The second annual National Steeplechase Foundation online auction will launch on Monday, Nov. 4, and this year’s event promises to be bigger and better than the highly successful inaugural bidding fest last fall.
The online auction counts down to a thrilling conclusion on Sunday, Nov. 24, and the bidding undoubtedly will be active for dozens of popular premium items and services.
Racing Hall of Fame trainer Jonathan Sheppard, who will receive the F. Ambrose Clark Award in November for his contributions to the sport, has donated three months of boarding and training for one horse at his storied Ashwell Stables. Yes, for a minimum bid of $3,850 one very lucky racehorse will have the services of the Wizard of West Grove.
For those who love to ski, three-time champion owner Irv Naylor has donated a family season pass to any of his three popular Pennsylvania resorts: Roundtop Mountain Resort in Lewisberry, Liberty Mountain Resort in Carroll Valley, and Whitetail Resort in Mercersburg. That’s a $649 value with a starting bid of $325.
For fans of the Breyer horses or Lonesome Glory, there’s a Breyer sculpture of the Racing Hall of Fame member donated by his trainer, Bruce Miller. The sculpture is signed by Miller and Blythe Miller Davies, who was Lonesome’s rider.
Steeplechase Thursdays are special events at Saratoga Race Course, and four steeplechase fans will have a very special day courtesy of ST Publishing and Putnam’s Markets. ST Publishing’s principals, Sean and Joe Clancy, will provide a personal backstretch tour and a box for either of Saratoga’s two Grade 1 races, the A. P. Smithwick Memorial or the New York Turf Writers Cup. A sumptuous basket lunch will be provided by Putnam’s to cap a special day.
The works of the late Richard Stone Reeves are treasured by those who have his paintings and prints on their walls, and National Steeplechase Foundation bidders will have an opportunity to acquire his ever-popular print “Profiles in Courage,” depicting the great champions Kelso, Forego, and John Henry.
The original was painted in 1983 after the three paraded at Belmont Park that fall, and it remains an enduring tribute to the 20th century champions. Donated by George Harris, the print has a starting bid of $450.
These and other great online-auction premiums can be found on the National Steeplechase Foundation’s website, www.nationalsteeplechasefoundation.org. From the home page, you can register to bid and peruse all the desirable items donated by steeplechase patrons.
When the bidding opens on Nov. 4, you will have many good reasons to bid early and often. One of the best reasons beyond the outstanding merchandise and services is that proceeds benefit the many National Steeplechase Foundation initiatives supporting integrity and safety of a great sport.