On November 21, 1987, the Breeders’ Cup returned to the site of its inaugural running: Hollywood Park in Inglewood, California. In the fourth Breeders’ Cup Juvenile race, “Success Express” – gaining control shortly after the start – held off a late bid from Regal Classic to win by 1 ¾ lengths. For jockey Jose Santos, it was his second of seven victories in the Championships and the sixth for trainer D. Wayne Lukas. Success Express represented the fourth of six Breeders’ Cup winners for owner Eugene Klein.
This lot showcases the handsome trophy that the owners of Success Express earned that day.
Standing 8.5” wide by 13” tall, the trophy includes a large green marble base that stretches four inches high and eight inches wide. A sculptured, nine-inch tall prancing horse made of solid bronze is featured on top and is called an ecorche, which illustrates the muscles of the powerful horse in detail. Both sides of the marble base features engraved gold plaques reflecting important race and horse information. The first plaque reads: “EUGENE V. KLEIN’S SUCCESS EXPRESS, Hold Your Peace – Au Printemps by Dancing Champ – WINNER – FOURTH RUNNING, BREEDERS’ CUP JUVENILE, HOLLYWOOD PARK, November 21, 1987.” The second plaque, which appears on the opposite side, reads: “SUCCESS EXPRESS Bay Colt – 1985 Bred By: Tri Star Stable, Trainer: D. Wayne Lukas, Jockey: Jose Santos.” The trophy weighs an impressive 19 pounds.
Includes Letter of Provenance from the San Diego Hall of Champions.