Thoroughbred people love art. They love how paintings and sculptures depict racing history, legends, and larger-than-life moments. The 12^th Annual Sporting Art Auction held at Keeneland Sales Pavilion on Nov. 15 achieved many thrilling moments with a total sales of $2,553,126. The heart of the auction was the sale of LeRoy Neiman’s “To the Wire,” which brought an auction record price of $334,875!

The 1971 signed, oil on board painting depicts the thrilling moment of horses charging to the finish line. It’s a brilliant splash of color and movement. Neiman explained, “What is more dramatic than viewing a race along the rail or at the finish? The horses thunder into the stretch. A roar surges from the fans. … The racing machines’ power to excite increases as a crescendo of high-voltage emotion passes through the grandstand,” to which universally race fans can relate.   

Studying the Field at Del Mar, by Charles Church (Courtesy of The Sporting Art Auction)

The Sporting Art Auction is a partnership between Cross Gate Gallery and Keeneland. “We are thrilled with the results of this year’s Sporting Art Auction,” said Catherine Ladd Kenneally of Cross Gate Gallery. “As the Sporting Art Auction continues to flourish, we are grateful for our partnership with Keeneland and the community’s continued support.” Bidding drew collectors from seven countries. Seventy-five percent of the 203 pieces offered were sold. The auction also featured hunting, boating, dogs, farm animals, and landscapes.

An exciting extension of the auction this year was prominently displayed at the Breeders’ Cup. Cross Gate Gallery brought 160 pieces of art from Kentucky to Del Mar to be part of the festivities including Charles Church’s Del Mar paddock paintings, which were featured beautifully on the 2024 Breeders’ Cup program covers and tickets.

Kentucky artist Judith Berkshire Jones attends the auction every year. “My favorite piece this year was by Andre Pater. It has the feeling of a period piece because of the style of clothing and the tack and saddle cloths being used. Andre is one of today’s contemporary sporting art masters depicting Thoroughbreds at their finest.” His oil painting “To the Winner’s Circle” brought the gavel down at $99,875.

“Charlie Whittingham & Sunday Silence,” by Russian-born artist Valeriy Gridnev, struck Alicia Hughes, director of communications for Ocala Breeders’ Sale Co. She said, “I was so pleased to see the oil on canvas of trainer Charlie Whittingham with his Hall of Fame protege Sunday Silence. He was one of the first horses I fell in love with and, knowing now what a challenging horse he could be with his temperament, I love how this painting captures the trust and relationship Whittingham had with him. The simple gesture displayed of the trainer offering his open hand and the soft look on Sunday Silence's face illustrates the depth of Whittingham's horsemanship.” It sold for $11,750.

The Derby, 1932, by Charles Cundall (Courtesy of The Sporting Art Auction)

A stunning piece that drew lots of attention was “The Derby, 1932,” by British artist Charles Cundall, which sold for $17,038. Cundall studied art and earned a scholarship to the Royal College of Art in 1912. His right arm was wounded during World War I and he had to learn how to paint with his left arm. He is known for his panoramic scenes and “The Derby” captures the magnificence of attending the Epsom Derby.  

This year, Cross Gate Gallery announced the passing of British-born artist Peter Howell. “It is with great sadness that we share the passing of gifted artist Peter Howell. He has been a cornerstone of Cross Gate Gallery for over 40 years. He was not only a brilliant artist and horseman that perfected capturing light in his paintings but the ultimate gentleman.” The auction featured eight of his exquisite paintings, including “Palace Street, Showing Palace House Stables and Nell Gwyn’s House,” which sold for $25,500.

Several of America’s living Thoroughbred legends were highlighted. Esteemed water colorist Sandra Oppegard captured Gun Runner winning the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Del Mar. The piece sold for $10,575 and is an instant classic.

American Pharoah, by Jaime Corum (Courtesy of The Sporting Art Auction)

Kentucky artist Jaime Corum’s painting “American Pharoah” captures his serene personality. She “was absolutely smitten by American Pharoah when he won the Grand Slam of racing [in 2015]. I was amazed at how he did it — with such ease in his perfectly efficient ‘plain brown wrapper’ of a physique. His personality intrigued me, too, hearing how kind and calm he was. My painting was done right after he retired to stud. He is shown still racing fit, with the neck of a colt rather than the stallion we know today. I like the simplicity of the black background paired with his thoughtful gaze off into some unknown distance, perhaps remembering the glory of the track and knowing his worth.”

Every so often there is a painting that sparks a bidding war. This year, it was quite spirited as bidders sought to purchase American artist Lee Townsend’s “Monday Auction.” Originally estimated in the $5,000 to $7,000 range, it sold for $82,250. The painting depicts a lovely horse with a flaxen mane being admired at a livestock auction. Townsend worked in his brother’s livery stable and studied at the Art Institute of Chicago. After a trip to Paris in 1927, he devoted himself to horse racing. 

Vietnamese/American artist Quang Ho has continued his love of Thoroughbred horses by painting special moments at the track. In describing his painting “To the Start,” he said: “I try to capture the momentary calm before the explosion – before all the colors become a blur as the horses explode out of the gates.” His painting sold for $29,375.

Season of Summer, by Jaime Corum (Courtesy of The Sporting Art Auction)

Corum has been painting a series she calls “Four Seasons,” where an equine subject represents each season. This year she offered “Season of Summer” and explains “the season is represented by a fiery chestnut stallion frolicking in a whimsical and lush summer landscape. His mane flies upwards from his play like the radiating heat of the sun. He is named ‘Roi Soleil’ (Sun King) on his halter plate. The landscape is inspired by a combination of old-world tapestry with an overlay of impressionistic color in the trees, grasses, and flowers.”

“Roi Soleil is loosely based on the Hill ’n’ Dale stallion Curlin. I had the pleasure of painting two murals of the mighty Curlin this year and was lucky enough to stay at Hill ’n’ Dale Farm at Xalapa throughout the completion of the murals. There is no doubt that some of the magic of that summer found its way into this painting.” 

The yearly success of the Sporting Art Auction demonstrates the strength and love that the Thoroughbred community has for the art that captures the passion of horse racing. 

“The energy at this year’s Sporting Art auction was palpable,” Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin said. “It was exciting to see so many art lovers and collectors gather in our pavilion, sharing their enthusiasm and passion.” Keeneland is committed to philanthropy with a share of auction proceedings going to support non-profit initiatives.

Owning a piece of art is akin to having a piece of history in your life. The artists of the past captured the horses that we can only read about. The artists of today are painting the classics of tomorrow for future horse racing admirers. The Sporting Art Auction gives one a chance to admire racing’s history, honor current racing legends, and appreciate all the facets that make horse racing and Thoroughbreds so colorful.