1985 Kentucky Derby Owner's Trophy

Auction: Winter 2015 Catalog Auction

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Winter 2015 Catalog Auction
Spend A Buck Horse Racing Collection

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1985 Kentucky Derby Owner's Trophy

The Holy Grail of horse racing, this is the one and only owner's trophy for the granddaddy and most famous race in the world. Bedazzling object of desire is well documented, obtained directly from the widow of "Spend A Buck" owner Dennis Diaz. This exact same trophy is seen in winner's circle and victory celebration photos from Churchill Downs in 1985. The quality is unimaginable, workmanship spectacular, consisting of three separate pieces. THE CUP: Resplendent figural of classic design is hand-hammered in 14 and 18 karat gold. Engraved "One Hundred Eleventh Kentucky Derby...$250,000.00 Added...1 1/4 Miles...Churchill Downs Louisville...May 4, 1985...Won By Spend A Buck." Bottom is stamped "14K Lemon & Son Louisville KY." Maker of the trophy was actually New England Sterling, but was commissioned by the esteemed Lemon & Son, the oldest retail business in Louisville. THE LID: Magnificent design with standing steed lovingly joined at the feet with fine tiny screws attesting to the quality. The horse and rider are in 18k gold and the only part of the trophy that is molded. THE BASE: Hand carved out of SOLID JADE weighing 10 lbs 9 ounces. Overall height of the trophy and trophy are 22" tall. Each year, the trophy takes an amazing 2,000 man hours to produce! Mint condition with original wooden case. The Kentucky Derby Owner's Trophy is the only major sports trophy made of GOLD! Not to be confused with the smaller in size jockey's trophy and trainer's trophies. The others are roughly half the size and do not have gold content. Together the cup and the lid weigh in at an incredibly 61.5 ounces of gold. At today's market value that is approximately $50,000 in gold content alone, but that does not even begin to tell the tale. The historical value is incalculable making this... Priceless.