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Lot # 871: Secretariat Tony Leonard Print Singed from Kate to Penny Chenery

Category: Horse Racing

Starting Bid: $300.00

Bids: 32 (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



Perhaps the most famous and recognizable images of Secretariat ever captured by the esteemed late photographer Tony Leonard. This breathtaking framed print, simply entitled "At the Belmont," features Secretariat walking solo to the saddling paddock prior to the 1973 Belmont Stakes. Leonard created this magical image by artfully editing out groom Eddie Sweat, who was leading him. The resulting is a stunning testament to the Meadow Stable champion's beauty, strength, and charisma. Originally published in 1973, the limited edition fine art print comes from the personal collection of Penny Chenery and was prominently displayed in her home office until her passing in 2017. One of Ms. Chenery's favorite images, it shows her radiant chestnut champion poised for greatness and full of confidence, just moments before he would rewrite racing history in the "Test of the Champion" and become a racing legend. This special artist's proof print was a personal gift to Secretariat's owner from the photographer, who affectionately inscribed it in the lower right margin, "To Penny, you have immortalized us both. Love, Tony Leonard." Tony Leonard, who has been described as "the Ansel Adams of equine photography,” captured nearly every major Thoroughbred champion of his time, both in action and at stud, during a career that spanned more than 40 years. Secretariat was his favorite subject. Due to Leonard's esteem in the racing community, he had unusual access to Big Red throughout his racing career and during the champion's tenure as a stallion at Claiborne Farm. The print is handsomely mounted in a rich chocolate brown, double-matted, hardwood frame measuring 25" x 30.5" in total. The framed print has been officially catalogued in the Secretariat/Meadow Stable Archive Registry and is accompanied by its own individual letter of authenticity from the Chenery/Tweedy family.

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