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Week of August 9 – August 15, 2013
TRF: Hoofloose and Fancy Free by Trina Lucas Saratoga TODAY After NYRA honored the industry’s retired equine athletes on Sunday, one of the spotlighted organizations celebrated their 30th anniversary in gala style. The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation presented “Hoofloose” at the National Museum of Dance. Event chair Suzie O’Cain, a recent addition to the TRF board, greeted guests on the front portico with her co-chair, Michele Riggi (transformed from the colorful ‘80s dancing queen who had been at Saturday’s MMFC party).
Tamara Valentine helped Diana Pikulski, TRF Vice President and Director of External Affairs, usher more than 200 well-hoofed attendees through registration to cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the museum’s exquisite reception hall. A silent auction tempted bidding on equine art, racing memorabilia, fine jewelry, millinery and more. John and Gigi McCance of Big Shot Stables toasted with Stu Helms, and John Moore caught up with Barry Ostrager. Robin and Tony Malatino, recovered from Studio PRIME the night before, chatted with Donna and Richard Pressman, as well as Rhoda and Avi Freedberg. Others spotted
Event chairs Michele Riggi and Suzie O’Cain
Paige Marcinek, Robby Albarado, Larry Melancon, Ralph and Stacy Nicks
Anne and John Rainey, Barbara Copeland, Terry Finley
were Eileen Guarino, Tom Zanetti, Patti Muller, Todd Engel, Barry Berkelhammer, Mark and Jullie Delos, Lisa and Allen Barber, Robby Albarado, Larry Melancon, Stacy and Ralph Nicks, and Sharon and Ramon Dominguez, who Saratoga fans are missing on the track this year. With spirits high, it was a bit challenging for the Mazzone Hospitality team to corral everyone into the tented dinner area. But the consummate professionals succeeded, seating most shortly after 8 p.m. at fanciful tables decorated with miniature disco balls suspended from horseshoes. Among the familiar faces were Leona and
John Velazquez, Barbara and Jules Sigler, Michael Hardy, Kate Benner, Anne and John Rainey, Terry Finley, Rebecca and Brad Weisbord, Kirt Cahill, Matt Lyons, Scott Kintz, Stacy and Ted Berge, Edgar and Liliana Prado and Ambassador Earle Mack. The live auction, conducted by Fasig-Tipton’s Terence Collier and Reed Ringler, included a luxury suite and VIP tour at Yankee Stadium, a Travers Weekend experience donated by the Pressman’s and NYRA, an extravagant weekend in Napa Valley and a visit to the “Nashville” set. Needless to say, the nine featured items raised significant funds for TRF before the night
Robin Malatino, Donna and Richard Pressman, Tony Malatino
Michael Hardy and Kate Benner
Jim Dowling, Ted and Stacy Berge, Hillary Matchett
closed with footloose music from the New York Players. In their welcome, O’Cain and Riggi agreed, “We are proud to be the co-chairs of this event because we believe that all horses deserve meaningful and dignified lives after racing. We owe them that. So please, give your whole-hearted support at this event.” Clearly, their message was taken to heart. And thanks to sponsors like Sherry-Lehmann Wine & Spirits, Amy Tarrant, The Adirondack Trust Company, Cargill Animal Nutrition and George Grayson/Brown Advisory, TRF’s benefit was a smashing success.