“American Thoroughbred” coffee table book now on sale
Chelsea exhibition open through the end of July
Zenyatta now has a place of honor among the most photographic race horses of the era. Her fine art portrait shot in black-and-white on film is a featured highlight of a prestigious gallery exhibition in Manhattan and an art photography book titled “American Thoroughbred.” Fine art photographer Neil Latham photographed America’s greatest race horses, but says Zenyatta was the one horse that best captured the essence of the thoroughbred.
“It’s all about the eyes with Zenyatta,” says Latham. “Her eyes reveal her soul; she’s such a deep creature. We made a very special connection that day of the photo shoot.”
Zenyatta’s portrait is one of just 26 images selected for the exclusive gallery show. It was selected from among 6,000 frames shot during the three-year project that sent the photographer with a massive studio set-up from Saratoga to Kentucky to Southern California in his quest to portray the intrinsic nature of the breed.
Legendary horse farms opened their gates to allow Latham to photograph their multi-million-dollar horses, including Stonestreet Farm, Lane’s End, Coolmore, Gainsway, Spendthrift Farm, Ramsey Farm and Adena Springs. Latham also shot at race courses, and put himself in harm’s way in enclosures with stampeding horses. He photographed thoroughbred super stars such as A.P. Indy, Curlin, Tapit, Rachel Alexandra, Ghostzapper and Triple Crown winner, American Pharoah.
Art Photography Book
Zenyatta is a highlight of the large coffee table book consisting of 182 pages with 80 duotones featuring the mastery of light and shadow you expect from painstaking Ansel Adams-style photography, development and printmaking. The images are a mix of intriguing studio isolation shots of gleaming muscles after breezing, noble portraits, and wild, unbridled shots of stampeding horses kicking up dust giving the images a magical effect.
“As an artist, I’m intrigued by the juxtaposition of strength and power with beauty and fragility,” says Latham. “I wanted to illustrate determination and character through taut muscles and coursing veins after a fast-paced run, and capture the wild spirit of a charging herd.”
This limited edition book, “American Thoroughbred” by Neil Latham, was published by Twin Palms, and is casebound and slipcased for quality presentation. It retails for $95 and is available from the publisher at https://twinpalms.com/books-artists/american-thoroughbred/ or from Amazon (ISBN: 978-1-936611-12-6). It can also be purchased at the Steven Kasher Gallery in New York through the end of July.
NYC Gallery Exhibition
Zenyatta’s beauty is a highlight of a current gallery exhibition in Manhattan at the Steven Kasher Gallery through the end of July. The show features 26 large-scale, black-and-white photographs illustrating Latham’s unique perspective and technique.
Each limited edition art photograph is hand-printed with massive custom-made enlargers and equipment, developed in large pans of chemicals, and hand-corrected in the way of artisans from the earliest days of photography. Every individual print is a masterpiece, and is available in limited numbers in a few sizes ranging up to 50 x 60 inches for maximum impact. They are finished on archival paper with museum framing and artist signature.
“Neil Latham: American Thoroughbred” featuring Zenyatta’s portrait among her equine peers, will be on view through July 30, 2016 at the Steven Kasher Gallery, 515 W. 26th St., New York, NY. Gallery hours through July 8 are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Summer hours begin July 11, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The show closes July 30. For more information about the exhibition, see www.stevenkasher.com/artists/neil-latham.
American Thoroughbred has developed quite a following on Instagram, see @neil_american_thoroughbred. The photographer’s website is www.neillatham.com.
sue and tony
Zenny’s eyes have always captivated us. What an honor for her to grace the cover of this book…she is an icon!,
Aci
Something about her pregnancy to Medaglia?
Cheryl
All of us have seen Zenny’s soul in her eyes. It’s why we love her so much! ❤️
Mary M
How phenomenal! Would Love to go to NYC to see the exhibit, I bet it is breathtaking! Congratulations Queen Zenyatta for seeing into his soul!
Kim Best
The main thing that got me interested in thoroughbred racing was the exquisite form of the horse…Zenyatta being transcendent…God’s masterpiece!
Lori Stein
What a great shot of Zenyatta, just beautiful. I have always followed her career, but I don’t know who Dubai is. That horse’s name is always mention with Z Princess and baby Z, so I’m assuming they are passed. Can someone tell me who that horse was?
Debra
Dubai is a middle east country where one of the biggest races in the world in run every March. Has nothing to do with Zenyatta, as she never went there to complete. I don’t know why you are seeing any connection to each other. Other famous horses like California Chrome have won in Dubai.
SO sad about her last two foals. Maybe the next one will be the best yet.
Lori Stein
Yes I understand she never raced there as I said I followed her career. That was not the question but thanks.
shirlee cook
I think they might be referring to a horse who was close to Judy here on the blog who passed away.
Judy B from Rhode Island
Dear Shirlee and Sheena:
Yes, I answered Lori’s post below. Love and Hugs, JB
Lori Stein
Thank you :(
Judy B from Rhode Island
Dear Lori:
You’re so welcome. Love and Hugs, JB
sheena.davies(wales)
Dubai was a horse Judy B once knew.He sadly died.Sheena
Judy B from Rhode Island
Dear Lori:
I think you’re referring to how I sign off when I say goodnight to Z.
Dubai was a 5 year old son of multiple stakes winner, E Dubai. He was adopted to a farm near my home where two other horses were rescued by a wonderful group of women I met through our shared love of Z. He came to the farm in October of 2014. Twenty four hours after he arrived, he went lame. The vet was called and it was discovered that he had puncture wounds in the crowns of his hoofs which had become infected and abscessed. We believe that he was most likely given steroid injections and had been racing injured. The abscesses were treated and seemed to heal; but as one healed, another one popped up. He developed severe laminitis in all of his hoofs. This brave, beautiful boy fought hard for about five and one half weeks and the vet felt the kindest thing to do for him was to put him down.
All of us were devastated. He was a sweet, special boy and we loved him very much. He passed on November 10, 2014, almost a month after we lost Z Princess. Love and Hugs, JB
sheena.davies(wales)
Such a majestic photo of Zenyatta.B/W is absolutely timeless.7yrs ago today you won the Vanity Handicap first time for me to see the race today.You and all our horses in the UK are just magical.A joy no amount of money can buy.God bless you always.Love and hugs SheenaX
Sandi york
A legend for time immortal.
Gloria
Such a beautiful cover girl. I can’t imagine any other horse better for the front of that book, which looks stunning.
Karen marx
Absolutely beautiful! Not only do l love Zenyatta, I’m a big photography fan also. I can’t wait to get this book. Wonder if there will be any book signings? Would love to have one of the Zenyatta prints, wonder if any will be available in the Zenyatta shop for those of us who can’t make to New York? Btw, I heard the answer to Aci’s question was yes. Supposedly inside info, but I have not seen anything posted here, and if the Moss’s haven’t said so themselves, I would question that. If they wanted us to know, I’m sure it would have been posted here. Just respect their decisions and privacy and maybe we will be in for a nice surprise next spring! As long as Zenny is healthy and happy, and maybe a few pics and updates thrown in I will be happy and grateful! Congrats Zenny, Ann and Jerry, and all of Zenyatta’s connections on such a wonderful honor!
Neil
Hello Karen, you can order the book on Amazon or through the publisher link provided, or get one at the Chelsea gallery through the end of July. Yes, there will be some book signings in New York City in future, and we will keep this blog posted on those. The prints take a super long time to make, and are available in different sizes, so these are done as the order is placed to the size desired, all the way up to 50 X 60 inches. Each size is limited in the number that will be produced to make them even more valuable, and the pricing depends on the size. If you want to learn about sizes, pricing and availability, you can contact Cassandra Johnson at the Steven Kasher Gallery, 212-966-3978, cassandra@stevenkasher.com. They’re happy to ship them wherever you’re located.
– Neil Latham, American Thoroughbred
Karen marx
Thank you so much for the info Neil, I appreciate it! I also appreciate great art and you have done a brilliant job with Zenyatta. As I said, can’t wait to get the book. Just wish I was able to attend some of those signings, but I live in Michigan and won’t be able to make it. Good luck with everything!
Neil
p.s. Thank you everyone for your kind comments about the image of Zenyatta. She touched my soul, and it was a transcendent moment in my life. I was privileged to have the opportunity to meet her, and shoot a photograph that honors her accomplishments and her essence.
Donna Alsabrook
What an honor for our Queen. I now have a one item Christmas List.
Kathleen
Zenyatta was a great racehorse but she has always been so much more than even that. I love horses, all horses. It makes me sad when anyone criticizes one, especially those who try hard to please. But there has always been something about Zenyatta that has set her apart and above the others. The song says ‘fate smiled on that Street Cry daughter’s but I would say ‘God smiled on that Street Cry daughter. As Ann said, ‘she’s a gift’. She is just loved.
Debra
I play the song every day and never get tired of it, especially the grandstand rockin’ . It did the day she won the Breeder’s Cup Classic.
Linda R. Moss
Our Zenny remains the Queen of photos too! Sending hugs and XOXO, George, Linda, & Milyone
Judy B from Rhode Island
Dear Team Z:
No surprise that Z is featured in this amazing collection of photos of our beloved Thoroughbreds. It’s all about the eyes indeed; the Look of the Eagle! Love and Hugs, JB
Faithful Zenyatta Supporter
Thanks Team Z,
Being a limited edition, I just now ordered mine from Amazon and it will be placed near my Breyer Zenyatta. Her fabulous legacy continues forever.
Deb E.
Zenyatta’s eyes show us her love, her kindness, her gentleness, and her spirit as well as her fierce competitiveness, her fire, and her self-awareness of her greatness. The look of eagles will never leave her.
Stella Bagwell in South Texas
What an honor! And so richly deserved. Zenyatta is one of God’s greatest masterpieces. So happy her images will be forever captured for generations to enjoy!
Much love to our Queen.
Stella
Kathy
Oh my gosh, how exciting! What an honor for our Queen! Congratulations, Zenyatta, and all of Team Z!
Ann Mitchell Adam
Those of us that were privileged to be fans from the beginning KNOW the connection Zenyatta can make even through TV, video and photos. Her soul shines through to all that bother to truly look and return the connection. She is loved greatly by many.
Leslie R.
What a stunning pic of Zenyatta! Her beautiful soul shines through her eyes. She is one in a million. Truly a gift. Congrats Zenyatta! You are the perfect choice to grace the cover!
Hugs to all,
Leslie
shirlee cook
What a beautiful soulful picture of Zenyatta. The eyes truly are the windows of the soul and you can see hers shining through in warmth and love. So glad this photo and book will be around long after many of us are not. It would break my heart to think that she would ever be forgotten.
Also loved the strength and power evident in the photograph of Curlin.
Judy B from Rhode Island
Dear Sheena:
Hope the weather there has improved for the Ospreys. Goodnight. Love and Hugs, JB, LM, PC, HT, Cap, Herc, Frank, Bentley and all the Sweeties
Judy B from Rhode Island
Dear Z, COZ, ZI and DC:
Goodnight. Stay comfy and cozy. Love You. Hugs, JB
Z Princess, Dubai, Baby Z, will always love you.
Terry Starr
Completely agree with the photographer. Love, heart, awareness, intelligence – the eyes have it.
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Judy.Glesni had a better day and there is a gorgeous photo of one of the chicks beautiful eyes like his/her daddy.No news about Hovis today a few have put messages in but….The turmoil following brexit continues but the children(MP’s) were back in the House of Commons today.Wonderful 1st day at Wimbledon some great matches.Goodnight God bless you LM PC HT Cap Hercules Frank Bentley and all the sweeties.Love and hugs SheenaX
Sally Blank (cherishes Z and her foals)
Zenyatta’s beautiful kind soul is captured in her eyes. I have known and felt this since the day I saw her. I am so thrilled and proud of Zenyatta. She is the essence of the most gorgeous thoroughbred and her eyes do tell one more. Indeed Z is the horse of my life time. Now, I’d sure love to own this book!
hugs to all, Sally B
sheena.davies(wales)
Keeping in my thoughts and prayers all those affected by flooding in West Virginia and also the wildfires in CA.God bless you all.Sheena
Dee in the Hudson Valley
Breathtakingly beautiful photo of our beloved Zenny! Neil Latham obviously has joined all of us in her fan club when he says “she’s such a deep creature.” Welcome to the club, Neil! Can’t wait to see the show in NYC. Probably going next week. Still think Alys Emson deserves a show of her own!
Vampressqueen Sue Colvin
hi zsters :)
abeautiful pic of queen Z <3
how wonderful she's on the cover.
take care all
hugz/prayerz, vamp
Janie in L.A.
Now everyone will know what we’ve always known about our pretty Zenyatta… her beautiful, soulful eyes communicate her special sweetness and strength of character all at the same time. There’s just no other horse like her!