GirlHacker's Random Log

almost daily since 1999

The “Betsy Ross of Racing”

 

Antoinette Brocklebank, who lives not far from Belmont Park, has been sewing jockey silks for 40 years.  Married to a jockey, Brocklebank made her first silks for family members and found herself in business soon after when word spread of her sewing skills.  She and her sister Anna Marie Miceli estimate they’ve made over 5,500 silks.  They’ve dressed Kentucky Derby and Triple Crown winners.  Business boomed after their black and yellow creation rode to a Derby victory on Seattle Slew.  The silks are actually made out of Lycra and the designs for New York races must be registered with the Jockey Club which allows 38 different body patterns and 19 sleeve patterns. Any color is OK, except for navy blue which can be confused with black.

Written by ltao

June 4th, 2010 at 1:49 am

Posted in animals,craft