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Lot # 741: Braulio Baeza Saddle Worn on Foolish Pleasure in the Match Race vs Ruffian

Category: All Sports

Starting Bid: $25,000.00

Bids: 0 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed

Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "Spring 2012 Catalog Auction",
which ran from 5/18/2012 12:00 PM to
6/15/2012 9:00 PM



July 6, 1975 was to be the culmination of months of publicity that had put a thoroughbred horse race on the map as perhaps no other had before. It was a one-on-one match race, a "battle of the sexes" between record-holding filly Ruffian, and Kentucky Derby-winning colt Foolish Pleasure. Held at New York's Belmont Racetrack, the event attracted 50,000 fans in attendance, and another 20 million watching live on national television. Ruffian was maintaining a narrow lead about halfway through when the bones in her foreleg gave way and she was euthanized later that evening. Jacinto Vasquez was the regular jockey of both horses and elected to ride Ruffian in what would sadly be her final race. Noted jockey Braulio Baeza was chosen to ride Foolish Pleasure, and this is the saddle he used on the winning horse on that fateful day. The leather saddle measures about 16" in length at the seat, and about 20" wide across the flaps. It shows nice use and is in Excellent condition. Also comes with Letter of Authenticity.

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