Most people remember Secretariat from his historic Triple Crown campaign, but many forget that some of Big Red’s most memorable moments came at Saratoga, both at 2 and 3. This is where the legend was born. In the span of 27 days, Secretariat ran three times at the Spa and had to overcome the first major obstacle of his career in the form of the previously undefeated Linda’s Chief, who went into the Sanford Stakes having already won three Stakes. It would be the only time Secretariat was not the favorite. After appearing to be trapped he busted through a narrow opening and drew off to a three-length victory over Linda’s Chief. That paved the way for a spectacular last-to-first victory in the Hopeful Stakes. Big Red never looked back after that and ended the year as North America’s Horse of the Year.
Beginning on the evening of August 5 at the Spa Fine Art gallery on Broadway, Secretariat returns to Saratoga in a dazzling display of color from the brush strokes of talented artist Lisa Palombo who has made Big Red one of her favorite subjects and has shown him from every angle, from his magnificent stride and powerful shoulders to his alert eyes peering through his blinkers in classic head shots and drawing off to his five-length in the Hopeful Stakes. All these and her other paintings come alive in splashes of bright colors that enhance Secretariat’s overwhelming presence. As a change of pace there is an intimate black and white image of Big Red and exercise rider Charlie Davis on the track walking toward you with a blinker-free Secretariat showing off his exquisite face with its familiar markings that makes you feel as if you are right there watching him.
At the Friday reception, lasting from 7-9 p.m., not only will you be able to meet the artist, but also Hall of Fame racing journalist Steve Haskin, who will be signing a number of his photos of Secretariat that will also be on display. And you won’t want to miss a display of Secretariat memorabilia for purchase signed by the late Penny Chenery just weeks before her passing. They are among the final items signed by racing’s iconic First Lady.
So we hope to see you at this celebration of one of the greatest sports figures of the 20th century in the town where the legend began.
Continue reading for our exclusive interview with artist Lisa Palombo!
How did you get started as an artist?
When I was in grammar school, one of my dear aunts suggested I take Saturday art classes at the Rhode Island School of Design, because she saw that I liked to draw and had a knack for art. Even as a child, I loved animals, the outdoors, and the beauty of nature, which has never left me. I am pleased I was able to pursue my passion and foster my creativity from a very early age.
How did you get acquainted with the Secretariat Group?
I met Leonard Lusky, who's the CEO of Secretariat.com, at one of my solo exhibitions in Saratoga Springs, New York, several years ago. We realized that we happened to travel in similar circles and were on each other's radar, but just never had an opportunity to meet until serendipitously, Kate Chenery Tweedy (daughter of Secretariat’s owner, the late Penny Chenery) was signing her books next door. She visited the gallery and later requested that I be the official artist of the Secretariat 50th birthday celebration.
Can you tell us how process of creating your work has differed with this project compared to past collections?
Secretariat is one of the most widely known and loved racehorses of all time, so capturing his likeness and personality as well as getting his stride correct was extremely important to me. In addition, I poured through a large, unique collection of rare photographs and imagery and collaborated with the Secretariat team and narrowed down a selection of preferences before beginning.
I also wanted to capture a sense of motion and raw power that he embodied.
What has inspired you the most in the entire process and working with the Secretariat Group?
The entire story of Big Red is an inspiration to me and many others. In fact, the more I researched and learned about him, studied his photos, and talked with experts, the more I became dedicated to his excellence and legacy. I've painted many sketches and canvases of him, and yet with each new painting, I feel there’s so much more yet to see and record.
Do you have a favorite piece you’ve created for this collection?
That’s a tough one. If I had to choose one it would be “America’s Horse.” Secretariat achieved and accomplished the unimaginable at a time where the country needed hope and inspiration. To me it sums up what he meant to our country when we needed it. His story is remarkable.
To Request more information about the work depicted in this article please contact the gallery:
spafineart@aol.com 518.587.2411