FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 23, 2025
JAMAICA, NY – In a move that combines the rich history of horse racing with timeless artistic craftsmanship, Dawn Hartfelder—renowned lawn jockey painter at See Your Colors—has delivered a classic cherry-red lawn jockey, complete with an expertly hand-painted Saratoga logo, to Aqueduct Racetrack in Jamaica, NY. This marks the official start of a new partnership with the legendary Coglianese Photography, known for capturing some of the sport’s most iconic moments for decades at Aqueduct, Gulfstream Park, and beyond.
A Partnership Created from Shared Passions
This collaboration began as a conversation at the 2024 Far Hills Steeplechase, an event steeped in its own century-long tradition. There, Adam Coglianese, an award-winning photographer renowned for capturing the essence of Thoroughbred racing, and Dawn Hartfelder, an artist celebrated for her meticulous lawn jockey creations, discovered a shared reverence for horse racing’s storied past. Carrying on the photographic legacy of Bob Coglianese’s immortal shot of Secretariat’s legendary 1973 Belmont victory, to Adam's present acclaimed work as NYRA's official photographer, and Dawn’s use of an antique 1954 Cavalier lawn jockey mold used to paint the annual Far Hill's Steeplechase Grand National's winning silk, their mutual love of history, art, and racing set the stage for a truly unique partnership.
Why we love Aqueduct
Opened in 1894, Aqueduct Racetrack—often referred to simply as “The Big A”—has been a cornerstone of New York racing for well over a century. It has witnessed legendary horses thunder down its stretch, from the likes of Ruffian to Cigar, and has undergone numerous transformations since its 1959 renovation. By placing See Your Colors’ lawn jockey within this hallowed setting, Dawn and Adam pay homage to the track’s enduring spirit while offering fans and visitors a tangible piece of equestrian tradition.
The Iconic Lawn Jockey: Tradition Meets Artistry
The lawn jockey delivered on February 23, 2025, showcases:
Classic Cherry-Red Paint: A nod to racing’s vibrant palette, reminiscent of the bright silks that jockeys don in the sport’s biggest races.
Saratoga Logo: Hand-painted with precision, celebrating one of America’s oldest and most treasured racecourses—Saratoga Race Course, which first opened in 1863.
Antique 1954 Mold: A rare, patented design ensuring these lawn jockeys remain truly unique and not mass-produced. This historic mold stands in stark contrast to modern, lightweight imitations.
Heirloom Craftsmanship: Dawn’s exacting process involves thorough priming and premium paints, resulting in a piece built to last for generations.
Looking Ahead: Belmont and Saratoga
With Aqueduct as the launch pad for this partnership, See Your Colors and Coglianese Photography plan to expand the availability of these iconic lawn jockeys at additional tracks. Notably, the 2025 Belmont Stakes—temporarily hosted at Saratoga Race Course on June 7—will serve as the next major milestone. Throughout the summer, visitors to Saratoga can look forward to seeing more of Dawn’s handiwork on display. In the coming years, once Belmont Park’s extensive renovations are complete, these custom pieces will grace that venue too, continuing the mission to bring art, history, and horse racing together in one striking form.
A Deeper Connection to Racing’s Legacy
Horse racing fans often celebrate their passion through memorabilia, photographs, and collectible items. Now, thanks to this new partnership, they can secure a See Your Colors lawn jockey—whether a classic red, a tribute to legendary silks, or even a custom design representing their own stable or favorite team. For Dawn, the goal is to offer pieces that do more than decorate a home or stable: “We want every lawn jockey to tell a story—of the sport, the horses, the jockeys, and the people who love them,” she explains.
Adam Coglianese echoes this sentiment: “Our family has spent decades capturing the drama and triumphs of the track. Partnering with See Your Colors allows us to honor that tradition in a new, tangible way. Each lawn jockey is a little slice of racing’s soul.”
About Coglianese Photography
Founded by the late Bob Coglianese, Coglianese Photography has been at the forefront of racing photography for generations, immortalizing iconic moments at Aqueduct, Belmont, and Gulfstream. Today, the family continues this legacy, capturing the essence and excitement of horse racing for fans worldwide. For more information visit, www.bobcoglianesephotos.com contact Adam at (516) 532-2388.
About See Your Colors
See Your Colors specializes in crafting and restoring lawn jockeys that embody the rich heritage of equestrian sports. Using an authentic 1954 Cavalier mold, Dawn meticulously hand-paints each piece, honoring the classic design while adding a personalized flair for modern fans. For more information or to place an order, visit www.seeyourcolors.com or contact Dawn at (908) 339-5060.
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