LeRoy Neiman's iconic Secretariat brings top price of $146,875

The Sporting Art Auction, a collaboration between Cross Gate Gallery of Lexington and Keeneland, celebrated its 11^th edition with gross sales of $2,826,671, headlined by the sale of LeRoy Neiman’s iconic Secretariat, a signed oil on board dated ’73, for $146,875. 

Held recently in Keeneland’s Sales Pavilion, the globally prominent auction attracted 112 buyers from four countries who participated in person and remotely. 

Eighty-eight percent of the 213 works representing fine Sporting Art, American paintings and sculpture by renowned artists, were sold. 

“We were blown away by the interest we received from buyers both new and old at this year’s auction,” said Catherine Ladd Kenneally of Cross Gate Gallery. “A shocking amount of works went well beyond our highest estimates, which is a testament to the growing interest collectors and buyers have in sporting art. We were fortunate enough to host our auction at Keeneland after an exceptional season of racing and sales, which undoubtedly inspired more fans to become owners of equine art themselves.”

Among the auction’s highlights were eight original works by regional favorite Henry Faulkner. His By Gratz Park, an homage to downtown Lexington’s popular neighborhood, and Still Life with Flowers, both signed oil on board pieces, fetched $90,475 and $47,000, respectively. 

Neiman’s sale-topping Secretariat was one of an impressive grouping of works offered to commemorate the 50^th anniversary of Big Red’s Triple Crown campaign. Two other works honoring the racing legend were among the auction’s top prices. A bronze titled Secretariat, signed and inscribed by the sculptor, Edwin Bogucki, brought $82,250 while Richard Stone Reeves’ Secretariat, an oil on canvas signed and inscribed by the renowned equine artist, fetched $76,375.

Other notable works included Pheasant Country, an oil on canvas signed, dated 1944 and titled verso by artist Aiden Lassell Ripley, sold for $76,375; Summer, a signed oil on canvas by Andre Pater, brought $70,500; and Flightline, a signed oil on canvas by Charles Church, sold for $55,225.

Keeneland’s portion of the auction proceeds continues its mission to benefit non-profit initiatives.

“The Sporting Art Auction is a highlight of our fall season at Keeneland, and we are thrilled with the support it receives from sporting art enthusiasts and the community,” Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin said. “It’s a wonderful way to combine fun and philanthropy in support of our mission.”

For more information, please visit thesportingartauction.com.