GEORGETOWN, KY – FEBRUARY 5, 2013 – “Hats Off to the Horses: The Road to the Derby,” the 4th Annual Online Charity Auction produced by Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Facility, and custom millinery Maggie Mae Designs, continued February 1st as bidding opened on a new handcrafted Kentucky Derby Hat.
Old Friends opened bidding on “The Popcorn Deelites,” a beautiful chapeau honoring the gelding more famous for his role in the film Seabiscuit than his years in the claiming ranks on the racetrack.
Bidding will be conducted for 10 days only. Go to the Old Friends website at www.oldfriendsequine.org and follow the link. The hat can also be viewed by visiting www.maggiemaedesigns.com.
This is the fourth of six unique creations by milliner Sally Faith Steinmann of Maggie Mae Designs that will be auctioned this season. Each of the six Steinmann pieces will be inspired by one of the pensioned racehorses at Old Friends. All proceeds will benefit the non-profit.
Popcorn Deelites, the son of Grade 1 winner Afternoon Deelites (also an Old Friends resident), was a low-level claimer whose career took a turn when he was cast as one of the eight horses to play Seabiscuit in the Oscar-nominated film. A blood-bay with dark points, just like the Depression-era hero himself, Pops did accumulate 11 wins in his six-year career, and earned nearly $60,000.
Steinman’s whimsical Popcorn Deelites hat plays off the gelding’s movie-star status. Seabiscuit’s recognizable red and white racing silks provide the color palette and playful polka dots and elegant trimmings accent the design.
The hat’s foundation was created using black and white polka dot cotton lined and the under brim is lined with red silk. A sash of a scarlet taffeta encircles the base and culminates in an off-center poppy made out of two layers of red silk organza.
“I was told that one of Popcorn Deelites’s nicknames is ‘Poppy’,” says Steinmann. “This offered the perfect floral imagery for the trim centerpiece.”
As always, a physical remembrance is included. Several strands of Popcorn Deelites tail hairs have been braided into the trim, resulting in a one-of-a-kind Derby chapeau.
Bidding began February 1st at 8 pm. To bid, go to www.oldfriendsequine.org and follow the link. The auction will be open for 10 days only. For additional information, contact Cynthia Grisolia at cagrisolia@yahoo.com (347-423-7322) or Maggie Mae Designs at sally@maggiemae.com (508-430-1626).
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.
About Old Friends
Old Friends is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that cares for more than 115 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.