Leonard auction raises thousands for Old Friends

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – After Keeneland’s Blue Grass Stakes on April 9, racing fans ponied up nearly $26,000 for rare thoroughbred photos and artifacts, including pieces from the Tony Leonard Collection.  A portion of the auction proceeds will benefit Old Friends, the Thoroughbred retirement facility based in Georgetown, KY.

The auction, which was part of the 40^th anniversary celebration for Taylor Made Farms, included coveted items such as a lock of Secretariat’s hair custom framed alongside Tony Leonard’s iconic “Secretariat Arriving at Claiborne” photo, and a California Chrome collection which included a horseshoe worn at the recent Dubai World Cup.

Photographer Tony Leonard, celebrated for his masterful photography of generations of Thoroughbreds during racing’s heyday, produced hundreds of thousands of photos over his more than 50-year career.  A selection of rarely seen photos and personal artifacts is now available for the public to experience firsthand at the “Through the Lens of Tony Leonard” exhibit at the Headley-Whitney Museum of Art through June 19.

“I’m so proud that the Tony Leonard Collection chose Old Friends as its charity partner,” said Michael Blowen, founder and president of Old Friends. “Tony captured historic images of many of our horses at the height of their careers, so it’s really a fitting tribute to his legacy to have his work continue to support these former champions in their retirement.”

Visit www.thetonyleonardcollection.com to see some of Leonard’s finest work.