Giacomo 2005 Triple Crown Campaign Halter

This very special halter emanating from the personal collection of trainer John Shirreffs was worn by Giacomo leading up to his victory in the 2005 Kentucky Derby and throughout his Triple Crown season. Going off at 50-1 odds at Churchill Downs, and piloted by jockey Mike Smith the gray son of Holy Bull came barreling down the stretch to capture the 131st Run for the Roses for owners Anne and Jerry Moss. (The team of Smith, Shirreffs, and the Mosses would later capture the attention of the racing world with the legendary Zenyatta.) Giacomo would go on to finish 3rd in the Preakness and 7th in the Belmont, and was retired to stud in 2006 with more than $2.5 million in career earnings. 

What makes this original barn-worn leather halter with brass nameplate so special is that it was photo-documented via numerous media outlets as being worn by Giacomo at Churchill Downs, Pimlico Race Course, and Belmont Park during the course of his Triple Crown races. Its unique identifying feature is the simple red-and yellow tassel-like shoestring tied to the chin -- a charmingly simple equipment addition Shirreffs was known to employ with his favorite horses.