Napravnik models final Old Friends Derby hat 'Geri'

Jockey Rosie Napravnik has again changed hats by modeling the "Geri," the

final designer Derby hat up for bid in this seasons "Hats Off to the Horses: The

Road to the Derby," online auction. The annual six month auction, sponsored by

Maggie Mae Designs, supports the horses of Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement.

One of the most successful female jockeys in horse racing, Napravnik is an

avid Old Friends supporter and a member of its board of directors.

"I am a big fan of Old Friends and its mission," Napravnik stated. "I always

keep in mind that a horse may win a Breeders' Cup race this year but next year

they may need a place to reside in retirement."

The "Geri," is another handcrafted design influenced by one of the retired

Thoroughbreds at Old Friends.

Geri, now a permanent resident at the farm, is a Kentucky-bred Grade 1

winner. Raced as a homebred by Allen E. Paulson and trained by Bill Mott, the

chestnut had career earnings of $1,707,980 and entered stud at the Paulsons'

Brookside Farms in Kentucky. Geri also stood in Japan, Hill 'n' Dale in Kentucky

and in Italy. Several of his old rivals are also at Old Friends, as he competed

against Tinners Way, Will's Way and Flick, as well as Awad (1993-2010). He also

joins his son A. P. Slew, a retiree since 2008.

The 22-year-old

chestnut stallion was returned from Europe to retire to Old Friends in August

2013, becoming the sixth North American-bred stallion repatriated from stud duty

overseas to retire at Old Friends.

The hat by Maggie Mae Designs features a unique blend of

colors and textures that showcases Geri's chestnut coloring along with the

Paulson racing silk colors of red, white and blue. The design was fashioned out

of a white dupioni silk with a rich red dupioni silk underbrim that creates a

vibrant, colorful effect when the wearer's face is upturned.