On November 2, 1985, the Aqueduct racetrack in Queens, New York played host to the second Breeders’ Cup. As the runner-up to Princess Rooney in the inaugural Breeders’ Cup Distaff in 1984, “Life’s Magic” closed out her three-year racing career with a convincing, 6 ¼ -length victory over stablemate Lady’s Secret in 1985 at Aqueduct. Life’s Magic gave Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas his second Breeders’ Cup victory and provided Hall of Fame jockey Angel Cordero Jr. with his first of four Breeders’ Cup triumphs. Life’s Magic earned the Eclipse Award as champion older female of 1985. This lot features the beautifully designed trophy that Life’s Magic’s owners walked away with that day at the Breeders’ Cup.
Standing 8.5” wide by 13.5” tall, the trophy includes a large red-and-white marble base that stretches 4.25 inches high and 8.5 inches wide. A sculptured, nine-inch tall prancing horse made of solid bronze is featured on top and is called an ecorche, which means it shows the muscles of the horse in vivid detail. The trophy includes a wraparound gold band that has been engraved on both sides with important information about the event as well as the winning horse. The front side reads: “MELVIN E. HATLEY AND EUGENE V. KLEIN'S LIFE’S MAGIC, Cox’s Ridge – Fire Water by Tom Rolfe – WINNER – SECOND RUNNING, BREEDERS’ CUP DISTAFF, Aqueduct Racetrack, November 2, 1985.” The second engraving, which appears on the opposite side, reads: “LIFE’S MAGIC, Bay Filly – 1981, Bred by: Mr. & Mrs. D. Parrish and D.C. Parrish III, Trainer – D. Wayne Lukas, Jockey – Angel Cordero Jr.” The trophy weighs just over 17 pounds.
Includes Letter of Provenance from the San Diego Hall of Champions.