Dusk till Dawn

Artist Statement

This horse is a tribute to all of the equine professionals—the hotwalkers, grooms, shedrow foremen, assistant trainers, exercise riders, and so many more—who have dedicated their lives and hearts to caring for the thoroughbreds on the backside of Churchill Downs for the last 150 years.  These men and women show up to the barn before dawn, in all weather, 365 days a year, to attend to the athletes in their care. Though frequently hidden behind the scenes, racetrackers are the heartbeat of any American thoroughbred racetrack.

On one side of this horse is a depiction of a quiet early morning moment on the backside of Churchill Downs as a groom bathes a steamy horse after its morning run. On the other side is an exciting neck-and-neck finish at Churchill Downs night racing. The style and colors of this composition are inspired by the iconic annual Derby glasses of the 70’s and 80’s.

—Monica Mahoney
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