Richard Stone Reeves (American, 1919-2005)
Nearco at Longchamp, 1975
Oil on canvas, 16î x 20î
Signed, dated Í75, and inscribed ñNearcoî
$12,000. _ 15,000.
Bred in Italy by the legendary horseman Federico Tesio, Nearco remained unbeaten after a career of 14 starts, including the Gran Premio del Re (Italian Derby) and the Grand Prix de Paris. In 1938, political unrest and the threat of war forced Tesio to part with Nearco and he was sold to Martin H. Benson of Beech House Stud in Newmarket, England, for the world-record price of 60,000 pounds. Nearco remained at Beech House Stud until his death in 1957. With male-line descendants such as Nasrullah, Bold Ruler, Nearctic, Northern Dancer, Royal Charger, Hail to Reason, and more, Nearco ranks as one of the most important Thoroughbred progenitors ever.
Illustrated: Illustrated in Classic Lines by Richard Stone Reeves and Patrick Robinson, Oxmoor House, 1975, pg. 59.