“Hats Off to the Horses: The Road to The Derby” Online Auction of Kentucky Derby Hats Continues with a Chapeau Inspired by Breeders’ Cup Champion Prized

Proceeds to Benefit Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement

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GEORGETOWN, KY – NOVEMBER 30, 2011 – “Hats Off to the Horses: The Road to the Derby,” a charity auction of fashionable Kentucky Derby Hats, continues December 1st as bidding opens on “The Prized.”

“The Prized” hat is the second chapeau to go on the virtual block in this six-month-long auction, which kicked off November 1st.

Proceeds from this exclusive event benefit Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Facility in central Kentucky, and features beautiful hats handcrafted by milliner Sally Faith Steinmann of Maggie Mae Designs.

Each of the six unique designs are inspired by one of the pensioned racehorses at Old Friends, and a new hat will be offered for bid each month leading up to the most exciting two minutes in sports, the Kentucky Derby, held in 2012 on May 5th at Churchill Downs in Louisville, KY.

Bidding on the “Prized” hat will be conducted for 10 days only on the Old Friends website at www.oldfriendsequine.org. The hat can be viewed now by visiting www.maggiemaedesigns.com.

About Prized
The 25-year-old Prized, now a retiree at Old Friends, was bred by Florida’s Meadowbrook Farm, which campaigned him along with Clover Racing Stables. Prized raced on both the dirt and the turf and had total career earnings of more than $2.2 million.

In 1989 Prized won the GR 1 Molson Million at Woodbine and the GR2 Swaps Stakes at Hollywood Park where he famously upset Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Sunday Silence. Later that year the dark bay stallion became a Breeders’ Cup Champions after capturing the GR 1 BC Turf at Gulf Stream Park.

Retired to stud in 1991, Prized is the sire of multiple stakes winner Brass Hat.

About the Hat
The green and black racing silks of Clover Racing Stable provided the color palette for this stunning new Derby hat. The green tone also commemorates the stallion’s victory on grass in the BC Turf race.

The centerpiece of the trim design is an enormous floral Marguerite created in alternating layers of spring green organza and clover taffeta. In the heart of the flower is a medley of green beads and a single black pebble button that is meant to capture Prized’s steady, sparkling eye.

The Marguerite is framed by an assortment of black satin leaves.

Perhaps one of the most unique features of this amazing Derby hat is the Maggie Mae Designs signature trim of black silk organza “feathers.” These wispy additions curve gracefully around the hat and over the brim edge.

The “Prized” hat also features a physical remembrance of the horse: Several strands of tail hair have been woven into the trim. And for the finishing touch, a black silk organza bow with black satin knot was set into the back, making the design captivating from every angle.

The first day of bidding on “The Prized” will be after 8 pm on December 1st, and the auction will be available for 10 days only. Interested bidders can view the hat and learn more about Steinmann by visiting www.maggiemaedesigns.com and following the auction link.

To bid, go to www.oldfriendsequine.org and follow the link.

For additional information contact Cynthia Grisolia at cagrisolia@yahoo.com (347-423-7322) or Maggie Mae Designs at info@maggiemae.com (508-430-1626).

For additional information about Old Friends or any of its retired champions, see the website at www.oldfriendsequine.org or call (502) 863-1775.

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 and unique bridal wear and handsome cocktail fashions. Owner Sally Faith Steinmann personally handcrafts every design.  Salons of her fashions can be viewed at www.maggiemaedesigns.com.

Old Friends is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that cares for more than 100 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, cagrisolia@yahoo.com, or Maggie Mae Designs (508-430-1626), info@maggiemae.com

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