Keeneland gets 'Peb' collection

Some 4,000 original cartoons and caricatures drawn by the famed equine artist Pierre "Peb" Bellocq have been donated to the Keeneland Library, officials from Daily Racing Form and Keeneland announced Thursday on "Peb Day" at the Lexington, Ky., track.

The collection of Peb's works, which have entertained and amused countless racing fans and participants since 1955, represents the second major collection donated by the Form to the Keeneland Library, following the 2000 donation of its entire archival collection of newspapers. The Keeneland Library is widely recognized as a world-class treasure of racing publications, photographs, and other memorabilia.

"Peb's keen eye, sharp wit, and artistry have told the stories of the Thoroughbred for over half a century," said John Hartig, chief executive officer of Daily Racing Form.

"Peb has been called 'The turf world's Michelangelo,' " said Keeneland's president, Nick Nicholson.

Peb signed autographs during the day, was presented with a plaque naming him as a Kentucky Colonel, and was to be toasted following the races at a private reception in the Keeneland Library. A cartoon that Peb drew especially for the day appeared on the cover of a commemorative Keeneland program.