Irsay's Christie's Collection Features Secretariat Saddle, Ali Gloves

Late Colts owner's memorabilia auction includes numerous Kentucky-connected items

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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The late Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay's collection of sports and pop culture memorabilia is being auctioned by Christie's, featuring numerous items with Kentucky roots. The highlight is Secretariat's Triple Crown-winning saddle, which could become the most valuable piece of horse racing memorabilia ever sold. Other Kentucky-connected items include Muhammad Ali's boxing gloves and robe, Hunter S. Thompson's 'Red Shark' convertible, and a Louisville Slugger bat used by Jackie Robinson.

Why it matters

Irsay's collection represents a unique opportunity for the public to own a piece of American sports and cultural history, with a significant portion of the sale proceeds going to support charitable causes. The Kentucky-related artifacts showcase the state's rich sports and entertainment legacy.

The details

The auction includes over 100 items from Irsay's collection, which spans 20th-century American history, rock music, and pop culture. In addition to the Secretariat saddle, other Kentucky-connected items include Muhammad Ali's red boxing gloves and weigh-in robe, Hunter S. Thompson's red Chevrolet Caprice convertible known as 'The Red Shark,' a copy of Jack Kerouac's 'The Dharma Bums' annotated by Thompson, and a Louisville Slugger bat used by Jackie Robinson.

  • The online and live auction of Irsay's collection is being handled by Christie's in New York, with the Secretariat saddle going up for auction on March 12, 2026.
  • The Jim Irsay Collection: Hall of Fame auction will be held on March 12, 2026, followed by the Icons of Pop Culture auction on March 13 and the Icons of Music auction on March 14.

The players

Jim Irsay

The late owner of the Indianapolis Colts who amassed a multi-million-dollar collection of sports and pop culture memorabilia, including numerous items with Kentucky roots.

Secretariat

The legendary racehorse who won the Triple Crown in 1973, with his saddle being the highlight of the auction.

Muhammad Ali

The iconic boxer whose red boxing gloves and weigh-in robe are part of the auction.

Hunter S. Thompson

The renowned author whose red Chevrolet Caprice convertible and annotated copy of 'The Dharma Bums' are included in the sale.

Jackie Robinson

The pioneering baseball player whose Louisville Slugger bat is among the items being auctioned.

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What they’re saying

“It's just one heavy hitter after another. Looking at this collection as a whole, the fact that Louisville and the state of Kentucky are popping up in multiple categories is really neat.”

— Nathalie Ferneau, Head of sales at Christie's

“This special saddle represents a most magical time in my racing career, and its personal significance to me and my family goes beyond words. I've had the privilege of keeping it safe and secure for nearly 50 years, and now it's time to let others enjoy the treasures in my collection as well.”

— Ron Turcotte, Jockey who designed and rode Secretariat's Triple Crown saddle

What’s next

The online access to Christie's auction of the Jim Irsay's Collection is currently underway and will end on March 17, 2026. In addition, three separate live in-person auctions will be held in New York City with specific categories of the collection sold each day.

The takeaway

Irsay's collection represents a unique opportunity for the public to own a piece of American sports and cultural history, with a significant portion of the sale proceeds going to support charitable causes. The Kentucky-related artifacts showcase the state's rich sports and entertainment legacy, making this auction a must-watch event for sports and pop culture enthusiasts.