Horse Paintings Available for Holidays

If you're looking for that perfect holiday gift for the racing fan on your shopping list, take heart--paintings by famous racehorses will be available for purchase on E-Bay beginning Saturday, Dec. 10.

The non-profit Thoroughbred adoption group ReRun Inc. began the program, featuring what it calls Moneigh paintings, to fund its efforts to save retired Thoroughbreds. The Moneigh paintings, which are trademarked by ReRun, are made by horses using their noses, lips, and tails. Each one includes a hoof print, lock of mane, and brass name plate of the artist.

Some of the horses whose artisty is for sale are Cigar, Smarty Jones, Funny Cide, Giacomo, Distorted Humor, Holy Bull, and Silver Charm. Funny Cide, who won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness (both gr. I) in 2003, has created special Christmas Moneighs in red and green, one of which will be auctioned off along with his halter, according to ReRun executive director Sue Swart. A Moneigh by 1982 Kentucky Derby victor Gato Del Sol, signed by jockey Eddie Delahoussaye, will also be available.

"Each Moneigh is unique, and they make special holiday gifts for fans to treasure while raising money for less-famous ex-racehorses who depend on ReRun's adoption program," said Swart.

The online auction will run through Jan. 1, 2006.