Tag Archives: Old Friends

Community/Charity, Racing

Old Friends Breeders’ Cup Celebration

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Breeders’ Cup Sprint Champion Gulch (Photo by EquiSport)

Sunday, November 1st
Tickets Available Now

GEORGETOWN, KY – JULY 15, 2015 – Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Farm in Georgetown, KY, will host a special Breeder’s Cup Celebration on Sunday, November 1st, 2015 from 12:00 pm to 3 pm.

Tickets are $25 for the general public, $15 for shareholders and Old Friends members and can be reserved now by contacting the farm at (502) 863-1775.

The day will include a BBQ buffet by Furlong’s Catering, farm tours, live music and both live and silent auctions of racing memorabilia, collectible stallion halters, photography and other artwork — much of which will celebrate winners of past Breeders’ Cup races.

Over the years, Old Friends has retired more than 25 Breeders’ Cup winners or contenders, among them:

Gulch – winner of the1988 BC Sprint
*Prized – winner of the 1989 BC Turf
*Black Tie Affair – winner of the 1991 BC Classic
*Fraise – winner of the 1992 BC Turf
Eldaafer, winner – 2010 BC Marathon
Amazombie, winner – 2011 BC sprint
*Sunshine Forever – 2nd in the 1988 BC Turf
Silver Charm – 2nd in the 1998 BC Classic
Game On Dude – 2nd in the 2011 BC Classic
Rail Trip – 3rd in 2011 BC Dirt Mile

*Now Deceased

“With the Breeders’ Cup here in Lexington at Keeneland this year we hope fans will include us in their plans and come out for the day to see these wonderful past Breeders’ Cup stars,” said Old Friends founder and president Michael Blowen. “It’s a great way to celebrate the new winners and also the history of the Championships.”

For additional information or to reserve a ticket, please call the farm at (502) 863-1775.

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 or Sylvia Stiller, (502) 863-1775, sylvia@oldfriendsequine.org

Community/Charity, Racing

American Pharoah Trainer Bob Baffert Makes Charitable Donation to Old Friends

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Trainer Bob Baffert and his son, Bode, visit with Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Silver Charm at Old Friends. (Photo by Tim Wilson)

GEORGETOWN, KY – JUNE 8, 2015 – Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Facility in Georgetown, KY, will be the recipient of a $50,000 donation from Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert and his wife, Jill.

Baffert’s American Pharoah swept the coveted Triple Crown — the first in 37 years — when he won the Belmont Stakes on June 6.

Immediately following the horse’s victory the Bafferts pledged a $50,000 donation each to four charitable organizations: Old Friends, The Permanently Disabled Jockey Fund, The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and CARMAcares.

Old Friends is the retirement home of three of Baffert’s former trainees: Derby contender Danthebluegrassman, multiple grade 1 winning fan favorite Game On Dude and 1997 Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Silver Charm.

Baffert visited Old Friends just prior to this year’s Kentucky Derby where he saw Silver Charm for the first time in more than a decade.

“I want to share this; I want to make sure that those horses that we really love — we have to take care of them,” Baffert said following American Pharoah’s Belmont victory. “Win, lose, or draw, I was going to do it.”

“We are so grateful to Bob and Jill for this wonderful gift,” said Michael Blowen, president and founder of Old Friends. “The thrill and excitement of the first Triple Crown in 37 years would have been enough, but their generosity is unsurpassed, as is their love and dedication to the horses.” Blowen added.

“Everyone at Old Friends wishes to congratulate Bob and Jill and American Pharoah’s owners the Zayat family on their historic victory, and for sharing their wonderful horse with all of his fans.”

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 or Michael Blowen, (502) 863-1775, michael@oldfriendsequine.org

Art/Photography, Fundraisers, Racing

Old Friends to Launch Booster Campaign Featuring Artwork by Daily Racing Funnies

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GEORGETOWN, KY – JUNE 8, 2015 – Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Facility in Georgetown, KY, is launching a quarterly Booster campaign that will offer a seasonal T-shirt with artwork by Daily Racing Funnies.

Booster is an online crowdfunding site for charitable causes that revolves around selling custom T-shirts directly to supporters. This first campaign, “Summertime”, will run for two weeks beginning June 8 and the goal will be to sell 50 t-shirts.

The first Booster shirt will feature Old Friends’ equine retirees enjoying such summertime activities as swimming, having a picnic, boating and enjoying barbequed carrots. A new shirt with a seasonal design will be available in Fall, Winter and next Spring.

To view the shirts or to order, visit http://www.booster.com/oldfriendsummertime.

The unisex T-shirts are made of 100 percent Gildan Ultra Cotton and the designs are rendered in full color. The price is $20 with $5 for shipping and handling and all proceeds go directly to Old Friends. There is no additional shipping and handling on multiple orders.

The San Diego-based Daily Racing Funnies has been creating whimsical horseracing-themed comics via its website including humorous looks at such champions as Take Charge Brandi, California Chrome and American Pharoah.

To learn more about Rick and Marcy (Mel) of Daily Racing Funnies, visit their website at www.dailyracingfunnies.com or join their Fan Page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/drfmel.

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 or Sylvia Stiller, (502) 863-1775, sylvia@oldfriendsequine.org

Community/Charity

Old Friends – The Kentucky Bourbon Affair

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Forti Dei Marmi and Starspangled Heat – their first day turned out together. Photo © Tim Wilson.

We’re so proud to announce that Old Friends has been chosen by the Kentucky Distillers Association as one of the charitable beneficiaries of 2015’s Kentucky Bourbon Affair™, the five-day Bourbon fantasy camp that will be held June 3-7.

Tickets are still available; if you’re interested in attending or would like more information, go to www.kybourbonaffair.com.

Meanwhile, the KDA’s Brittany Allison asked us to share this recap of events and a special discount promo code that’s exclusive to Old Friends supporters.

June 3-7th the Kentucky Bourbon Affair is returning to Louisville and we don’t want you to miss a moment.

The Kentucky Bourbon Affair is the ultimate Bourbon fantasy camp featuring exclusive behind-the-scenes tours, private barrel selections and specialty events at the world’s most iconic distilleries. Nightcap events highlighting Louisville’s Bourbon culture and KY Proud cuisine will be offered each evening.

With 45 total unique experiences, spread across five days, there is something for everyone. Three distinctive Louisville events are highlighted below. To view the full list of programming, please check here. The options can be overwhelming (in a good way). Please call our office at 502.875.9351 for assistance planning your adventure and to make the ticket buying process easy.

As a distinguished supporter of Old Friends, you qualify for a 25% discount on all Kentucky Bourbon Affair events. The discount code is KDA1880. Membership has its privileges! Three events happening in Louisville are highlighted below.

Bourbon under the Rocks | 7-9pm | Louisville Mega Caverns

Kentucky’s limestone shelf produces the sweetest water supply in the world – this precious water is what makes our Thoroughbreds fast and our Bourbon delicious. Descend below Louisville’s city lights into the 100 acre man-made limestone cavern for a night of delectable adventure. Guests are invited to test their strength and agility on the only completely underground areal ropes course and zip line in the world. Sample daring Bourbon cocktails and extreme Kentucky cuisine. “Rock out” to Louisville’s original Bourbon Jazz Band, Billy Goat Strut Revue. We guarantee you have never experienced a cocktail party like this before. Leave your little black dress at home. For the full experience you will want to dress casual and wear closed-toed shoes. When was the last time you had to sign a waiver to attend a cocktail party?

CasaBourblanca | 7-9pm | Bowman Air Field

Just picture it – the scene, laid-back all white tropical elegant lifestyle. Enjoy a refreshing white dog Mojito under the cool evening night. Savor the flavor of a freshly cut cigar while listening to a live pianist play “As Time Goes By”. Indulge your desires with some of the most premium sough after Bourbons inside the hangar. Taste farm fresh Kentucky delicacies prepared by talented chefs from Louisville – named a top foodie city. While we are pouring the Bourbon and Mojitos, the party will heat up with dancing and live music.

Polo on the Waterfront | 11am – 3pm | Waterfront Park, Louisville

The morning’s festivities will kick off with a premium VIP Kentucky Proud brunch overlooking the Ohio River. A five-course meal will be served on a beautiful salvaged barn-wood table adorned with gorgeous wildflowers. And of course we will have plenty of Bourbon to sample thanks to Heaven Hill Distilleries, Jim Beam, Michter’s and Town Branch. Following brunch, four polo teams will compete to be the Kentucky Bourbon Affair polo champion. In addition to the polo match, general admission guests will enjoy a festival-like atmosphere with multiple activations including an onsite Kentucky Proud farmers market where guests can purchase products directly. And don’t forget the match-side tailgating spots which are perfect for a group of friends to have some of the best seats available.

Please remember to always enjoy Kentucky Bourbon responsibly!

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

Art/Photography, Community/Charity

Paintings of Old Friends Retirees Featured on New Website from Artist Dagmar Galleithner Steiner

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Portrait of Kentucky Derby winner Silver Charm by Dagmar Galleithner Steiner, original pastel on Clairefontaine Pastelmat (photo courtesy of Kate Hunter).

GEORGETOWN, KY – MAY 26, 2015 – Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Facility in Georgetown, KY, is pleased to announced the launch of Dagmar Galleithner Steiner’s new fine-art website, which will offer for sale original pastel, pencil, and watercolor portraits of Old Friends retirees.

The artwork, which has been three years in the making, will be featured in Galleithner Steiner’s forthcoming book In the Company of Old Friends.

A portion of the proceeds from online sales will benefit Old Friends, a 501 (C) (3) charitable organization that cares for more than 150 former racehorses.

To view and purchase the images, visit the website at http://www.dagmar-galleithner.com or contact the artist at (626) 999-6213 or by email at info@dagmar-galleithner.com.

Many of Galleithner Steiner’s original canvases are based on photographs taken by such equine photographers as Barbara Livingston, Matt and Wendy Wooly of Equisport Photos, Rick Capone, Laura Battles, Candace Chavez, Suzie Picou-Oldham, John C. Engelhardt, and many others.

The featured Old Friends retirees include Kentucky Derby winner Silver Charm, Eclipse Award winner Sunshine Forever, Breeders’ Cup Champion Gulch, Hall of Famer Precisionist, and fan favorites Ogygian and Clever Allemont.

Original canvases vary in size and range from $1,800 to $8,600. Print reproductions of three images — Silver Charm, Ferdinand and Ogygian — are also available. They have been created in limited editions of 450, with each signed and numbered by the artist. In the coming months all of the images will be available as prints.

Galleithner Steiner was raised in Germany, and horses have been a part of her life since childhood. During college she spent a great deal of time at the harness racetrack in Munich, helping to retrain and re-home horses done with their racing careers. It was at the tracks, both harness and Thoroughbred, that Steiner earned her first commissions as a painter from various owners and trainers who wanted portraits of their horses.

She is married to jockey Joe J. Steiner and now lives in Southern California.

Galleithner Steiner’s work can be seen in private collections around the world. She has also donated paintings and prints to numerous equine aftercare programs around the country, including Southern California Thoroughbred Rescue, Save a Forgotten Equine (SAFE), CANTER California, Thoroughbred Charities of America and Old Friends.

Most recently Galleithner Steiner was commissioned to do the official portrait of 2014 Pacific Classic winner, Shared Belief.

“It would be a mistake to classify Dagi as just an ‘equine’ artist,” said Michael Blowen, president and founder of Old Friends. “Her talent is enormous, and she is very accomplished. But we’re thrilled that she has made horses — especially our Old Friends retirees — her subject of choice. Her style perfectly captures their beauty, their grace and, more importantly, their soul.”

About Old Friends

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 or Michael Blowen, (502) 863-1775, michael@oldfriendsequine.org

Community/Charity, Fundraisers

Old Friends Annual Homecoming Is May 3rd

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PHOTO: Silver Charm by Laura Battles.

GEORGETOWN, KY – APRIL 22, 2015 – Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Farm in Georgetown, KY, will host its Annual Homecoming on Sunday May 3rd, 2015 from 2 pm to 6 pm.

The event is an open house and fundraiser and 2015 marks its 11th year. Tickets are $25 for the general public and $15 for shareholders and Old Friends members. Reservations can be made by contacting the farm at (502) 863-1775 or by visiting the website at www.oldfriendsequine.org.

The day will include a barbeque buffet by Furlong’s Catering, farm tours, music by Shades of Grass and live and silent auctions of racing memorabilia, photography, artwork, jewelry, pottery, books and much more.

Also being auctioned are numerous collectible stallion halters. Among them: Mucho Macho Man, Gio Ponti, War Front, Will Take Charge and Giant’s Causeway.

A highlight of the event will be a special Paddock of Champions meet-and-greet with Old Friends’ newest retirees: Three-time Santa Anita Handicap winner Game On Dude, Breeders’ Cup Champion Amazombie, and 1997 Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Silver Charm, who was recently re-patriated from Japan and retired to Old Friends.

Also on hand this year will be the hot pink Spotz Gelato truck familiar to many Lexingtonians. The ice cream vendors will be selling homemade, small-batch gelato in custom flavors inspired by Old Friends horses, such as Sarava’s Sriacha and Zippy Chippy’s Rocky Road.

For additional information or to reserve a ticket, please call the farm at (502) 863-1775.

About Old Friends

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 or Michael Blowen, (502) 863-1775, michael@oldfriendsequine.org

Racing

Old Friends’ Upcoming Events, Gary Stevens Visits and the Final Hat

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Silver Charm – photo © Rick Capone.

The torrential rains over the past few weeks finally are giving way to sunshine and warmer temperatures. The good news is that the grass is greener than ever and all the retirees are having a ball. Last Tuesday, jockey Gary Stevens, along with his wife Angie and daughter Maddie, had a wonderful reunion with Silver Charm – Gary’s favorite horse. They really appreciate what these great athletes have done to improve all of our lives. The reunion was shot by a crew from NBC and will be part of their Derby coverage so everyone can see how much it meant to Gary. Once again, thanks to Mr. Matsuda, the JBBA, Beverly and Jeff Lewis and Sandy Hatfield at Three Chimneys Farm for allowing us to care for my favorite racehorse.

Thanks to Lovely Maria, winner of the Ashland Stakes for Larry Jones, Kerwin Clark and one of our best friends, Brereton C. Jones. A few days before the race, Brereton called and told me that if she won the Ashland, he would donate $20,000 to Old Friends. The check arrived this week.

Game On Dude has thrown me over for his new paddock pal, Yankee Fourtune. He would always come when I called and energetically devour a handful or two of carrots and a Jolly Rancher candy. Now, I’m like the ex-wife. I’m sure Dude is really looking forward to seeing Bob and Jill and Bode Baffert in the coming weeks.

The spring has also brought new and old friends to the farm to see our new and old retirees. Thanks to all of them and to all of our supporters whose generosity helped get us through this tough winter. I wish everyone could visit and see how your donations are directly reflected in the health of the horses.

The You and I hat!

Another gorgeous and original hand crafted chapeau by Sally Steinmann of MAGGIE MAE DESIGNS®. Sally’s hard work and generosity has raised over $24,000 for our horses! Auction ends April 11th 8PM EST.

hatThe seventh hat up for bid in our auction series honors the Florida-bred multiple graded stakes winner, You and I. You and I is perhaps best remembered for his 1995 Metropolitan Handicap (Grade 1) victory. He is also the sire of millionaire filly, You. This nearly jet black son of Kris S. went on to sire 14 other stakes winners who earned a total of $12 million.

As always, many many thanks to Shea and Julien for their support!

A very special thank you goes to Matt and Wendy Wooley of Equisport Photos for their photo shoots and videos. Thank you as well to Bella Rose Clothing Boutique, Lexington, Kentucky for furnishing the stunning dresses for the photo shoots.

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

Racing

Grade 1 Winner Ogygian Dead at 32

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PHOTO: Ogygian at Old Friends, by Connie Bush.

GEORGETOWN, KY – MARCH 15, 2015 – Ogygian, the oldest pensioner at Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement facility in Georgetown, KY, was euthanized Saturday, March 14, due to complications from colic. The son of the great Damascus was 32.

The Florida-bred Ogygian was the last of Old Friends’s trio of flagship stallions that were returned to the United States from Japan in the early days of the organization. These include Sunshine Forever, who passed away in 2013, and Creator, who succumbed to colic on February 28 of this year.

Ogygian was repatriated in 2005 along with Breeders’ Cup Champion Fraise, courtesy of Fraise’s owner, Madeleine Paulson-Pickens.

Ogygian (Damascus – Gonfalon, Francis S) was considered one of the fastest runners of his generation. As a 2-year-old, he was unbeaten in three starts, including a stunning victory over champion sprinter Groovy in the 1985 Belmont Futurity (G1). As a 3-year-old he vanquished the competition in the Riva Ridge Stakes, the Dwyer Stakes (G1) and Jerome Handicap (G1).

Trained by Jan Nerud, Ogygian won seven of his 10 starts and was undefeated in Grade 1 company. He retired with earnings of $455,520.

A homebred for Tartan Farms, Ogygian began his breeding career at Claiborne Farms in 1995 before relocating to East Stud in Japan. He sired 23 stakes winners, including such North American graded winners as D’Hallevant, Dice Dancer, Ramblin Guy, and Fly’n J Bryan.

A significant broodmare sire, he is the damsire of international juvenile champion Johannesburg, multiple Grade I winners Street Boss and Gygistar and multiple Grade II winner Friendly Island.

“When Ogygian first arrived, I received an unexpected phone call from turf writer Russ Harris,” said Michael Blowen, president and founder of Old Friends. “He said to me, ‘I saw Secretariat and Seattle Slew and all the big races for several decades, and you, sir, have the greatest horse I ever laid eyes on.’ I couldn’t agree more.

“We are honored that Ogygian allowed us to care for him for these past 10 years,” Blowen added. “He was one-of-a-kind.”

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

About Old Friends

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: Michael Blowen, (502) 863-1775, michael@oldfriendsequine.org

Community/Charity, Racing

Graded-Stakes Winner Williamstown Dead at 25

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Williamstown at Old Friends. Photo by Rick Capone.

GEORGETOWN, KY – FEBRUARY 26, 2015 – Graded-stakes winner Williamstown has died. The 25-year-old son of Seattle Slew was euthanized on February 25 due to complications caused by the neurological disease EPM.

Williamstown had been pensioned at Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Farm in Georgetown, KY, since 2007. Michael Blowen, founder and president of Old Friends, made the announcement of his passing this morning.

As a racehorse, Williamstown (Seattle Slew – Winter Sparkle, Northjet) scored his biggest win in the 1993 Withers Stakes (GR2) at Belmont Park in track-record time of 1:32.79 for owner Peter W. Willmott. It was considered one of the fastest miles in racing history.

Williamstown’s three-year career included wins in other stakes, and seconds in the Jerome Handicap (G1) and King’s Bishop (G2), among others. In all, Williamstown won five of his 24 starts and earned $360,884. He was also successful as a stallion, siring 15 stakes winners, including graded winner Vinemeister.

Williamstown was pensioned from stud duty in 2007 after proving infertile. The Central Kentucky insurance firm Aubrey Insurance took possession of the horse and tried to place him in an equine program at University of Minnesota, but he did not fit their needs. Plans to euthanize Williamstown were underway when an employee at Aubrey decided to contact Blowen at Old Friends.

“I’ll never forget the day, nearly eight years ago, when a woman named Lisa called from Frank Aubrey Insurance and asked us if we had room for a horse named Williamstown,” recalled Blowen. “I was thrilled. I had visited Williamstown years earlier at Saratoga when Peter Vestal trained him. Over the years, his kind owner Peter Willmott visited Williamstown many times and was a generous supporter.

“Like his sire, Seattle Slew, Williamstown knew he could be very imperious,” Blowen added. “But he earned it, and he’ll be missed.”

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

About Old Friends

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 or Michael Blowen, (502) 863-1775, michael@oldfriendsequine.org

Auctions, Community/Charity

“Hats Off to the Horses: The Road to the Derby” Continues with a Chapeau Inspired by Catlaunch

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Shea and Julien Leparoux with Catlaunch.  Shea models the Catlaunch hat. Dress by Bella Rose Boutique, photo © and courtesy of EquiSport Photos.

GEORGETOWN, KY – JANUARY 5, 2015 – The online fashion auction “Hats Off to the Horses: The Road to the Derby” continues with a fourth beautiful 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 Catlaunch – the multiple Ohio Horse of the Year who won a remarkable 40 races, including 22 stakes, and earned more than $1.1 million. The beautiful chapeau will be modeled by Shea Leparoux accompanied by her husband, leading jockey Julien Leparoux.

This is the sixth 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 150 retired racehorses.

Bidding on “The Catlaunch” ends at 8 pm on January 11th. Interested bidders can go to the Old Friends website at www.oldfriendsequine.org and follow the link.

Steinmann felt an elegant, statuesque chapeau was needed to honor this beloved racing star. The resulting design reflects Catlaunch’s bay coloring, his friendly, affectionate personality and his racing silk colors of green-blue, pink and golden yellow.

The foundation was fashioned as a classic top hat, this one made of luminous turquoise taffeta. A large pink rose curl, nestled in a “shades-of-blue” medley of organza leaves, adorns the front, while a trio of soft blue buttons embellishes the back. The hat is finished with a sash of crinkled mahogany taffeta and a delicate mocha veil that drapes down over the wearer’s face. Lastly, as a physical remembrance, several strands of the gelding’s tail hair were braided and woven into the trim.

For more information and additional photos of the hat, please visit: http://www.maggiemae.com/OldFriendsAuction-Hat-Catlaunch.htm.

For a behind-the-scenes video of Shea’s and Julien’s photo shoot, visit http://vimeo.com/115581281.

For Sally’s blog interview with Shea and Julien Leparoux, visit: http://wp.me/p30hfe-1CD.

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

For more information about Old Friends, see their website at www.oldfriendsequine.org or call the farm at (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 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 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.