Browse Exhibits (7 total)

From the Vault: Jockeys

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These virtual gallery pages mirror the physical exhibit, From the Vault: Jockeys, hosted by the Keeneland Library from March 2019 through September 2019. 

The exhibit's late 19th to mid-20th century photographs from a variety of the library's photograph collections are accessible in the gallery menu on the left or by selecting the next page option (with arrow) in each gallery.

For more information and an expanded view of each photograph, click on the image in the gallery pages. 

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From the Vault: Historic Tracks

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These virtual gallery pages mirror the physical exhibit, From the Vault: Historic Tracks, hosted by the Keeneland Library from October 2018 through March 2019. 

The exhibit's late 19th to mid-20th century photographs from a variety of the library's photograph collections are accessible in the gallery menu on the left or by selecting the next page option (with arrow) in each gallery.

For more information and an expanded view of each photograph, click on the image in the gallery pages. 

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Life's Work Oral History Project

“The preservation of our industry’s rich history is at the core of our mission at Keeneland. We look forward to continuing our efforts to share the tremendous passion for Thoroughbred racing, which is woven throughout these stories...It is fitting that the Keeneland Library is playing a role in capturing, celebrating and properly preserving the valuable stories of our industry for future generations.”

- Bill Thomason - Keeneland President and CEO  

In 2019 Keeneland launched the Life's Work project to capture, preserve, and promote the treasured stories from some of the Thoroughbred industry's prominent figures. While Keeneland's website showcases the full video interviews, oral histories, and blog posts; Life’s Work was a collaborative effort between Keeneland Library, the University of Kentucky Libraries’ Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, and Thoroughbred Daily News (TDN).

Video and oral interviews from these influential figures in the equine industry showcase their devotion to the Thoroughbred through passion and life's dedication. Conducted by respected journalist Chris McGrath, filmed by Keeneland Broadcast Services, and processed by Keeneland Library, the interviews appeared as monthly feature articles in TDN and as a feature video series in TDN Look

The University of Kentucky Libraries’ Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History maintains, preserves, and provides access to the initiative's interview indexes and videos here

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A Day in the Life: Volume I

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These virtual gallery pages mirror the physical exhibit, A Day in the Life: Volume I, hosted by the Keeneland Library from October 2019 through summer 2020. 

Each of the exhibit's turn-of-the 20th century photographs, all from the library's John C. Hemment Collection, are accessible in the gallery menu on the left or by selecting the next page option (with arrow) in each gallery.

For more information and an expanded view of each photograph, click on the image in the gallery pages. 

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Man o' War: In Others' Words

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On the morning of March 29, 1917, a brief entry in the daybook at Nursery Stud near Lexington, Kentucky, documented the birth of a colt: “Mahubah foaled chestnut colt by Fair Play. Star, narrow stripe from right of star down center of nose. Height 42, girth 33.”1 A telegram notifying the colt’s breeder, August Belmont II, of his birth was characteristically succinct: “Mahubah foaled fine chestnut colt.”2 Nothing about the routine foaling or unassuming long-legged colt could predict the fame to which he would rise.

In celebration of the 100th anniversary of Man o’ War’s birth, this compilation of photographs is paired with commentary from industry players, both past and present, that has immortalized the legend that is Man o’ War.

Man o’ War: In Others’ Words is a commemoration of Man o’ War revealed through select photographs, monographs, and serials from the Keeneland Library collections. From Turf writers to racing officials and biographers, and from his owners and trainer to his riders and grooms, Man o’ War is here remembered through the work of photographers and the words of many.

1. C. W. Anderson (1943). Big Red. New York: Macmillan Company, p. 4
2. Dorothy Ours (2006). Man o’ War: A Legend Like Lightning. New York: St. Martin’s Press, p. 15

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Photo Treasures from the Keeneland Library

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Photo Treasures from the Keeneland Library showcases a representative sample of the newly organized and expanding digitized collections of photographs and images from the Keeneland Library Collections. Featured photographers include Charles Christian Cook, Bernard Stanley Morgan, Joel Clyne “Skeets” Meadors, and Robert Lee McClure. Images from the New York Sportsman, the Thoroughbred Times, and Keeneland Library photographic albums are also exhibited.

The highlighted collection items cover a broad variety of image subjects. From historic racehorses to jockeys, and from Thoroughbred owners to rare glimpses of early 20th century race tracks, we are pleased to share our growing digitized photographic treasures. Check back to engage with new additions, as we will continue to add items as they become available. 

 

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The Artistry of Peb

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The Artistry of Peb showcases a representative sample of the artwork of Pierre Bellocq, who signs his work as "Peb." Peb worked for The Morning Telegraph and the Daily Racing Form for over 50 years illustrating jockeys, horses, trainers, and owners, as well as specific races, events, and generalized comic cartoons.

Peb placed his collection of approximately 2,500 original works of art including sketches, drawings, comic strips, cartoons, and caricatures of the equine industry at the Keeneland Library in 2009. The collection includes work in pen and ink, watercolor, chalk, acrylic, and pencil on paper or board stock. Select digitized pieces are highlighted in this virtual exhibit.

 

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