Morris, George Ford - Whirlaway
George Ford Morris (American, 1873-1960)
Whirlaway
18" x 14 1/4"
Oil on board
Signed, dated '44, titled verso
George Ford Morris (American, 1873-1960)
"Whirlaway was one of the most remarkable racehorses in American racing history. Bred by Calumet Farm and foaled in 1938, the chestnut colt was by Blenheim II and out of Dustwhirl. Trained by Ben Jones and ridden by jockey Eddie Arcaro, Whirlaway quickly became known for his brilliance, distinctive long tail, and unusual running style.In 1941, Whirlaway captured the Kentucky Derby by nearly nine lengths, setting a new Derby record of 2:01 2/5. He followed with victories in the Preakness and Belmont stakes, becoming the fifth winner of the American Triple Crown. He also won the Travers Stakes that summer, becoming the first horse to accomplish racing?s celebrated ?grand slam.? He was named Horse of the Year in 1941.Whirlaway?s fame soon extended beyond the racetrack. On June 9, 1941, the Midland Telegram reported that his owner, Warren Wright" "of Calumet Farm, had commissioned leading equestrian artist George Ford Morris to paint the colt?s picture before Whirlaway left for the Arlington Classic in Chicago. The commissioned work was a head portrait, emphasizing the distinctive character and appearance of the champion.The Morris painting is dated 1944 and was later reproduced by the New York Graphic Society as Whirlaway (Study). Issued in 1945, the lithograph brought Morris?s portrait of the champion to a much wider audience and helped cement the legacy of both horse and the artist. Whirlaway retired after the 1942 season with 32 victories from 60 starts and earnings exceeding $561,000. His achievements made him an enduring symbol of Calumet Farm?s golden age, while Morris?s portrait preserves the image of one of American racing?s greatest champions."
George Ford Morris (American, 1873-1960)
Whirlaway
18" x 14 1/4"
Oil on board
Signed, dated '44, titled verso
George Ford Morris (American, 1873-1960)
"Whirlaway was one of the most remarkable racehorses in American racing history. Bred by Calumet Farm and foaled in 1938, the chestnut colt was by Blenheim II and out of Dustwhirl. Trained by Ben Jones and ridden by jockey Eddie Arcaro, Whirlaway quickly became known for his brilliance, distinctive long tail, and unusual running style.In 1941, Whirlaway captured the Kentucky Derby by nearly nine lengths, setting a new Derby record of 2:01 2/5. He followed with victories in the Preakness and Belmont stakes, becoming the fifth winner of the American Triple Crown. He also won the Travers Stakes that summer, becoming the first horse to accomplish racing?s celebrated ?grand slam.? He was named Horse of the Year in 1941.Whirlaway?s fame soon extended beyond the racetrack. On June 9, 1941, the Midland Telegram reported that his owner, Warren Wright" "of Calumet Farm, had commissioned leading equestrian artist George Ford Morris to paint the colt?s picture before Whirlaway left for the Arlington Classic in Chicago. The commissioned work was a head portrait, emphasizing the distinctive character and appearance of the champion.The Morris painting is dated 1944 and was later reproduced by the New York Graphic Society as Whirlaway (Study). Issued in 1945, the lithograph brought Morris?s portrait of the champion to a much wider audience and helped cement the legacy of both horse and the artist. Whirlaway retired after the 1942 season with 32 victories from 60 starts and earnings exceeding $561,000. His achievements made him an enduring symbol of Calumet Farm?s golden age, while Morris?s portrait preserves the image of one of American racing?s greatest champions."
