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Lot # 867: Match Race Press Photos with One Signed by Charles Howard (5)

Category: Horse Racing

Starting Bid: $500.00

Bids: 5 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "Spring Classic 2021",
which ran from 2/25/2021 2:00 PM to
4/2/2021 11:00 PM



These select four original press photos and one vintage autographed image represent some of the rarest and premier artifacts associated with the renowned American racing legend Seabiscuit, including two incredible original press photos from the storied Nov 1, 1938 Seabiscuit-War Admiral Match Race -- the most highly anticipated racing event of the early 20th century. Within this incredible collection are:

1) Perhaps the first documented press photo referencing Seabiscuit long before he became a racing legend for future owner Charles Howard. The image identifies Seabiscuit among the string of young Wheatley Stable horses in training at Belmont Park from March 10, 1936. An unbelievable find!

2) A most unusual Feb. 18, 1939 press photo documenting Seabiscuit's injury in a Santa Anita allowance race defeat four days prior. Such was the popularity of Seabiscuit that his original X-ray was part of the major news story of the day. The suspensory ligament injury would keep him off the racetrack for nearly a year and lead to one of the greatest comeback stories the sports world has ever known.

3) This original press photo from the Seabiscuit-War Admiral match race provides a scarcely seen first glimpse of the action at Pimlico, capturing jockeys George "Iceman" Woolfe aboard Seabiscuit and Charles Kurtsinger aboard War Admiral as they go head to head early in the race. The image immediately and perfectly captures the tone of their intense competitive encounter.

4) This press photo we consider to be one of the finest match race press photos ever offered. The riveting large image dramatically shows Seabiscuit approaching the race finish, handily defeating the great Triple Crown champion by four lengths. One of the most interesting aspects of the image is the attached typed copy stating this particular picture was "flown from Pimlico by special Eastern Air Lines Plane," documenting the importance of the race and the dissemination of its result to the American public.

5) The final gem in this treasured offering is an original period photo showing Seabiscuit as a stallion at Ridgewood Ranch along with a gathering of seven of his progeny known as the "Little Biscuits." This amazing sepia-toned photo was hand-signed by Seabiscuit's owner Charles Howard. Along with the original signature, the copyrighted image was curiously backdated and was most likely served as a personal gift or promotional giveaway provided directly from the esteemed horseman.

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