"Inquiry" – 1980 Preakness Stakes

Kentucky Derby Museum Collection, Louisville, KY

Cast in bronze in 1982, "Inquiry" tells the dramatic story of an exceptional filly, a fiercely competitive jockey, and one of the most disputed moments in thoroughbred racing history. The sculpture freezes the contentious climax of the 1980 Preakness Stakes between the beloved Kentucky Derby-winning filly, Genuine Risk, and the California colt, Codex.

At the time, the legendary Billie Jean King vs. Bobby Riggs "Battle of the Sexes" tennis match was still fresh in the minds of the American public. Against that cultural backdrop, Genuine Risk was viewed as far more than just a racehorse—she had become a national symbol for athletic equality. When she entered the Preakness to take on the colts, the entire country was watching.

As beautifully detailed in a feature on bronze art by Project1 Home Furnishings, the artwork captures the exact moment the two horses brushed down the homestretch. Codex’s jockey swung his colt wide, pushing Genuine Risk off her path in a highly controversial move that ultimately cost the filly the second leg of the Triple Crown.

The resulting foul claim and subsequent three-day hearing by the Maryland Racing Commission captivated a divided nation. Though Codex's victory was allowed to stand, the fierce debate surrounding the race led the Jockey Club to permanently change the appeals process at all American thoroughbred racetracks.

Today, this celebrated piece—which remains highly sought-after by equestrian collectors and at prominent fine art auctions—is proudly preserved in the permanent collection of the Kentucky Derby Museum. Displayed in Louisville, Kentucky, it stands as a breathtaking tribute to Genuine Risk’s legendary spirit and a pivotal turning point in the sport of horse racing.