Category Archives: Auctions

Auctions

Winter Equestrian Festival Sport Horse Auction Presentation Set to Begin Tuesday, February 23

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©ManciniPhotos.

The Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) Sport Horse Auction presentation of horses jumping under saddle will begin at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 23, in the International Arena at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC), showcasing the 16 hand-selected auction prospects bred by world-renowned VDL Stud in the Netherlands.

Each horse, chosen for their disposition and international quality, will be presented in the International Arena, allowing prospective bidders to watch the horses go under saddle and over fences before the auction event, which will be hosted rain or shine, at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 3, in the Global Pavilion at The Stadium at PBIEC (13500 South Shore Boulevard).

Watch the WEF Sport Horse Auction Presentation from the International Club at the PBIEC grounds or via live stream sponsored by Jarvis Insurance Company at the following link: http://bit.ly/1Ui0mPk.

The VDL auction horses will be available for viewing at Ossian Ventures from Wednesday, February 24 – Thursday, March 3, from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Please contact Janko van de Lageweg to set up an appointment at 832-706-3407 or +31 651815225 or by email at jankovdl@gmail.com.

To register as a bidder for the auction, please contact Melanie Peterson at 561-870-6587 or by email at melanie@horsemls.com.

Horse photos, videos, and information, as well as bidder registration information can be found at www.wefsporthorseauction.com.

Please visit www.pbiec.com or call 561-793-5867 for more information.

Auctions

Old Friends Update – After the Fire

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Photo © Tim Wilson.

At 7 a.m. on January 23, our small, quarantine barn burned to the ground. James Crump safely removed the barn’s two part-time residents, Archie’s Echo and Alphabet Soup. No one was injured. The Georgetown/Scott County Fire Department appeared in a flash and prevented the fire from spreading. It was the best possible outcome from a terrible situation. We’re still awaiting the final report from the fire Marshall and the final determination from our insurance company.

In the days following the fire, the horse-racing community came together — big time — to help. There were fans donating a few dollars and such organizations as the Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA) and the folks at the NTRA/DRF National Handicapping Championship Charity Challenge making larger contributions. Not only that – neighboring farms offered stall space if we needed it along with hay and blankets. Hall of Fame jockey Chris McCarron showed up later that day to offer his help and make a donation. We were humbled by the outpouring of support and it made us optimistic about being able to rebuild.

Then, Fasig-Tipton and Blue Horse Charities donated $50,000. Fasig-Tipton’s President Boyd Browning called and asked if I knew John Hettinger. I did. John was the most influential member of the horse-racing community to support aftercare with his heart and his dollars, and I adored him. His intelligence, pragmatism and generosity has led to hundreds of Thoroughbreds leading productive, relaxed lives during their post racing and breeding careers. We are honored to name our new barn, The John Hettinger Memorial Barn.

Personally, I had never been around fire before. The ferocity and speed of the barn’s disintegration made me a believer. Now, I see our big old tobacco barn as a liability. So the new barn will be a bigger structure and as fireproof as we can possibly make it and, if we raise enough money, we would like to renovate our existing metal hay barn into a new “hospital/quarantine” barn for incoming horses and those that require veterinary attention.

We are currently designing plans for our new barn and determining a budget. The donations, combined with the pending insurance settlement, will be used to build a sturdy barn worthy of the Hettinger name. Once we begin, we will issue updates on our barn construction.

Genuine Reward now occupies Gulch’s paddock and Game On Dude’s new pal is Sarbonne. You might remember Sarbonne as Zenyatta’s target during her workouts. He never won but he did his job with grace and humility, contributing to her spectacular success. Now, he’s with another multiple Grade 1 winner and a great addition to the tours. Check out Barbara Livingston’s photographs of Silver Charm and War Emblem on her website. War Emblem is settling in very nicely. He really likes his space and, believe me, he gets it. He’s in the paddock previously occupied by Rapid Redux and Amazombie. Those two have moved into the big paddock next to Genuine Reward.

Once again, thanks to everyone for everything.
Michael Blowen

Rosie Napravnik & Joe Sharp
Rosie Napravnik & Joe Sharp

Amazombie… the hat

The Hats Off to the Horses! online auction continues by that one-of-a-kind milliner, Sally of MAGGIE MAE DESIGNS®. 100% proceeds go help the horses of Old Friends. AMAZOMBIE chapeau auction ends Feb. 11th 8pm EST. Many thanks to Rosie Napravnik and Joe Sharp for modeling! As always, our sincere thanks to equisportphotos!

Click here to bid!

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, Awards, Community/Charity, Fundraisers

Springsteens Rock Rio Raising Record $1.5 Million Dollars for USET Foundation

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Bruce Springsteen.

Wellington, Fla – Jan. 24, 2016 – On Friday, Jan. 22, the United States Equestrian Team (USET) Foundation hosted the Olympic and Paralympic Games benefit, Rockin’ Rio, at Louisburg Farm in Wellington, Florida. With more than 600 guests in attendance, Rockin’ Rio featured honorary chairs Patti Scialfa and Bruce Springsteen. The celebratory evening included award presentations, an elegant dinner, a surprise performance by Springsteen and a lively auction, which helped raise more than $1.5 million dollars for the USET Foundation.

Rockin’ Rio captured all of the elements of an amazing evening. The tent was transformed into a festive Brazilian wonderland by designer Reed McIlvaine (Renny and Reed) and included an exquisite dinner by Ken Rose catering. USET Foundation Executive Director Bonnie Jenkins and Committee Chairmen Kimberly Boyer, Gloria Callen, Margaret H. Duprey, Elizabeth Johnson, Elizabeth B. Juliano, Jacqueline B. Mars, Robin Parsky, Rebecca Reno, Jeannie Tisbo and Akiko Yamazaki all helped organize the highly successful event.

Olympian Rodrigo Pessoa of Brazil kicked off the festivities, welcoming the American delegation to his country this summer for the upcoming 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. USET Foundation Treasurer Philip Richter then welcomed honorary chairmen Patti Scialfa and Bruce Springsteen, who recognized the guests for their dedication to the sport and the Olympic movement, as the USET Foundation prepares for the 2016 Olympic Games.

“Patti and I have been involved with the horse world for 20 plus years since Jess started riding when she was 5 years old,” Springsteen said. “Needless to say retirement is nowhere in sight for me. I literally play for horse feed night after night.”

Springsteen continued, “Patti and my life have been deeply enriched by our involvement in the riding world. I’ve gotten to watch my daughter grow up into a young woman of character and excellence. I’ve gotten to watch a lot of you grow up with her. I’ve gotten to watch the best in the world compete year after year, and I know what that takes. We’re here tonight to honor your focus, your hard work and your dedication. I know it’s not always an easy life, and we want to show you that we are 100 percent behind you.”

Later in the evening, the awards ceremony began with 16-year-old Lucy Deslauriers of New York, New York being named the recipient of this year’s Lionel Guerrand-Hermes Trophy, which is presented to a young rider in one of the Olympic disciplines who exemplifies both sportsmanship and horsemanship. In 2015, Deslauriers had a breakout year by definition: she won the Individual Gold and Team Silver at the Adequan/FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Championships, Individual and Team Gold at the Neue Schule/USEF National Junior Jumper Championships and Individual Gold at the USEF U25 National Championships.

The next award was presented to Phillip Dutton of West Grove, Pennsylvania, the recipient of the Whitney Stone Cup. The award is presented annually to an active competitor who displays consistent excellence in international competition and high standards of sportsmanlike conduct while serving as an ambassador for the United States and equestrian sport. Five-time Olympian Phillip Dutton was the pathfinder for the U.S. Eventing team and led them to victory at the 2015 Pan American Games, where an Olympic qualification was at stake.

The final award, the Bruce Duchossois Distinguished Trustee Award, was presented to Brownlee O. Currey, Jr., created in recognition of Duchossois’ leadership, generosity and outstanding character. The award is presented annually to a USET Foundation Trustee who exemplifies exceptional leadership, philanthropy and character. For over 30 years Brownlee O. Currey, Jr. has lent his wisdom, passion and philanthropy to the United States Equestrian Team and the USET Foundation. He is the Chairman of the Board of the Foundation and, over his 30 years as a Trustee, he has served as Vice President, Chairman of the Development and Nominating Committees, and been an important member and advisor on the Investment and Finance Committees.

Following dinner, the auctioneer took control of the microphone and revved up the crowd to begin the live auction, which raised money for the U.S. Equestrian Team. Auction items included a four-piece equine collection by artist Sharon Lynn Campbell, tickets to the International Tennis Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony, and Championships with a stay at the Relais & Chateaux Castle Hill and the painting “Precision” by Andre Pater, donated by Misdee and James Miller. The Duchossois family, Steve Wilson, Jeannie and Tom Tisbo donated a once in a lifetime trip for four to the Kentucky Derby, and Sharon Lynn Campbell also donated a custom oil portrait. A generous bidder claimed the prime summer week at Thistle House in the Village of Edgartown at Martha’s Vineyard donated by Mr. and Mrs. William H. Weeks, and guests also had the opportunity to bid on an amazing trip to California on a private jet with a stay at Montage Resort in Laguna Beach as well as an 11.63 carat yellow sapphire put in a setting of their choice, donated by Moti Ferder and Lugano Diamonds.

The benefit really started to rock when the final item was introduced as donated by Scialfa and Springsteen. What started as a signed guitar by “The Boss” quickly escalated to 10 VIP tickets with sound check and backstage meet and greet passes to one of Springsteen and the E Street Band’s River Tour concerts. To encourage the bidders, Springsteen took to the stage and brought the guests to their feet with one of his iconic performances. The hotly contested item eventually sold to two lucky bidders for $300,000 each.

Rockin’ Rio proved to be wildly successful for the USET Foundation, thanks to the generosity of the guests and auction donors, and their goal to help fund the United States Equestrian Team riders as they prepare to compete at the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The United States Equestrian Team Foundation (www.uset.org) is the non-profit organization that supports the competition, training, coaching, travel and educational needs of America’s elite and developing international, high-performance horses and athletes in partnership with the United States Equestrian Federation.

Contact: Rebecca Walton
USET Foundation
phone 561.753.3389 fax 561.753.3386
rjw@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Auctions, Community/Charity, Racing

“Hats Off to the Horses: The Road to the Derby” Continues with “Yankee Fourtune” Chapeau

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Brian Hernandez with Joshlyn, Yankee Fourtune and Jamie Hernandez (Photo by EquiSport)

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

GEORGETOWN, KY – JANUARY 4, 2015 – The online fashion auction, “Hats Off to the Horses: The Road to the Derby”, continues today with a third handcrafted Derby chapeau on the virtual auction block to raise money for Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Facility in Georgetown, KY.

This new hat was inspired by Old Friends retiree Yankee Fourtune, a graded-stakes winner bred in Kentucky by Brereton Jones.

For the Old Friends campaign, the beautiful chapeau is modeled in accompanying photos and behind-the-scenes video by Jamie Hernandez, her husband, leading jockey Brian Hernandez, and their daughter, Joshlyn. (Jamie’s lovely ensemble is courtesy of Lexington’s Bella Rose boutique.)

For photos and addition information, go to http://www.maggiemae.com/OldFriendsAuction-Hat-YankeeFourtune.htm.

For a behind-the-scenes video, go to: https://vimeo.com/150387295.

Bidding on “The Yankee Fourtune” began on January 2nd and will be open for 10 days only, ending on January 12th at 8 pm. 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 hats between November and April, each inspired by one of the non-profit organization’s 155 retired racehorses.

Yankee Fourtune was owned by Harvey A. Clarke and Andrew Albstein, who purchased him for $37,000 at the Keeneland September 2008 yearling sale.

The son of Yankee Gentleman out of the Mi Cielo mare, Madam Ann, Yankee Fourtune was unplaced as a 2-year-old, but went on a winning spree – five straight victories – at three after conditioner Kiaran McLaughlin switched him from dirt to turf. His stakes wins include the GR3 Hawthorne Derby and the GR3 Commonwealth Turf Stakes.

In all, Yankee had 31 career starts, winning nine of them and earning over $390,000.

The “Yankee Fourtune” was fashioned with a flat, wide-brim of silver dupioni silk, which is adorned with a fluid outer layer of ruffled, pale-silver organza.

The hat’s trim is highlighted by a large anemone – a new innovation from Maggie Mae Designs® created especially for Yankee Fourtune – that’s surrounded by a medley of emerald green silk and taffeta leaves. The center of the anemone is a shimmering black-pebble button circled with a ring of softly gathered green tulle and ruched charcoal silk organza.

Long, charcoal colored silk organza “feathers”, a MAGGIE MAE DESIGNS® trademark, were then carefully stitched to add a splash of dramatic detail to the floral trim.

As always, a physical remembrance of Yankee Fourtune, several strands of the gelding’s tail hair, were braided and woven into the trim.

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 155 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

Auctions, Community/Charity, Racing

Top Jocks and Their Kids Pose for the 7th Annual “Hats Off to the Horses: The Road to the Derby”

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Rosie Napravnik, Joe Sharp, and baby Carson with Kentucky Derby winner Silver Charm (Photo by EquiSport)

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

GEORGETOWN, KY – NOVEMBER 4, 2015 – For the third consecutive year, jockey Rosie Napravnik will model handcrafted, one-of-a-kind Kentucky Derby chapeaus to support the 7th Annual “Hats Off to the Horses: The Road to the Derby,” an online fashion auction that raises money for Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Facility in Georgetown, KY.

This seventh season, however, was a family affair. Napravnik posed with her husband, trainer Joe Sharp, and their new baby Carson. Joining them were leading rider Julien Leparoux, who posed with his wife Shea and their son Mitchell, and top jock Brian Hernandez, who posed with his wife Jamie and their daughter Joshlyn.

This is the seventh year that Old Friends has joined with acclaimed milliner Sally Faith Steinmann of the Massachusetts-based Maggie Mae Designs® to auction off six exclusive Kentucky Derby hats between November and April, each inspired by one of the non-profit organization’s 156 retired racehorses.

To date, this unique fundraiser has earned over $23,000 for Old Friends.

The six couture hats that will go on the block the first of every month between now and the 2016 running of the Kentucky Derby on the first Saturday in May.

The fashion auction kicked off November 1st with Napravnik and Sharp showcasing the “The Silver Charm,” a design inspired by the 1997 Kentucky Derby Champion who is now retired at Old Friends.

To view the hat, visit http://www.maggiemae.com/OldFriendsAuction-Horse-SilverCharm.htm.

Bidding on “The Silver Charm” began at 8 pm on November 1st and will be open for 10 days only, until 8 pm on November 11th. Interested bidders can go to the Old Friends website at www.oldfriendsequine.org and follow the link. Or click this link: http://www.oldfriendsequine.org/hats-current.html.

SilverCharm2The photo shoots for each hat, done by EquiSport Photographers Matt and Wendy Wooley, took place this fall at Old Friends and matches Steinmann’s beautiful hats with ensembles from Lexington’s Bella Rose Boutique.

For a video of the EquiSport photo shoot, visit http://vimeo.com/143786158.

Rosie Napravnik has been one of the most successful and influential women in the Sport of Kings. In 2012 she became the first woman to win the Kentucky Oaks, a feat she repeated in 2014. Napravnik, who retired from riding last year to begin a family with husband Sharp, also sits on the Old Friends Board of Directors.

Eclipse-Awarding winning Julien Leparoux is also one of horseracing’s leading jockeys. The France-born rider has earned titles at Churchill, Keeneland and at Turfway Park. In 2015 he won the Breeders’ Cup Mile aboard Tepin.

Brian Hernandez was an Eclipse Award winning apprentice in 2004. He has over 1,000 wins to his credit, including the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic aboard Fort Larned in 2012.

About Silver Charm

In 1997 Silver Charm won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes for trainer Bob Baffert and jockey Gary Stevens. The dual-classic wins helped him capture that year’s Eclipse Award as Champion Three Year Old Male. He went on to win the 1998 Dubai World Cup and, with nearly $7 million in career earnings, he was inducted in Racing Hall of Fame in 2007. After 10 years in Japan, Silver Charm retired to Old Friends in 2014.

About the Silver Charm Hat

The wide-brimmed “Silver Charm” hat features three varying shades of gray and white silk organza at its base. It is adorned with a single rose curl sculpted out of alternating layers of deep yellow dupioni silk and yellow silk organza, which reflect the stallion’s famous racing colors. A fancy charcoal braiding was top stitched to the ruffled-brim edges and along the under brim for a lovely finishing touch, while several free form bow loops, created out of gray veiling, adds just a hint of wispy elegance.

Dozens of long slender gray, white and charcoal silk organza feathers, a Maggie Mae Designs® trademark, were also carefully stitched, layered and shaped to frame the face beautifully when the hat is worn.

For additional information, contact Maggie Mae Designs® at sally@maggiemae.com.

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.

About Old Friends
Old Friends is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that cares for 156 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.

Auctions, Community/Charity, Racing

Secretariat Festival Archive Auction – Sept. 19

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More details on the selection of premium auction items in the Secretariat Festival Archive Auction are now available on-line and what a line-up awaits! From the devoted fan to the serious collector, there is something for any level of racing interest. Highlighting the premium auction items is the elegant limited edition Ruffian Bronze as well as an authentic shoe from the heralded stallion Unbridled. We are also thrilled to offer an American Pharoah Commemorative Saddletowel honoring America’s newest Triple Crown winner. These three items are now available for bid via eBay. Other premium items offered as part of the Festival’s silent auction on Saturday include original halters representing a who’s who in the thoroughbred stallion world and a very special vintage Meadow Stable desk jockey.

For those of you coveting one of the auction items but unable to attend the Sept. 19 Festival events in Paris, Kentucky… no worries. Simply bid from the comforts of home by filling out our absentee Proxy Bid Form and we can do the rest. And best of all, proxy bidders will receive a complimentary token of appreciation by simply placing their bid, making every proxy bidder a winner in their own way. This is one special auction you won’t want to miss! Click here for more Auction Information and Bidding

Secretariat “Hoofprint in History” Commemorative Golden Shoe
This is your chance see history made… and take your own piece of it home with you! Receive this fabulous limited gold edition commemorative shoe, cast from one of the actual race-worn winning racing plate of Big Red himself, with the purchase of a VIP Admission Ticket to the Sept. 20 “Hoofprint in History” Secretariat Guinness World Record Largest Horseshoe Attempt at the Kentucky Derby Museum.

Produced in a total edition of 250 pieces specifically for the record attempt unveiling, these limited edition keepsakes are each individually numbered and accompanied by a special gold-foiled certificate hand-signed by Penny Chenery and Ron Turcotte.

For those who cannot attend the Derby Museum event, there still is an opportunity to acquire one of these collectible mementos. Secretariat.com will be taking a wait-list for our extremely limited inventory of commemorative golden shoes that will be available for purchase following the unveiling event on a first-come basis. Contact information@secretariat.com to register your name for the shoe wait-list. Click Here for More “Hoofprint in History” Information

DavisHop on the Big Red Bus Excursion with Charlie Davis
If you are planning on catching the Big Red bus excursion for the Secretariat world record largest shoe attempt or Churchill Downs races in Louisville, we are delighted to announce you will be traveling in style with Secretariat’s entertaining exercise rider Charlie Davis! Don’t miss this unique chance to Let Charlie regale you with his favorite Big Red anecdotes and stable tales during the 75 minute scenic drive departing the Kentucky Horse Park on Sat 11:15 am.

Tickets for those who wish to enjoy live racing at Churchill Downs on Sunday, Sept. 20 as part of their Festival experience are now conveniently available for purchase on-line. Choose from the option of reserved clubhouse seating or the famous Millionaire’s Row which includes a delicious lunch buffet. Click Here for Churchill Downs Race Tickets

Festival News Odds & Ends
The Secretariat Festival has now added a new special edition Authentic Bluegrass Turf Shirt to the selection of color options for the official Secretariat Festival T-Shirt. Take a little bit of Kentucky home with you with these unique shirts dyed with actual Kentucky Bluegrass. Click Here to Purchase Turf Shirt

Make your reservations now for any of the Secretariat Festival special events including Claiborne, Adena Springs and Darley Farm Tours. Availability is beginning to fill up, so don’t get left at the gate – make your reservations now!

Each year at the Festival, the demand for autographs from Penny Chenery grows. Guarantee your autograph from the “First Lady of Racing” and a place at the front of the line with the purchase of an Advance Signature. Limited to only the first 25 purchasers, this premium service is the perfect solution to take the worry and waiting out of your autograph experience. Click Here for Advance Signature Purchase

Click here for Complete Festival Information

Secretariat Autumn Racing Memories
It was 42 years ago this week that Secretariat furthered his legend in the September 15, 1973 inaugural running of the Marlboro Cup. The Secretariat Festival pays tribute to this event by displaying the original Marlboro Cup Flag which debuted over Belmont Park for the auspicious occasion. This amazing piece of racing history measuring an enormous 16 feet in diameter will proudly be unfurled once again, this time from the Secretariat Festival rafters in the main Exhibition Hall. Don’t miss seeing this interesting racing artifact on public display for the first time in four decades!

Secretariat’s track record victory in the October 8, 1973 Man o’ War Stakes was an impressive feat its own right. To win in track record time over a stellar turf field and older horses is downright amazing. To honor that achievement we are delighted by the new photo release entitled “Lasting Legacy” capturing Penny Chenery and Ron Turcotte together as they proudly lead the Meadow Stable champion into the familiar winner’s circle at Belmont. Click Here to Purchase Lasting Legacy Photo

Secretariat.com
P.O. Box 4865
Louisville, Kentucky 40204
United States

Auctions, Community/Charity, Racing

September 7th Is Old Friends Day at Belterra Park

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Photo by Tim Wilson.

GEORGETOWN, KY – SEPTEMBER 3, 2015 – Monday September 7th is Old Friends Day at the Belterra Park Gaming & Entertainment Center in Cincinnati, OH.

The day will celebrate Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Facility in Georgetown, KY, that cares for more than 150 retired racehorses. There will be a silent auction of unique items and an opportunity to meet with 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 4:30 pm, the approximate start of the 6th race.

Among the items up for auction are Kentucky Derby photographs of American Pharoah and California Chrome, ladies jewelry, and a Silver Charm gift basket.

This year’s marquee item will be a collectible halter worn by three-time Santa Anita Handicap winner Game On Dude, who was retired to Old Friends in 2014.

Old Friends farm in Georgetown is home to over 100 of the non-profit organization’s 155 retirees, and star attractions include Hall of Fame Champion and 1997 Kentucky Derby winner Silver Charm, Ohio hero Catlaunch, Breeders’ Cup Champions Gulch and Amazombie and 2002 Belmont stakes winner Sarava. The farm is open to the public daily by appointment. For tour times and information, call (502) 863 1775.

Belterra Park, located at 6301 Kellogg Road in Cincinnati, OH 45230, features live racing along the beautiful Ohio River. The 2015 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.

Post time Monday for the first race is 1:45. For more information, contact the track (513) 232-8000.

Old Friends is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that cares for more than 110 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, Fundraisers, Racing

Old Friends Update and Event Tonight with American Pharoah Halter

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American Pharoah – Photo by Ronnie Betor.

Breaking News! Triple Crown winner American Pharoah’s authenticated halter will be up for auction at our cocktail party fundraiser tonight, Aug. 3, from 6-10 PM at Siro’s. Tickets available at the door!

From Michael:

All the horses are doing great.

The past few months have been great for Old Friends. From American Pharoah winning the Triple Crown and his trainer Bob Baffert donating $50,000 to Old Friends and three other worthy charities (the TAA, CARMA and the PDJF) to acquiring Genuine Risk’s son, Genuine Reward, it’s been quite a time. All the extra visitors coming to see Silver Charm and Game On Dude and, of course, Little Silver Charm, are putting a wonderful burden on our volunteers. And they’ve all stepped it up big time. Hall of Fame baseball player/manager, Joe Torre, came by to see Game On Dude and most of our other retirees.

But the future is where it’s at. We’ve got to work harder to get more room for more deserving retirees. With that in mind, we’ve signed leases with an option to buy on two additional, adjacent properties and an adjoining home. The properties increase our available acreage to more than 100. The home would allow us to re-open the bed and breakfast at Old Friends so people could stay at the farm.

Of course the big news is that the Yoshida family and everyone at Shadai Stallion in Japan have agreed to send War Emblem to Old Friends where the 2002 Derby-Preakness winner can be re-united with Sarava, who beat him in the Belmont. Like all the other great athletes we’ve brought back so they could be adored by all their fans, we need to raise the money for transportation, etc. In War Emblem’s case, and because they are so concerned with his health and safety, it would also involve transportation for his veterinarian and groom. And personally, I think this is a great idea. Instead of going after a mega-sponsor, we’d like this to be a grass roots effort. Here’s the deal: we are asking 300 supporters to donate $202. As a memento, each donor would receive a numbered certificate, signed by trainer Bob Baffert and jockey Victor Espinosa, designating them as a member of War Emblem’s inner circle. He or she would also receive a special invitation to join us at Old Friends for a special welcome home party. Let me know what you think.

There are some great activities planned in August for Old Friends. Tonight at Siro’s, there’s a great celebration for Old Friends at Cabin Creek led by jockey and Old Friends Board member, Rosie Napravnik. Tickets available at the door and are $100. On Aug. 7, at the resplendent Anne’s Washington Inn, we will present the annual Frankel Award at a cocktail party from 6pm to 8pm. Each year, this get-together attracts great old friends from Thoroughbred racing, including Todd Pletcher and his family, Javier Castellano, Angel Cordero, Jr., Cot Campbell, Sonny Taylor and many others. Special thanks to Kendall-Jackson wines, Mama Mia’s and, of course, Anne’s Washington Inn proprietor, Joe Bokan, for their generosity.

Make your plans to have a lot of fun at Old Friends Day at Kentucky Downs on Sept. 16. KD President Corey Johnson has designated the 1st Running of The Old Friends Stakes ($150,000) as the feature and all the other races will be named for other Old Friends past and present. We already have five retirees at Kentucky Downs, which is the first track in the nation to make room for retirees, all of whom are being cared for by the caring and capable, Lisa Salmon.

We’re working on more exciting news during the Keeneland meet and the highly anticipated Breeders’ Cup. Don’t forget our big celebration on Nov. 1 at the farm. We’re hoping that War Emblem and several other famous stallions will be ready to greet you.

New horses Genuine Reward and Archie’s Echo have settled in very nicely. Both are still in quarantine, but I hope you can visit in a few weeks when they are ready to receive visitors and have as much fun as we do every day. Personally, I want to thank everyone for allowing me to live a life that’s better than my dreams.

Vote for Michael

Vote for Michael Blowen for the “Rare Life Award”, presented by Eagle Rare Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey: http://eaglerarelife.com/content/michael-blowen.

It doesn’t cost anything; you don’t have to register or give any information. Just click “Vote for This Story” to be heard. You can vote once every 24 hours (on each device you may have, e.g. computer, cell phone, tablet), SO BOOKMARK THE PAGE AND VOTE OFTEN! Voting continues until January 1st 2016, and prizes are awarded in the spring.

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

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

Auctions, Classic Company, Community/Charity, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Atlanta Summer Classic Hosts the Annual Hope Clinic Fundraising Dinner

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The Atlanta Summer Classic is a proud supporter of the Hope Clinic and will again be hosting the Annual Outback Steakhouse Dinner and silent auction to benefit the Hope Clinic this Friday night, June 12 in the VIP tent adjacent to the Olympic Arena.

The Hope Clinic provides affordable alternatives to the hospital emergency room for the primary care/internal medicine medical needs of the uninsured in Gwinnett County, Georgia. The Hope Clinic was founded March 29, 2002 by Dr. William Martin. After 30 years of practicing internal medicine in Gwinnett County, Dr. William Martin was seeing a trend he couldn’t ignore – an ever-growing number of needy patients falling through the cracks of the medical system.

He frequently saw patients get denied access to medical care because of their inability to pay or because their diagnoses left them uninsurable. Not only did this often result in personal, medical and economic tragedy for the patient and his or her family, it created an additional burden on existing ER facilities and ultimately, the entire community. Dr. Martin answered the call not only with a clinic that would provide healthcare for the community, but with an innovative and compassionate solution that benefits those who need it most.

The Hope Clinic’s mission is to provide the very highest quality of medical care to those with limited or no access to healthcare and to treat each patient with the utmost respect and kindness without regard to language, national origin, or ability to pay.

A total of 3,159 patients were served in 2014. Total visits provided by the Hope Clinic in 2014 were 7,538. 56% of all patients are female with 46% of Hope’s patients being Female Head of Household. 17.3% of the Hope Clinic’s female patients are totally dependent on others for food, shelter and clothing and considered indigent. Services include Chronic Care Management for those suffering multiple diagnosis, mental health care, well women care and acute care. The Hope Clinic’s goal is to provide a medical home to those who need it the most.

The Outback Steakhouse Charity dinner raises approximately $30,000 each year towards the Hope Clinic’s mission to provide services to the uninsured and indigent of Metro Atlanta through sponsorships and ticket sales. Outback Steakhouse will provide a buffet style menu at the VIP tent located at the Olympic Stadium during the Six Bar Class, presented by Regions Private Wealth Management. A silent auction is held during the event to raise money for the Hope Clinic. A cash bar is available as well. Tickets are $25 each or $200 for a table of 8.

Please join the Classic Company in giving back to a most deserving, local charity. Tickets are available in the show office.

  • Friday, June 12: The Outback Steakhouse Dinner to benefit the Hope Clinic during the $10,000 Six Bar Class, presented by Regions Wealth Management
  • Saturday, June 13: $35,000 Outback Steakhouse Grand Prix
  • Friday, June 19: $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby
  • Saturday, June 20: $35,000 Atlanta Summer Classic Grand Prix, presented by EMO

VIP opens at 6:30 pm. Tables of 8 are $450 per week and a cash bar is available each week. Be sure to see the office and purchase your table now for the best views, meals and events at the Atlanta Summer Classic. For those on the run, feel free to call Grace at 843.786.5503 to reserve your table.

The Atlanta Summer Classic is the first stop on the Great Magnolia Show Jumping Tour which combines three show-destination circuits. The Olympic spirit of the Atlanta Summer Classic, Brownland Farm’s pastoral venue in close proximity to America’s music scene in Nashville, Tennessee and the show-cation destination of the Charleston Summer Classic on Johns Island, South Carolina make up the Tour that offers more!

The Classic Company is a USHJA’s Members Choice Award winner, recognized for producing top quality show jumping events in the United States. For more information on Classic Company and its exhibitor-friendly, top quality hunter jumper events, please visit them at classiccompany.com or call them at 843-768-5503.

All sponsorship, marketing and press inquiries should be directed to Lisa Engel, Sponsorship, Marketing and Public Relations Director at lisa@classiccompany.com.

Stay up to date: Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter!

See you at the ring,
Bob Bell
The Classic Company, Ltd.
www.ClassicCompany.com
Phone/FAX: (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311 Johns Island SC 29457

Auctions, Community/Charity, Dressage

A Lucky Winner Will “Dress for Success” at America’s Equestrians Got Talent Finale

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At the “America’s Equestrians Got Talent” Finale at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival, The Horse of Course will auction off this “Dress for Success” outfit, worth approximately $4,000 (Photo courtesy of JRPR)

Wellington, FL (March 12, 2015) – “I live my life for dressage,” said Beth Haist, the CEO of The Horse of Course. “I can’t imagine a better cause than to get our riders to the Olympics, to the Pan American games, and to everywhere else where they can compete for the U.S.” The Horse of Course’s next endeavor to help its beloved dressage riders succeed is to provide a generous donation — worth approximately $4,000 — to “America’s Equestrians Got Talent,” a competition presented by the United States Equestrian Team Foundation (USET Foundation). The unique, exciting competition serves as a fundraiser to send riders to the world’s prestigious show rings. The finale of America’s Equestrians Got Talent will take place at the Global Dressage Festival in Wellington, Florida at the VIP tent and in the international arena, on March 15. This marks the event’s third year.

The Horse of Course’s donation to America’s Equestrians Got Talent takes the form of a “Dress for Success” package that will be available for auction. The package includes a helmet, a shadbelly, a show shirt, britches, an Otto Schumacker belt, boots, and a stock tie. “It’s the perfect outfit from head to toe,” said Haist. This fabulous prize package will help the USET Foundation support dressage riders, as well as provide one lucky rider with an incredible show outfit. “The money raised will benefit the High Performance riders and teams for the upcoming International events, the World Cup, and the Pan American Games,” explains Anne Cizadlo from the USET Foundation. “If the winner of the Talent show is from a discipline other than dressage, then 10% of the money raised will go to that performers sport. Additionally, a percentage of the proceeds from this event will be distributed among the eight International disciplines sponsored by USET.”

The “America’s Equestrians Got Talent” competition is a fun, interactive event that allows the audience to get in on the action by voting for their favorite talented performer. “Everyone on site will be able to vote from their phones for a $5 donation to help pick the winner of the night,” said Cizadlo. “General admission tickets are available in the bleachers and for standing room so that everyone can attend and watch the show from the sidelines. It will also be live streamed so that folks can watch at home.” The Wellington community may be accustomed to seeing these top riders competing on horseback in the winter show series, but this is a unique opportunity to see them competing with a song and a microphone, instead! Everyone is encouraged to get a ticket to watch these equestrian superstars become stars of the stage, as well.

The Horse of Course is a full-service tack shop located in the historic downtown of Claremore, Oklahoma. The shop carries tack and show clothing for the English rider, creating a one-stop location for tack and apparel for both dressage and hunter/jumper equestrians. The Horse of Course also has an online shop so that even more riders can benefit from the quality items and attentive customer service that the store has to offer. Currently, the store’s mobile tack shop is at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival to show its continued support of dressage and provide equestrians with everything they could need before entering the show ring. For more information about The Horse of Course, visit www.thehorseofcourse.com or call 888-494-6773.

From Jane Savoie,

As promised, I’m sending you the info on the America’s Equestrians Got Talent Finale. You can watch it LIVE this Sunday, March 15 at 7PM EDT at www.coth.com.

Voting starts at 7PM!

Remember, this is a fundraiser for our Equestrian Teams so be a part of team USA by voting lots of times! And of course you can always vote for me and my dance partner Clifton Sepulveda 😉

Each finalist has a unique keyword. From a smartphone, you can text 41444 and the keyword JaneS.

GO TEAM USA!

Jane

Contact: The Horse of Course, Inc.
Beth Haist, CEO
888-49-HORSE (46773)
www.thehorseofcourse.com
beth@thehorseofcourse.com