Oil on canvas Signed, inscribed.Illustrated:Richard Stone Reeves, Crown Jewels of Thoroughbred Racing, Lexington, Kentucky: The Blood-Horse Inc., 1997, page 109.This work also appears on the cover of Crown Jewels of Thoroughbred Racing."No track anywhere in America is more hallowed than Saratoga, which opened its gates in 1864, despite the Civil War. It is the oldest course still in operation in North America. The ancient but stately grandstand has been extended over the years but still retains its magical charm. A majority of the really great American champions have raced here for almost a century and a half. To me, the steeplechasing events, now abandoned at all other major American tracks, are amongst Saratoga's treasured traditions. This painting shows six champion steeplechasers of former years circling for the start of an imaginary race. From left to right, they are: Highland Bud (1989), Soothsayer (1972), Neji (1955, '57 & '58), Flatterer (1983, '84, '85, & '86), Zaccio (1980, '81 & '82), and Cafe Prince (1977 & '78). An outrider looks on."- Richard Stone Reeves, Crown Jewels of Thoroughbred Racing, page 190.Richard Stone Reeves(American, 1919-2005)Quite simply, Reeves is among the very top of American equine portraiture artists, ranking him with such names as Edward Troye, Henry Stull, and Franklin Voss. A direct descendant of 19th-century portrait painter Thomas Sully, Reeves was trained at the Syracuse University School of Fine Art. His commissions included hundreds of the most famous racehorses from around the world.

20 x 29 in