2020 was a year of tumult for America's premier horse racing community—as it was for pretty much everyone else on Earth. Races were cancelled or run to empty stands. Alas, 2021 has also been a tumultuous year at the tracks, too—but not due only to the Coronavirus. Rather, it was due to the potential doping with banned substances of an injured racehorse, Medina Spirit, who had won the Kentucky Derby (followed by a third place showing in the following Preakness Stakes). Nevertheless, the Belmont Stakes at Belmont Park, just outside of New York City, will be run today. Medina Spirit has been eliminated and will not be running; his trainer has been suspended from racing for two years.
I love horses and, therefore, have mixed feelings about horse racing. As a youngster, I raised and showed horses in the 4-H Equestrian Program. I know that horses love to run and some of them can be competitive. And the top horses—at the top events—are meticulously cared for. Nevertheless, the racing deaths, injuries and the scores of poorly-treated and abused animals (at lower-level races) force me to my conclusion: most racehorses would be better off without the racing industry.
These cufflinks, made in England in the 1930's, boast a "reverse-painted" horse head under the glass cabochon. I feel better just looking at them! After all, the horse is still smiling after 80 years! Please click on the photo above to learn more about them.
Though our Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed, LEO Design is still alive and well! Please visit our on-line store where we continue to sell Handsome Gifts (www.LEOdesignNYC.com).
We also can be found in Pittsburgh's historic "Strip District" at Mahla & Co. Antiques (www.mahlaantiques.com) or in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania at The Antique Center of Strabane (www.antiquecenterofstrabane.com).
Or call to arrange to visit our Pittsburgh showroom (by private appointment only). 917-446-4248