"Tiffany & Co 1971 Belmont Stakes Sterling Silver Jockey's Presentation Box"
$3,500
Engraved:
Pass Catcher
October House Farm
Ridden By Walter Blum
4 1/4"W x 3 1/2"H x 1 1/2"D
The 103rd running of the Belmont Stakes in 1971 attracted a then record crowd of 80,000 who came to see a possible Triple Crown win by Canonero II, the Venezuelan colt who had won the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes.
Pass Catcher had missed both of those races and had an 'upset' victory ridden by Walter Blum. Walter received this “Sterling Silver Case” with racing colors and engraving to commemorate that victory. His initials are inside the lid of the case. This beautiful case features the salmon pink enamel silks of October House Farm on the sterling lid. Interior case has cedar-wood panel lining.
In 1961, Blum rode six winners on a single race card at Monmouth Park Racetrack. He won more races in 1963 and 1964 than any other American jockey. He rode in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes on two occasions, his best finish a fourth in both in 1967 aboard Reason to Hail. In the 1971 Belmont Stakes, he rode Pass Catcher to a victory that denied Canonero II the Triple Crown.
He rode Hall of Fame'rs, Affectionately and Gun Bow with another famous victory coming in the 1964 Woodward Stakes when he rode Gun Bow to a win over the legendary Kelso. In 1969, Blum was elected president of the Jockeys' Guild and served until 1974.