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1972 Riva Ridge Triple Crown Collection
<p>This amazing grouping emanates from the private collection of renowned jockey Ron Turcotte who piloted Meadow Stable’s Riva Ridge to victory in two of the three jewels of the 1972 Triple Crown. Often overshadowed by his illustrious stablemate Secretariat, Riva Ridge was a Hall of Fame champion in his own right, and his extraordinary success as a 2-year-old in 1971 inspired his well-earned reputation as the “the horse who saved the farm.”</p><p>Riva Ridge’s early success continued into his 3-year-old season and he ultimately emerged as the headliner of the spring classic races, and if not for the whims of Mother Nature, a possible Triple Crown sweep. This fascinating collection of original ephemera from Mr. Turcotte’s personal collection chronicles Riva's impressive victories in the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes, as well as his surprising loss in the Preakness Stakes.</p><p>The Kentucky Derby portion of this auction features an array of items from its May 6, 1972 running including a scarce original Churchill Downs admission ticket and accompanying near mint condition track program from the legendary race. However, the prized possession here is the extremely rare official media booklet produced by the track that provides complete information about each of the entrants participating in the Derby's 98th renewal. Riva Ridge’s spectacular wire-to-wire victory in the swift time of 2:01 4/5 captured the imagination of fans hoping for the bay colt to become the sport’s 9th Triple Crown hero.</p><p>In the Preakness Stakes, those hopes literally seeped away when a deluge of rain caused the May 20th race to be run over a sloppy track, a condition Riva Ridge detested throughout his racing career. His 4th place effort over the muddy surface at Pimlico was a huge disappointment for Mr. Turcotte and the Meadow Stable team as well as racing fans across the country. This segment of items again features an original admission ticket and track program in pristine mint condition, and includes the very unusual addition of three individual $50 win, place, and show pari-mutual tickets wagered on Riva Ridge for the race.</p><p>In the Belmont Stakes Riva Ridge redeemed himself and proved his talent to the delight and expectations of fans who attended the June 10, 1972 "Test of the Champion” with another wire-to-wire performance winning the storied race by seven lengths. The final portion of this offering includes an original track program in immaculate condition, scarce collectible pinback button issued by the track in recognition of Riva’s victory, and a very rarely seen 15” panoramic color photo depicting the finish of the race.</p><p>The auction of these items will help benefit the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund and the winning bidder will also receive a Riva Ridge photograph, personalized and autographed by Mr. Turcotte, thanking them for their participation.</p>
Past Sports Card, Memorabilia, Non-Sports Card and Collecitble Auction Items
Other past auction items that may be of interest to you.
Red Pollard's Seabiscuit Saddle
Red Pollard Signed 1940 Santa Anita Handicap Victory Photo
Charles Howard Signed Sea Biscuit Print
Red Pollard in his Tragic 1938 Spill
Seabiscuit and Trainer Tom Smith (1937)
Kentucky Derby - Churchill Downs
Seabiscuit v. Ligaroti (1938)
