The Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Walter M. Jeffords

/

Lot 183
  • 183

Raoul Millais

bidding is closed

Description

  • Raoul Millais
  • Swaps
  • oil on canvas
  • 25 by 31 in.
  • 63.5 by 78.7 cm
signed Raoul Millais lower left

Catalogue Note

Swaps was a chestnut by Khaled out of Iron Reward bred by Mr. Rex C. Ellsworth in the Californian desert on  March 1st, 1953. The colt’s greatest moment came in 1955 when Bill Shoemaker rode him to victory in the Kentucky Derby, beating the Eastern champion Nashua. This victory was important in promoting California as an American thoroughbred breeding center. Swaps was plagued by a weak hoof and it is remarkable, therefore, that he continued in a magnificent race career that saw him win many premier races and set eight time records, five of which were world records. Altogether he won 19 of his 25 races and prize money of $848,900.

Swaps initially stood at Darby Dan Farm, Lexington, KY, but was later moved to Spendthrift Farm. He died in 1972. His remains are buried at Churchill Downs.