Friday, March 7, 2014

5th Annual "Hats Off to the Horses: The Road to the Derby"

Old Friends, Inc.Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: Cynthia Grisolia, (347) 423-7322cindy@oldfriendsequine.org or Michael Blowen(502) 863-1775 michael@oldfriendsequine.org

Photo of Silver Ray and Rosie Napravnik © equisportphotos.com (photo can be used free of charge only in relation to this press release)

Proceeds from the online fashion auction 

to benefit Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Facility.



GEORGETOWN, KY - JANUARY 13, 2014 - Leading jockey Rosie Napravnik dons a one-of-a-kind Kentucky Derby chapeau to support the 5th Annual "Hats Off to the Horses: The Road to the Derby," an online hat auction that raises money for Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Facility in Central Kentucky.

One of the most successful female jockeys in horse racing, Napravnik is also an avid Old Friends supporter and a member of its board of directors. Napravnik kicked off the 5th Annual auction in November by modeling a stunning hat inspired by Old Friends retiree Sean Avery, the GR1 winning sprinter.

The fashion hat auction continues with Napravnik showing  "The Silver Ray," another handcrafted design influenced by one of the retired Thoroughbreds at Old Friends.

The photos for this "Hats off to the Horses" campaign are by Equisport Photos and Napravnik's ensembles are courtesy of the Lexington boutique Bella Rose.

This is the fifth consecutive year that Old Friends has joined with acclaimed milliner Sally Faith Steinmann of the Massachusetts-based Maggie Mae Designs® to auction six handcrafted Kentucky Derby hats, each inspired by one of the non-profit organization's 120 retired racehorses.   One hat is auctioned each month leading up to the 2014 running of the Kentucky Derby.   To date, this unique fundraiser has earned almost $20,000 for Old Friends.

"I am a big fan of Old Friends and its mission," says Napravnik. "I always keep in mind that a horse may be win a Breeders' Cup race this year but next year they may need a place to reside in retirement."

Bidding on "The Silver Ray" ends March 11th at 8p.m. EST. Interested bidders can go to the Old Friends website at www.oldfriendsequine.org and follow the link.

For a video of Napravnik's photo shoots visit http://vimeo.com/86933169.

About Silver Ray:
Silver Ray, raced by Jerry and Ann Moss, competed from 1991 through 1995. He earned graded stakes laurels in the Hoist the Flag Stakes (G3) at Hollywood Park and also
won at Santa Anita and Keeneland in sprints and at two turns, on both turf and dirt. When the aging stallion was discovered in need, the Mosses worked with Old Friends to ensure his safe retirement.

About the Hat:
An elegant Derby hat design was created with a unique blend of colors, tones and textures that showcases Silver Ray's nearly black coloring along with the imagery of his name, his gracious, friendly personality and the Mosses' racing silk colors of teal and pink.

The design was fashioned out of a rich silver dupioni silk overlaid with layers of shimmering black tulle that create a shimmering "skirt" effect.   A stunning silver rose print brocade underbrim creates a luminescent effect when the wearer's face is upturned.

A single large Marguerite fleur adorns the front of the hat. Framed by alternating layers of aqua blue shantung and organza and slender organza "feathers" in matching organza
complete the trim design for a sophisticated yet playful effect.  A layered sash, created out of aqua shantung lined with aqua blue organza encircles the crown of the hat.

For additional information about Maggie Mae Designs® go the website at http://www.maggiemae.com/derby.htm or contact them at info@maggiemae.com .

For more information about Old Friends see their website at www.oldfriendsequine.org  or call the farm at (502) 863-1775.  
Old Friends is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that cares for more than 120 retired racehorses. It's Dream Chase Farm, located in Georgetown, KY, is open to tourists daily by appointment. Old Friends also has a satellite facility in Greenfield Center, N.Y., Old Friends at Cabin Creek: The Bobby Frankel Division. 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.

Watch the video... http://vimeo.com/86933169

The proprietor and milliner of Maggie Mae Designs, Sally Faith Steinmann...






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