GEORGETOWN, KY – MAY 25, 2011 – On Memorial Day Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement facility in Georgetown, KY, will have a commemorative service for the six retirees that passed away since last spring.

The public is invited to attend the event, which will begin at 2 p.m. on Monday May 30 at Old Friends’ Dream Chase Farm, 1841 Paynes Depot Road in Georgetown.  Refreshments will be served.

Honored will be:

–Academy Award (1986-2010), one of the few remaining sons of Secretariat, he was the sire of 10 stakes winners;
–The Wicked North (1989-2011), a California superstar, he was named Eclipse Champion Older Male in 1994;
–Polish Navy (1984-2011), a great son of Danzig and multiple GR1 winner;
–Bonnie’s Poker (1982-2010) one of Old Friends’ mares, she was the dam of 1997 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner Silver Charm;
–Glitterman, (1985-2011) a world-record-setting sprinter and sire of four millionaires, including Balto Star;
–Jade Hunter (1984-2011), a GR1 winner and sire of Horse of the Year, Azeri.

“It’s been a difficult year for everyone at Old Friends,” said founder and president Michael Blowen, “The most difficult part of our job is saying goodbye, and this year we lost so many of our most beloved horses.

“It’s always an honor to pay tribute to these great athletes,” Blowen added, “and I hope all their fans and friends will join us on Monday.”

For additional information about this event, Old Friends, or any of its retired racehorses, call the farm at (502) 863-1775 or visit the website at www.oldfriendsequine.org.

About Old Friends
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, reservations at the Old Friends B&B, 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 Michael Blowen, (502) 863- 1775, michael@oldfriendsequine.org.

GEORGETOWN, KY – APRIL 26, 2011 – Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Facility in Georgetown, KY, will hold its annual Homecoming fundraising event, Sunday May 8, 2011 beginning at 4 pm.

The festivities will take place at Old Friends’ Dream Chase Farm, located at 1841 Paynes Depot Road in Georgetown, KY.

Tickets are $25; Old Friends members and shareholders and students with IDs are $15. Reservations are strongly suggested and can be made by calling (502) 863-1775.

Highlights of the event include:

Live music by Lexington favorite Roger BonDurant;
Guided farm tours;
Live and silent auctions of racing memorabilia, collectible stallion halters, jewelry, photographs, fine art, and more;
Sumptuous BBQ fare by Tommy Walters’ Furlongs Catering Company. The menu features pulled pork ribs, potato salad, baked beans, buttered rolls, and dessert;
A live demonstration on the making of Raku/horse hair pottery by the artists of Pottery Rowe in Louisville.
Parking on site

Pottery Rowe will also take orders and create custom pots for guests bringing swatches of horse manes or tails.

Old Friends’ Georgetown farm is home to more than 75 champions of the turf, including Eclipse winner Sunshine Forever, stakes winner Marquetry, Florida Derby star Bull inthe Heather, top sprinter Ogygian, Derby contender Danthebluegrassman, and Breeders’ Cup winner and famed sire Gulch.

For more information about Old Friends or any of its retirees call (502) 863-1775 or visit the website at www.oldfriendsequine.org.

About Old Friends
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, reservations at the Old Friends B&B, 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 Sylvia Stiller, (502) 863-1775, sylvia@oldfriendsequine.org

GEORGETOWN, KY – APRIL 25, 2011 – Old Friends retiree Danthebluegrassman, a 2002 Kentucky Derby contender, will be a special guest of Gov. Steve Beshear and First Lady Jane Beshear at the 2011 Governor’s Derby Celebration, held Saturday May 7 in the state capital city of Frankfort, KY.

The 12-year-old horse has been pensioned at Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Center in Georgetown, KY, since 2008. Many devoted fans and tourist visit him there annually.

Dan will be at the Capital City Museum at 325 Ann Street from 8am to noon, where he will meet and greet fans and be available for photos. Michael Blown, founder and president of Old Friends, will also be on hand.

Bred in Kentucky by Dan Mallory, Danthebluegrassman was campaigned by trainer Bob Baffert and owner Mike Pegram, who named the colt after his friend Dan Chandler, son of the former Kentucky governor and the bon vivant uncle of U.S. Representative Ben Chandler.

A son of Pioneering, Dan had his first stakes win when he went wire-to-wire in the Gold Rush Stakes at Golden Gate Park. He captured a second stakes win in his 3-year-old debut in the Golden Gate Derby, which helped him earn entry to the 128th run for the roses.

Unfortunately, Dan was scratched the day of the Derby after suffering muscle problems following a morning jog.  He continued to race until he was 9 years old before being retired at Old Friends in March 2008.

“We’re especially excited about bringing Danthebluegrassman downtown for the event,” said Nicky Hughes, curator of historic sites for the city of Frankfort. “Not everyone has the privilege of meeting a champion Thoroughbred and we’re so pleased to offer that unique opportunity to visitors this year.”

“Only two Thoroughbreds will have the honor of having their picture taken with Governor Beshear on the first Saturday in May, Dan and the winner of the 137th Kentucky Derby,” said Old Friends founder, Michael Blowen. “We’re honored to bring Dan to Frankfort as the Old Friends Ambassador for all retired racehorses. Dan reminds us that without these great athletes Derby Day wouldn’t exist.”

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Governor’s annual Derby gala. It is also the first time the event will be held in downtown Frankfort, showcasing the city’s historic district.

The celebration will include by many new and traditional activities, including Kentucky-based food vendors, arts and crafts, live music, tours of the Governor’s mansion, and scheduled boat trips on the Nancy Wilkinson Kentucky River tour boat.  (Tours begin at 9 a.m. and are free. For reservations or more information call (502) 696-0607).

For more information about the Governor’s Derby Celebration visit www.governor.ky.gov or contact the Capital City Museum at (502) 696-0607 or email frankforthistory@yahoo.com.

For more information about Old Friends, visit the website at www.oldfriendsequine.org.

About Old Friends
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, reservations at the Old Friends B&B, 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 Sylvia Stiller (502) 863-1775, sylvia@oldfriendsequine.org.

The Communication Alliance to Network Thoroughbred Ex-Racehorses (CANTER) is now offering its services to Arizona horseman with the opening of CANTER Arizona.

Volunteers will begin tracking visits immediately to offer free sales listings, including photography, to trainers and owners looking to move their ex-racehorses onto second careers. Horses listed for sale will be available to the general public on canterusa.org/arizona.

“We are thrilled to be offering our free listing services to the Arizona Thoroughbred racing industry,” Dennis Miller, executive director of CANTER Arizona, said in a release. “I’m very excited to be part of an organization that directly helps off-track-Thoroughbreds and provides owners and trainers another option for finding these horses homes once their racing careers are ending.”

CANTER volunteers across the country have worked to provide race tracks an outlet for trainers and owners looking to move their ex-race horses into second careers.

“We look forward to carrying on that success in Arizona,” added Miller.

Trainers looking to list a horse for sale in Arizona can contact Dennis Miller at millerdw51@aol.com.

Originally posted on Bloodhorse.com.

Unwanted Horse Coalition
1616 H Street, NW • 7th Floor • Washington, DC 20006 • 202-296-4031

Keeneland Paddock Appearance Scheduled for April 16 Featuring Special Guest Jim Bouton, Author of Ball Four

GEORGETOWN, KY – MARCH 29, 2011 – Ball Four, the multiple graded-stakes-winning son of Grand Slam, has been retired to Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement center in Georgetown, KY.  He was donated to the facility by owner Bruce Golden and trainer David Jacobson, and was shipped to Kentucky on March 12.

To celebrate his arrival, the 10-year-old bay gelding will make an appearance at Keeneland racecourse in Lexington on Saturday, April 16, Blue Grass Stakes Day, as part of the track’s “Breakfast with the Works” program.

Joining Ball Four with be special guest Jim Bouton, former New York Yankee pitcher and author of the acclaimed baseball diary Ball Four.

Fans attending the event can meet both retired athletes and purchase autographed copies of Ball Four. A portion of the proceeds will go to Old Friends.

The event will take place in the Keeneland paddock area beginning at 8:45 am.

“We’re honored to have two great athletes visiting Old Friends and Keeneland,” said Old Friends founder, Michael Blowen. “Jim Bouton was kind enough to come and meet his equine equivalent, and we’re hoping fans will come out and say hello to Ball Four and to the author of Ball Four.”

“I knew there was a horse out there named Ball Four, but beyond that I didn’t have more detail,” says Bouton. “A lot of people assumed I owned the horse,” he laughs. Bouton, who once covered behind-the-scenes racing stories at Belmont Park when he was a TV sportscaster in New York, adds that he is “delighted to see that people wanted to treat this horse well and to do the right thing by him. I am happy that there are people who love horses enough, especially older horses, and want to care for them,” he says. “I am very excited to be a part of this.”

As part of his visit to the bluegrass, Bouton will also throw out the first pitch at the Lexington Legend’s game on April 14. Ball Four’s victory in the Fayette Stakes at Keeneland in 2008 will be shown on the ballpark’s big screen.

About the Racehorse Ball Four

Bred in Kentucky by B. D. Gibbs Farm and Grand Slam Farm, Ball Four raced for seven seasons, netting nine wins from 31 starts and total career earnings of $730,470.

He broke his maiden as a 3-year-old at Belmont Park in 2004, where he set a track record for 7½-furlongs. His other notable victories include back-to-back wins in the GR2 Kentucky Cup Classic, and an upset win in the $150,000 GR3 Fayette Stakes.

In 2009, the 8-year-old Ball Four broke the five-race win streak of Rail Trip by winning the GR2 Mervyn LeRoy H.

But in the last year, the hard-knocking gelding had gone from stakes winner to $4,000 claimer. He was scheduled to run March 4 at Penn National but was scratched by Golden and Jacobson, who opted instead to donate the former racing star to Old Friends.

Blowen noted that many supporters came together to help retire the stakes-winning Thoroughbred. “Our many friends on Facebook, the people at Keeneland, and owner Maggie Moss all played a significant role in getting Ball Four here with us,” added Blowen, “as did our vet, Dr. Doug Byars, and Salle Vans, who shipped Ball Four here free of charge.  This wonderful team all worked together to raise his social security fund.”

About the author of Ball Four

Jim Bouton started his major league career in 1962 with the Yankees, where his tenacity earned him the nickname “Bulldog.” In 1963 he won 21 games and became a member of the all-star team. He later played for the Houston Astros and the Seattle Pilots before penning his diary Ball Four, a revealing and humorous account of his years on the diamond.  He has subsequently worked as a TV sportscaster, an actor (starring in a sitcom based on his book), inventor, and businessman.

His most recent book, Foul Ball (2003), is a non-fiction account of his attempt to save Wahconah Park, a historic minor-league baseball stadium in Massachusetts.  He is a frequent guest on radio and television.

About Old Friends

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, reservations at the Old Friends B&B, 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 Michael Blowen, (502) 863-1775, michael@oldfriendsequine.org.

Jade Hunter at Old Friends. Photo by Rick Capone

GEORGETOWN, KY – JANUARY 24, 2011 – Jade Hunter, multiple GR1 winner and sire of Horse of the Year Azeri, was humanely euthanized Sunday afternoon (January 23) at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute due to complications from colic.

The 27-year-old stallion had been pensioned at Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Facility in Georgetown, KY, since 2009.

“Jade Hunter was a very proud and confident stallion with an intelligence that matched his beauty,” said Old Friends president and founder Michael Blowen. “It’s very hard on all his caretakers to lose him and Polish Navy [who died Jan. 6] so close together.”

Bred in Kentucky, Jade Hunter (Mr. Prospector-Jadana (IRE), by Pharly) was bought for $700,000 by Sheikh Mohammed’s Darley Stud at the 1985 Keeneland yearling sale and raced in both Europe and North America.

Later campaigned by trainer Richard J. Lundy for owners Bruce McNall and Allen Paulson, Jade Hunter won the G1 Donn Handicap and the G1 Gulfstream Park Handicap. In all, he captured six of his 14 starts.

He retired in 1988 at the age of 4 after he fractured his right front cannon bone during a workout. His lifetime earnings total $407,260.

In the breeding shed, Jade Hunter sired such top earners as three-time GR1 turf winner Yagli, World Hunter, and most notably, Azeri, the 2002 Horse of the Year, who then ranked as North America’s leading female money-earner.

Jade Hunter spent his stud career in Lexington and overseas, but most recently stood for several breeding seasons at Dutchess Views Farm in New York. He was donated to Old Friends by the Paulson Trust.

A memorial service for Jade Hunter and the recently deceased Polish Navy is planned for the spring at Old Friends.

For more information about Old Friends or any of its retirees visit them online at www.oldfriendsequine.org or call the main office at (502) 863-1775.

About Old Friends

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, reservations at the Old Friends B&B, 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 Michael Blowen (502) 863-1775, michael@oldfriendsequine.org.

Wellington, FL – The Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (FHBPA), with the support of Gulfstream Park, Calder Race Course, and the South Florida jockey colony, recognizing the need for a South Florida based Thoroughbred retirement program, has formed TRAC, a retirement, retraining and placement group dedicated to horses that end their racing careers at one of the two race tracks.

TRAC (Thoroughbred Retirement and Adoptive Care) also has strong support from professional jockeys who race in Florida and throughout the United States, industry professionals, businesses and horse lovers. Horses entering the TRAC program receive hands-on care, professional retraining and the chance for a second career. The program strives to find suitable adopters and homes for every horse. Many retired Thoroughbreds move on to second careers in the show world as hunters, jumpers, eventers or dressage horses. Some achieve success on the polo field, on trails, in therapeutic riding programs or simply as loving companions.

“Our efforts depend on a strong alliance between race tracks, industry officials, horsemen, owners, trainers, jockeys and fans,” said Phil Combest, TRAC Advisory Committee member, race horse owner and FHBPA official. “The racing industry is demonstrating its support through purse contributions and annual donations. But we need everyone’s to make sure all our retired horses receive basic care, retraining, and veterinary care,” continued Combest.

The program requires that potential adopters are screened and provided with a legal adoption contract. Affordable adoption fees vary per horse. After a horse is placed in an adoptive home, TRAC continues to monitor their progress and care.

“At no time in the history of our sport has the racing industry been more involved in the aftercare of our equine athletes,” added Celia Scarlett Fawkes, whose racing stable includes 2010 Breeders’ Cup Sprint champion horse Big Drama. Fawkes, a TRAC Advisory Committee member said the group’s main goal is “to make sure that no Thoroughbred is ever turned away from the program to face an uncertain future or tragic death.”

TRAC is a registered 501(C)3 non-profit organization. For additional information on how you can make a donation, volunteer or adoptions visit our website at www.fltrac.org or contact: info@fltrac.org or call Florida TRAC at 561-847-5327.

Media Contact: Mason Phelps
Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
phone 561.753.3389  fax 561.753.3386
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com

Louisville’s Historic Seelbach Hotel to Host 3rd Annual Old Friends Benefit Saturday, February 19, 2011

LOUISVILLE, KY – JANUARY 18, 2011 – The Historic Seelbach Hilton today announced that it will host the third annual “Old Friends along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail,” a progressive dinner and Bourbon-tasting that will benefit Old Friends, the Thoroughbred retirement facility in Central Kentucky.

The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 19, at the hotel, 500 South Fourth Street in downtown Louisville. Tickets are $100 per person, and the hotel is offering Bourbon Trail guests a special reduced room rate of $95 per night.

The benefit will be highlighted by live and silent auctions of exclusive equine artwork, autographed Bourbon items, racing memorabilia, fine jewelry, and more.

Old Friends, which has locations in Georgetown, KY and in Greenfield Center, NY, is devoted to providing a dignified retirement to horses whose racing and breeding careers have come to an end. The farm is home to such retired champions as Eclipse winner The Wicked North, Breeders’ Cup victor Gulch, and Travers stars Will’s Way and Thunder Rumble, along with many non-black type ex-racers.

“The Seelbach is pleased to be hosting this benefit for the third year,” said Events Coordinator Melissa Getz. “Old Friends is such a worthy cause and this unique night of fund-raising has become one of Louisville’s premiere events.”

“This is the perfect Kentucky experience,” said Old Friends President and Founder Michael Blowen, “It brings together our signature industries, horses and Bourbon, and all at a world-class venue. We are very grateful to both the Seelbach and the Kentucky Distillers Association for their support.”

On arrival, guests will receive a gift tote from the Kentucky Distillers’ Association, whose world-famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail tour features six of the state’s legendary distilleries.

The night begins in The Seelbach’s famous Rathskeller, the only surviving Rookwood-Pottery room in the world. There, Bourbon-inspired appetizers will be served and Kentucky’s celebrated Master Distillers will serve samples of the Commonwealth’s finest brands, including Maker’s Mark, Four Roses, Heaven Hill Bulleit, Jim Beam, Woodford Reserve, and Wild Turkey

Guests will then proceed to the hotel’s Five Diamond, Triple AAA-Awarded Oakroom for a two-course dinner created by the Seelbach’s Chef de Cuisine Bobby Benjamin.  This year’s featured menu:

First Course

THE ARTISAN

Greg’s Grateful Greens, Colonel Newsom’s Aged Country Ham

Capriole Farm Pipers Pyramid Goat Cheese

Sweet Potato, Fig Vincotto, Bourbon Mustard

Second Course

WAGYU SHORT RIB

Horseradish Potato Puree, Pickled Radish

Bourbon Glazed Farm Carrots, Bourbon Pecan Gastrique

Guest will then return to the Rathskeller for a wonderful assortment of candies and desserts.

Old Friends President and Founder Michael Blowen, KDA President Eric Gregory, and the Seelbach’s celebrity historian Larry Johnson will all be on-hand to meet with guests.

In addition to the special reduced room rate there will be an after-hours party in The Old Seelbach Bar featuring the music of Dick Sisto until 11pm. Sunday brunch at will be served from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for $29 per person.

Tickets to the “Old Friends along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail” are $100 and reservations can be made by calling Melissa Getz at the Seelbach at (502) 585-9292.

The Historic Seelbach Hilton is a four-star diamond luxury hotel located in the heart of Louisville, KY. Built in 1905, the hotel appears on the National Register of Historic Places and it is considered a landmark to “the golden era.” For more information see www.seelbachhilton.com.

For more information about Kentucky’s signature Bourbon industry and the Kentucky Bourbon Trail tour call the KDA at (502) 875-9351 or visit them online at www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com.

Old Friends is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that cares for more than 100 retired racehorses.  With locations in Georgetown, KY and in Greenfield Center, NY, Old Friends is open to visitors daily by appointment. For more information on tours, reservations at the Old Friends B&B, or to make a donation, contact the main farm at (502) 863-1775 or see their website at www.oldfriendsequine.org.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

The Seelbach Hilton

Melissa Getz

Melissa.getz@ihrco.com

(502) 585-9292

Old Friends

Cynthia Grisolia

cagrisolia@yahoo.com

(347) 423-7322

Kentucky Bourbon Trail Tour

Eric Gregory

enjoy@kybourbon.com

(502) 875-9351

GEORGETOWN, KY – JANUARY 6, 2011 – Polish Navy, the Ogden Phipps homebred and GR1 winner, was humanely euthanized this morning at Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement facility in Georgetown, KY.  He was suffering from complications from a hip injury.

Michael Blowen, Old Friends President and Founder, made the announcement this afternoon.

“Polish Navy injured his hip several weeks ago and was taken to Hagyard’s where he received excellent diagnostic care,” said Blowen. “Unfortunately, he just never recovered. Dr. Doug Byars visited with this great old horse several times and, in consultation with Old Friends, advised us that Polish Navy’s time had come.”

The 27-year-old stallion had been pensioned at Old Friends since 2009.

Polish Navy (Danzig – Navsup, by Tatan) started 12 times in his career and earned seven wins, including the GR1 Champagne Stakes, the GR1 Cowdin Stakes, and the GRll Jim Dandy at Saratoga. His career earnings totaled $1,118,076.

Campaigned by owner Phipps and trainer Shug McGaughey, Polish Navy made his debut at Belmont Park in 1986 with jockey Randy Romero in the irons.  He won by five lengths. The promising 2-year-old went on to beat Java Gold in the Cowdin and edged both Demons Begone and Bet Twice to capture the Champagne.

Knee surgery kept the bay son of Danzig off the 1987 Triple Crown Trail, but he returned to top form by fall to mow down the competition – including another Old Friends resident, Gulch–in the GR1 Woodward Stakes at Belmont Park.

Despite his brilliance, Polish Navy’s feats were sometimes overshadowed in McGaughey’s barn by another Phipps homebred and Romero mount, the filly Personal Ensign, whose three-year-old season in 1987 launched what would become one of racing’s most exciting campaigns.

With the news of his death Romero remembered Polish Navy with affection. “I absolutely loved riding him,” the hall-of-fame jockey said by phone from his home in Louisiana. “It was an honor to be associated with such a wonderful horse.”

Polish Navy spent much of his stud career at Wayfare Farm in Kentucky. As a sire, he is best remembered for 1993’s Kentucky Derby and Travers winner Sea Hero.

Nathan Fox at Midway’s Richland Hills Farm donated Polish Navy to Old Friends, along with Glitterman.

A memorial service is planned for the spring at Old Friends.

For more information about Old Friends see their website at www.oldfriendsequine.org or call the main office at (502) 863-1775.

About Old Friends

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, reservations at the Old Friends B&B, 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 Michael Blowen (502) 863-1775, michael@oldfriendsequine.org.

Stunning New Hat Honors Retiree Creator

GEORGETOWN, KY – DECEMBER 30, 2010 – Bidding opens January 1st on “The Creator,” hat number three in the six-part “Hats Off to the Horses: The Road to the Derby,” an online fashion auction benefitting Old Friends, the central Kentucky organization devoted to racehorse retirement.

Handcrafted by milliner Sally Faith Steinmann of Maggie Mae Designs, the hat will be on the block from January 1st through January 11 2011.

Steinmann, who owns the Massachusetts-based Maggie Mae Designs, is donating the six magnificent millinery creations to raise funds for Old Friends, the 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization that cares for more than 100 retired Thoroughbreds.  Each hat is inspired by one of the retirees at Old Friends and will be auctioned monthly from November to April, leading up to the famed First Saturday in May. One hundred percent of the online proceeds goes to Old Friends.

To celebrate the New Year, Steinmann has created a magnificent chapeau in honor of Old Friends’ 25-year-old retiree Creator, one the first horses acquired by the organization from the breeding sheds of Japan.

To view the hat and to read more about Maggie Mae Designs go to www.maggiemaedesigns.com.  To view the hats and bid, go to www.oldfriendsequine.org.

This unparalleled online shopping experience began on November 1st with “The Gulch.” It was followed in December by “The Tinner’s Way.” This is the second year for this unique auction series, which has so far raised nearly $6,500 for Old Friends.

A European superstar, Creator was bred in Great Britain – the last foal of the renowned Mill Reef – and was campaigned mostly in France by owner His Highness Sheik Mohammed Rashid al Maktoum of Dubai and trainer Andre Fabre.

A five-time stakes winner, Creator’s victories include a stunning two-and-a-half length victory in the Prix Ganay — the same race his sire won by an impressive 10-lengths in 1972.

Later that year, Creator’s suffered a career-ending injury during his only U.S. start, the Budweiser International at Maryland’s Laurel Park, and was retired at 4.

The most striking feature of Steinmann’s latest hat design is its asymmetrical shape. Rippling layers of shimmering copper-tinted crinkled taffeta and chocolate tulle were fashioned in such a way as to catch the light and draw the eye to the right side of the brim. Additional sprays of chocolate tulle were added to these wavy layers, expanding the brim to a dramatic 23 inches and creating a suave, debonair look.

A regal centerpiece, made of maroon dupioni silk and white silk organza incorporates Creator’s racing colors, while copper and sage metallic taffetas form a lavish bed of leaves that symbolize the stallion’s wins on both the dirt and turf.

For her finishing touch, Steinmann set two sparkling buttons on the back seam of the hat to represent the arrival of Creator and fellow retiree Sunshine Forever to Old Friends in 2004. They were the first stallions ever repatriated to the United States from stud duty overseas.

Read more about the new Creator hat at www.maggiemaedesigns.com.  To bid, go to www.oldfriendsequine.org.

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

For more information about Old Friends see their website at www.oldfriendsequine.org or call the main office 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 and unique 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.

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 New York, Old Friends at Cabin Creek: The Bobby Frankel Division, which is also open to visitors. For more information on tours, reservations at the Old Friends B&B, 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.