Storm Bird (2005)

One of the greatest thoroughbred races of 2004 almost was run underwater. During last year’s Travers Stakes in Saratoga Springs an enormous summer thunderstorm struck. Growing darker and more massive by the minute, the storm clouds turned day into night. Only the low-angle yellow lamps at the finish line illuminated the eerily darkened track. It had begun to rain earlier, but as jockey Edgar Prado rode the Belmont Stakes winner, Birdstone, across the finish line, the skies opened up. To say that it poured rain does not begin to describe the deluge and winds that followed. You couldn’t see ten feet. It was not a race that anyone who darted through the rain will soon forget. And so, my 20th Anniversary poster: Storm Bird.

A word of thanks — and admiration — for my long-time friend and colleague, Skip Dickstein. Skip is the photographer who took the unforgettable image of the 2004 Travers finish on which this year’s poster art is based. In the nearly 20 years I have worked with Skip, I have never seen anyone be so consistently in the right place at the right time and come back with the defining image as Skip Dickstein. He’d probably say it was luck or habit, but the horse racing world and I know better. Thanks Skipper, great image.

Two Poster Versions: This poster comes in both a Travers, and a Saratoga version. The artwork is the same on both posters, only the type changes. Look for the "Poster Version" pull-down menu above the price to see and select one.

All posters are hand signed by Greg Montgomery. For special attributions (Congratulations, See you next year!, etc.) Please fill out the Special Instructions Box at Checkout.

Production Details:
This is the 20th poster in The Colors of Racing poster series.
17" x 33" (43.2 cm x 83.8 cm) Limited Edition
(The Travers/Saratoga posters are never reprinted)
Paper: Strobe 80 lb. dull cover
Inks: Four colors plus off-line varnish
Typeface: Adobe Garamond