Online Couture Derby Hat Auction Benefiting Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Facility

The fourth Couture Kentucky Derby Hat Auction is currently underway benefiting the Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Facility. “Hats Off To The Horses: The Road To The Derby” is in it’s fourth consecutive year and features a one-of-a-kind Maggie Mae Designs couture derby hat handcrafted by world-famous designer Sally Faith Steinmann.

The fourth hat in the current series benefiting Old Friends features “The Popcorn Deelites”, a beautiful chapeau honoring the gelding more famous for his role in the film Seabiscuit than his years spent on the racetrack. Popcorn Deelites, the son of Grade 1 winner Afternoon Deelites was a low-level claimer whose career took a turn when he was cast as one of the eight horses to play Seabiscuit in the Oscar-nominated film. A blood-bay with dark points, just like the Depression-era hero himself, Pops did accumulate 11 wins in his six-year career, and earned nearly $60,000. Popcorn Deelites is a resident at Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Facility in Georgetown, Kentucky.

Steinman’s whimsical Popcorn Deelites hat plays off the gelding’s movie-star status. Seabiscuit’s recognizable red and white racing silks provide the color palette and playful polka dots and elegant trimmings accent the design.

The hat’s foundation was created using black and white polka dot cotton lined and the under brim is lined with red silk. A sash of a scarlet taffeta encircles the base and culminates in an off-center poppy made out of two layers of red silk organza.

“I was told that one of Popcorn Deelites’s nicknames is ‘Poppy,’ says Steinmann. “This offered the perfect floral imagery for the trim centerpiece.”

As always, a physical remembrance is included. Several strands of Popcorn Deelites tail hairs have been braided into the trim, resulting in a one-of-a-kind Derby chapeau.

Bidding began February 1st at 8 pm. To bid, go to www.oldfriendsequine.org and follow the link. The auction will be open for 10 days only.

Lady and The Track would like to thank Maggie Mae Designs, Sally Faith Steinmann, and Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Facility for all they do to help retired thoroughbreds live out their later years grazing in sunshine filled pastures!