Rosie Napravnik models “The Patton” green Derby hat alongside its namesake. Photo by and courtesy of EquiSport Photos
(Press Release)
This fall leading jockey Rosie Napravnik will throw off her helmet and don 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 auction continues December 1st with Napravnik showing “The Patton,” 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 will be auctioned each month leading up to the 2014 running of the Kentucky Derby.
To date, this unique fundraiser has earned nearly $18,000 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 Patton” will begin at 10 am and be open for 10 days only. Interested bidders can go to the Old Friends website at www.oldfriendsequine.org and follow the link.
I have been working with OTTBs finding them homes the last past 10 years. I appreciate everything Old Friends has done for the great athletes. Rosie has my heart, whenever she races I am always there to cheer her from our recliner and TV. I do have a retired son of Mr.Greeley and love him unconditionally. He is my first and honestly do not know how our small farm would be what it is if not for him. He has taught me so much, patience, strength, acceptance, one of a kind friendship and most of all love in every aspect. I think this idea to raise funds is wonderful….I also wish they would do calenders….I think that is something I would invest in for all my clients. I am now working hard to find a way to bring involvement in to college equine and retraining of thoroughbreds. I hope someday our college starts this trend and provides futures for all those that need a second chance. Thank you Rosie and thank you Old Friends!!!!!