Rags to Riches - Filly Defeats the Colts

2007 Belmont Stakes • Limited Edition Signed & Numbered Canvas Prints

The 2007 Belmont Stakes produced one of those races that reminds you why horse racing can be so unpredictable. When the gates opened, Rags to Riches stumbled badly and nearly went down. For a filly taking on some of the best colts in the country at the demanding mile-and-a-half Belmont distance, it looked like her race might be over before it started.

But Rags to Riches recovered, settled into stride under jockey John Velazquez, and worked her way back into the race. Turning for home, it came down to her and Preakness winner Curlin, one of the outstanding racehorses of his generation. The two battled through the stretch, neither willing to give in, before Rags to Riches prevailed by a head. Hard Spun, runner-up in that year's Kentucky Derby, was also part of the talented field.

With that victory, Rags to Riches became the first filly to win the Belmont Stakes since Tanya in 1905—a span of 102 years. Considering the stumble at the start, the mile-and-a-half distance, and the quality of the colts she defeated, it was an extraordinary performance.

My painting captures the battle as they drive toward the finish, with Rags to Riches on the left. To me, it's a great example of something you learn quickly around racehorses: never count a good horse out just because things didn't go according to plan

2 sizes available.      12 x 16"      77 prints

                                 18 x 24"      44 prints

Each print comes with a certificate of authenticity.

 Availability: Usually ships in 1-3 weeks, we order them from our manufacturer when we receive an order.