Cross Gate Gallery will present the inaugural Racing Memorabilia Auction on Thursday, Dec. 3, 2026 at their Lexington, Kentucky gallery, introducing a premier new auction dedicated to the history and heritage of Thoroughbred racing.
The first-of-its-kind sale will feature an exceptional collection of rare racing trophies, awards, and memorabilia from the sport's most celebrated horses, owners, breeders, jockeys, and champions. Carefully curated by Cross Gate Gallery, the auction will offer collectors and racing enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire historically significant artifacts that commemorate some of racing's most iconic figures and their greatest achievements.
Each of these notable pieces in the auction originate from their closest connections, offering fans and collectors a deeply personal connection paying tribute to some of the greatest Thoroughbreds in racing history.
Highlights include the legendary Secretariat's original exercise saddle from the personal collection of his Meadow Stable exercise rider Jim Gaffney; a custom display table featuring 1978 Triple Crown winner Affirmed's racing silks, horseshoes, and a lock of his tail from the private collection of owner Patrice Wolfson; several select training and race-worn artifacts from Hall of Fame champion Zenyatta, including her career-worn racing bridle, bit, and reins, iconic browband, halter, and Breeders' Cup saddle towel and winner's blanket; 1964 Preakness Stakes winner's trophy presented to Northern Dancer's jockey Bill Hartack; and the original 1997 Kentucky Derby winning silks worn by Gary Stevens aboard Silver Charm, from the estate of owners Bob and Beverly Lewis.
The auction will also feature important trophies and memorabilia representing a myriad of racing's most recognizable names, including items emanating from the personal collections of Hall of Fame jockeys Braulio Baeza, Bill Hartack, and Chris McCarron and their associated mounts aboard Buckpasser, Dr. Fager, John Henry and more.
"This inaugural auction is something we've been looking forward to for a long time. It's incredibly exciting to bring never-before-offered horse racing trophies and memorabilia to the public, giving collectors the chance to own pieces of the sport's rich history that have remained out of reach until now," shared Cross Gate Gallery founder, Greg Ladd.
The Racing Memorabilia Auction will also have a philanthropic component with the auction of select items to benefit several equine welfare-related causes and organizations including Breeders' Cup Charities, Old Friends, and the Racetrack Chaplaincy of America.
The auction will take place at Cross Gate Gallery's downtown location at 431 Old Vine St. in Lexington, with both live and online bidding formats. Gallery advance viewing and absentee proxy bidding will begin in October along with a weekly speaker series featuring special guests sharing the stories connected with their respective auction pieces and the rich history of the horses and horsemen they represent. A special additional viewing opportunity will take place on October 29 during the official Breeders' Cup week festivities in downtown Lexington with the "Zenyatta: The Treasures of A Queen" auction preview. Further details will be announced as they become available.
The Racing Memorabilia Auction builds on Cross Gate Gallery's longstanding success presenting the annual Sporting Art Auction, held in conjunction with Keeneland racecourse. While the Sporting Art Auction celebrates the artistry inspired by the equine sporting life, The Racing Memorabilia Auction focuses on the history of Thoroughbred racing through its most treasured trophies, presentation pieces, and artifacts.
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