* Ribot (1952-1972) is rated by many as amongst the finest of post-war European flat racehorses.
He was bred by Italy’s leading horseman, Federico Tesio. Fiery on the racetrack, Ribot won 16 races in16 starts, including two victories in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. A Century of Champions, by Randall & Morris, rated Ribot the #3 horse for the 20th Century, behind only Sea-Bird and Secretariat.

Although Ribot had a dangerous temperament, as a sire he had an exceptionally successful career at stud, in England then the United States. He was leading sire in Great Britain and Ireland.

His progeny included Ribocco and Ribero, both winners of the Irish Derby and St. Leger; Ragusa winner of the Irish Derby, St. Leger, King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes and Eclipse Stakes; Molvedo and Prince Royal, both winners of the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe; Tom Rolfe winner of the Preakness Stakes; Arts and Letters winner of the Belmont Stakes and Graustark. Ribot’s son His Majesty sired the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner Pleasant Colony and his great grandson Alleged, by Tom Rolfe’s son Hoist The Flag, emulated him by winning the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in succssive years (1977 and 1978).

This print is by NJ artist James Walls, & was produced in the mid 1970‘s.  I think James did a good job capturing Ribot’s stormy expression, while depicting him with all his veins up, presumably after vigorous running in his paddock. James is best known for his photo realistic depictions done in charcoal & ebony pencil.  As a teen, he won the Midwest Arabian Horse Art Contest so many times he was asked to judge it.  He became a popular equine portraitist in the Northeast & KY during the 1970’s – 80’s.  Walls was invited & taught horse art at the prestigious Parsons School of Design in NY City.  He has been commissioned by & has work in the collections of the American Saddlebred Museum, the Lexington Jr. League, & the Gladstone Equestrian Association at the U.S. Equestrian Team Headquarters.  The posters he did for the Lexington Junior League show & the Gladstone Driving Event sold out immediately & command top prices on the secondary market.  A signed & numbered print of top Standardbred stallion Albatross sold for $2,700 at the 2003 Harness Tracks of America Art auction in Lexington, KY.  Walls’ work from the 1980’s & earlier is scarce in today’s marketplace.

Size:  13” x 19”,   Condition: Very good
This VERY RARE black & white print is offered at $48.00