Andie Biancone, Reporter/Racing Analyst at FanDuel Racing modeling the “Big Brown” Derby hat with jockey Keith Asmussen and Big Brown (Carson Blevins photo).
GEORGETOWN, Ky. – April 1, 2026 – For the fourteenth year MAGGIE MAE DESIGNS® of Cape Cod and Old Friends in Kentucky and New York are teaming up for “Hats Off to the Horses: The Road to the Derby”!
“Hats Off” is an unparalleled Derby hat fundraising experience sponsored by MAGGIE MAE DESIGNS® Custom Millinery. This auction series features four one-of-a-kind Derby hats created to benefit the retired racehorses of Old Friends. All proceeds from the sale of the hats go to Old Friends.
Our April hat offered at auction in the 2026 “Hats Off” fundraiser honors 2008 Kentucky Derby (G1) and Preakness S. (G1) winner, Big Brown. His hat can be bid on here.
THE STORY OF BIG BROWN
Owned by IEAH Stables, Pompa, Jr., P., Tolchin, G., Cohen, A. and Pegasus Holdings Group and bred by Monticule Farms, Big Brown was by Boundary out of Mien (Nureyev). Trained by Richard E. Dutrow, Jr., the bay Kentucky-bred won the Florida Derby with ease.
Big Brown then dazzled the world when he captured the 2008 Kentucky Derby and the Preakness, the first two jewels of the Triple Crown. A loose shoe cost Big Brown the Triple Crown in the Belmont S (G1) but he came back just as good that summer. Following the Triple Crown, Big Brown scored wins in the Haskell Invitational S. (G1) before winning the Monmouth S. against older horses on the turf to secure the year’s Champion 3-Year-Old Colt honors.
Retired in October 2008 due to a hind hoof injury, Big Brown had a successful stud career. Starting in 2009 he stood at Three Chimneys Farm in Kentucky, Australia and Dutchess Views Farm in New York. His most well-known runners include multiple Grade 1 winner Dortmund and stakes winner Puca – who is better known as the dam of Kentucky Derby winner Mage, Belmont S. winner Dornoch, and Pennsylvania Derby (G1) winner Baeza.
BIG BROWN RETIRES TO OLD FRIENDS IN KENTUCKY
In 2024 Big Brown’s connections retired him to Old Friends. This was the fifth horse retiring to Dream Chase Farm who had captured the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness!
On September 30, president and CEO of Old Friends John stated, “We are excited beyond measure to welcome Big Brown as an honored member of the Old Friends family.”
When Michael Blowen, Founder Old Friends shared his impressions of Big Brown” he stated, “Big Brown was the fastest Thoroughbred Hall of Fame jockey Kent Desormeaux ever rode and this beautiful headdress is just as hot. Big Brown delivers… again.”
AUCTION DETAILS
The “Big Brown” auction hat is now up for bid on eBay. Please bid on as many hats as you like. All proceeds go to the retired racehorses at Old Friends. Bidding ends April 11th at 8 PM EST.
For more information about the eBay bidding, contact Old Friends at 502-863-1775.
Freight charges (including insurance) will be at the expense of the winning bidder. Winning bidders, please allow two to three weeks for delivery of your hat to allow time for proper sizing.
To learn more about how Big Brown’s hat was created by Sally Faith Steinmann, please click here.
To view the couture Derby hats from previous auctions, please click on “Hats Off – A Retrospective”.
Thank you for supporting Old Friends!
