“Showtime” at Saratoga

Description

This vibrant color photo features Secretariat being led by his devoted groom Eddie Sweat — all business and attired in his official red Saratoga Race Course jacket — featuring the powerful pair in the paddock saddling area just prior to going to the post at the historic upstate New York track. The heightened intensity of the moment is apparent in Sweat’s competitive “game face” expression.

Beyond the “Showtime” at Saratoga image capturing the laser focus and 70s fashion that Sweat displayed, especially on race days, it is also significant in that it became the inspiration behind the actual engraving on Sweat’s black granite headstone in Vance, South Carolina. The creation and installation of the headstone was the culmination of a successful grassroots effort to give the famed Meadow Stable groom the further recognition he so richly deserved. Appropriately, the image manifests Sweat’s own words as part of the headstone epitaph reading: “I think they’ll take me to my grave with a pitchfork in my hand and a rub rag in my back pocket.”

A wonderful offering honoring one of the most influential members of the Meadow team who played a central and unique role in Secretariat’s success and enduring legacy. Measures 8″ x 10″ with larger sizes available upon request.