Affectionately called “Gramps” by those at Old Friends who know and love him, Fortunate Prospect is the Farm's elder statesman at 31 years young. This striking, nearly black, dark bay was a graded stakes-winning sprinter who is best known for his career as an outstanding sire. After his racing days were over, Fortunate Prospect stood at Farnsworth Farm near Morristown, Florida, for nearly 20 years and sired a total of 571 winners, 27 of whom were graded stakes champions. For three years (1991, 1993 and 1996), Fortunate Prospect earned national honors as the leading sire of 2-year-old winners. Some of his notable offspring include the amazing filly, Fortunate Card, and graded stakes winner, Suave Prospect. In 2005 Fortunate Prospect was donated to Old Friends by Farnsworth Farm owner Michael Sherman for a much deserved retirement where he is loved by all who visit Dream Chase Farm.

A unique trim design of sumptuous tones and textures was chosen to celebrate Fortunate Prospect's conformation, the racing colors of his stable and his impressive career as a talented equine athlete and successful sire.

This handsome stallion's coat is "nearly black.” A black dupioni silk was selected to capture this warm imagery, with dramatic swirling and intertwining layers of ebony black and deep espresso tulle that literally cover the nearly 23-inch wide brim and spill over the edges for a truly elegant look when the brim is upturned.

The racing silks of the G. Robins racing connection provided the basic color palette for the trimmings of this stunning Derby hat in a truly innovative combination of texture and design.

    The centerpiece is a single large rose curl created in swirling layers of goldenrod shantung, soft coral organza and deep tangerine satin which is framed by a medley of black silk organza leaves. Valerine Mulgrave of the Old Friends Blog writes, “Fortunate Prospect just exudes class. He is like an old southern gentleman--kind, gentle and with a twinkle in his eye,” and it was in an effort to capture the dapper quality of this great sire that a black satin bow tie was added as a subtle background layer for the rose curl.

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A lavish triple bow created in tangerine satin and pleated apricot taffeta provides a colorful setting for the rose; a sash of tangerine satin lined with pleated apricot taffeta, goldenrod shantung and ruched black dupioni silk surrounds the crown.