The Rosie Signature Hat Collection sponsored by MAGGIE MAE DESIGNS® features hats inspired by Rosie Napravnik to benefit Old friends Thoroughbred Retirement facility in Georgetown, Kentucky.
So who is Rosie Napravnik?
A native of New Jersey, Rosie won her first race as a licensed jockey in 2005 aboard a horse trained by Richard “Dickie” Small, named Ringofdiamonds. After that she had wins in the Louisiana Derby twice as well as the Kentucky Oaks in 2012 aboard Believe You Can and in 2014 aboard Untapable. She was the only woman to have ridden in all three Triple Crown races. Rosie was known as a tough yet professional competitor, determined to establish herself in a male-dominated sport as an equal. In an interview with Elle Magazine in 2012, Rosie was quoted as saying that it’s all about “being able to compete as smart, as sharp as any man.”
Rosie’s passion for horses extends beyond the racetrack with her concern that retired racehorses live safe and healthy lives. In 2013 she joined the board of directors at Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement facility in Kentucky and has been active in the support and promotion of Old Friends. This past Spring Kentucky bourbon maker Wild Turkey donated $25,000 to Old Friends in a RideWithRosie Twitter campaign. Rosie also supports efforts for second careers for racehorses with such organizations as New Vocations Adoption Agency, making appearances to help promote the versatility of OTTB’s (Off Track Thoroughbreds). Rosie’s own retired racehorse, Sugar, was retired from racing and trained in dressage and jumping and went on to be a lead pony for Mike Maker’s stable where Rosie’s husband, Joe Sharp, worked as Mike’s assistant.
Rosie modeled for our annual “Hats Off to the Horses: The Road to the Derby” fundraiser that benefits Old Friends from 2013-2016. Rosie’s devotion to both racing and the welfare of retired racehorses made her seem the perfect choice to join our “Hats Off” team by modeling hats for the auction in spectacular photo shoots at Old Friends with Matt and Wendy Wooley of EquiSport Photos.
The Rosie Signature Hat Collection was created in July of 2014 as a way to expand the MAGGIE MAE DESIGNS® support for Old Friends Retirement. The collection was specifically inspired by Rosie Napravnik who has inspired so many through her career and dedication to the horses that she loves.
Roses are one of my signature hat trims at MAGGIE MAE DESIGNS®; with a subject like Rosie (Anna Rose Napravnik) for inspiration, roses never looked more beautiful!
Rosie retired from racing in 2014 and lives in Simpson, KY with her husband Joe Sharp and their three children. Rosie operates Off-track Sporthorses from the family farm which rehabs/retrains Thoroughbreds. You can read all about Rosie’s new career at Off-track Sporthorses!