Bay Meadows – The End of an Era

S/N Limited Edition Canvas Prints

For generations of racing fans and horsemen, Bay Meadows Racetrack was more than a place to watch Thoroughbred racing—it was a place where memories were made, careers were built, and champions became legends. When the historic track closed its gates in 2008, it marked the end of one of California's most cherished racing traditions.

I was honored to be commissioned by Bay Meadows to create this painting to commemorate its final season. The artwork was reproduced as a commemorative poster, celebrating the rich history of a racetrack that meant so much to so many. The jockey silks featured in the painting represent some of the great champions who raced there: Seabiscuit, Citation, John Henry, Charismatic, and Lost in the Fog—horses whose names will forever be part of Bay Meadows' remarkable legacy.

For me, however, this painting is deeply personal. During my twenty-year riding career, I was fortunate to ride well over 1,000 winners at Bay Meadows. It wasn't just another racetrack—it was a second home. Countless mornings began there, countless afternoons ended in the winner's circle, and many of my favorite memories in racing were made on that track.

Today, the grandstand, clubhouse, and racing surface are gone, replaced by homes, parks, and neighborhood streets. Yet the history of Bay Meadows lives on in a unique way. Many of the streets were named in honor of jockeys who helped make the track famous, including Bill Shoemaker, Russell Baze, Fernando Toro...and one named Chapman Lane. Every time I think about Bay Meadows, I can't help but smile knowing that a small piece of my own journey will always remain there.

I have signed and numbered limited edition s/n canvas prints available for collectors who wish to remember one of California's most beloved racetracks and the remarkable history it represents.

2 sizes available   12 x 16"     100 prints

                          18 x 24"       50 prints

Each print comes with a certificate of authenticity.