stallion has a promising future and will continue to progress through the age class ranks in 2016.

Similarly, Ferrari SFN, the youngest horse to be offered for sale within the SFN consignment, will continue to train on in 2016 under Hester Klompmaker. The six-year-old stallion, by Argentinus stallion Thunder van de Zuuthoeve, is full of promise and an exciting prospect for the future.

The horses can be purchased by auction, both on location at BVA Auctions in Amersfoort, The Netherlands, or online, on Wednesday 21st September, 2016. The decision to sell the horses through BVA Auctions was due to their experience in the sport following the successful sale of Eurocommerce Stables’ consignment in 2014, which included Olympic silver medalist, London.

For further details on all horses due to feature in the sale, please visit www.sfnauction.com or follow @SFNAuction.

CONTACT DETAILS:

Jacob Melissen
SFN
Tel: +31 528 241919 / + 31 654 220246
Email: jacobmelissen@hotmail.com

Anna Blunden
Revolution Sports
Tel: +44 (0)207 592 1207
Email: anna@revolutionsports.co.uk

For further details on the sale, please contact:

Rob Meijer
Tel: +31 (0)6 1251 9452
Email: r.meijer@bva-auctions.com 

BVA Auctions
www.bva-auctions.com

Auctions, Racing

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

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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