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English Events Horse Happenings

Speed can carry Dortmund to the Roses

The 141st running of the $2 million Kentucky Derby promises to be remembered for its quality, with a dynamite field assembled for the 1 ¼-mile classic.

The 20-horse cast features no shortage of legitimate win contenders and the crème of the crop belongs to Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert. The three-time Kentucky Derby winner will send out the probable top two choices in the wagering, American Pharoahand Dortmund.

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English Fashion Horse Happenings

6th Annual “Hats off to the Horses: The Road to the Derby” Continues with a Chapeau Inspired by Williamstown

GEORGETOWN, KY – FEBRUARY 3, 2015

The online fashion auction, “Hats off to the Horses: The Road to the Derby”, continues today with a fifth 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 Williamstown­, the 25-year-old son of Triple Crown winner Seattle Slew who has been pensioned at Old Friends since 2007. A graded stakes winner, Williamstown captured the Withers Stakes at Belmont Park in 1993 and marked one of the fastest miles in the history of the oval.

For the Old Friends campaign, the beautiful chapeau is modeled in accompanying photos and behind-the-scenes video by leading jockey Rosie Napravnik along with her husband, trainer Joe Sharp.
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 Williamstown” ends at 8 pm on February 11th.  Interested bidders can go to the Old Friends website at www.oldfriendsequine.org and follow the link.
A wide-brim hat made of rich dupioni silk and various layers of organza, The Williamstown is adorned with the colors of his former racing stable: three yellow rose curls spill down along the hat’s 22-inch brim, each nesting in a medley of textured plum organza leaves.
For a final touch, eight long and curvaceous silk “feathers” are set behind each rose in such a way as to gently frame the wearer’s face.

 

As always, strand of the stallion’s tail hair have been braided and woven into the trim for a physical remembrance.
For more information and additional photos of the hat please visithttp://www.maggiemae.com/OldFriendsAuction-Hat-Williamstown.htm.   For a behind-the-scenes video of Napravnik’s and Sharp’s photo shoot please visit  http://vimeo.com/117009595

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 been seen on her website atwww.maggiemaedesigns.com

 PHOTO CAPTIONS Rosie Napravnik and Joe Sharp with Williamstown.  Rosie models the Williamstown hat. Dress by Bella Rose Boutique, photo © and courtesy of EquiSport Photos

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Entertainment Events Horse Happenings Western

Celebrate Oaks and Derby Days at Keeneland

LEXINGTON, KY (April 30, 2013) – Keeneland celebrates Kentucky Oaks and Derby Weekend, May 3-4, with a party to suit everyone’s style, whether it be a casual picnic in the paddock or a hip cocktail party in the clubhouse.

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English Events Horse Happenings

I’LL HAVE ANOTHER CONTENT AT BELMONT, COULD SOON RESUME TRAINING

BELMONT , N.Y. – Triple Crown hopeful I’ll Have Another was reported to be doing well the morning after he arrived at Belmont Park by van and will soon begin training on the Belmont main track, according to Jack Sisterson, assistant to trainer Doug O’Neill.