Bluegrass Auction will offer over 1,200 items from the estate of Virginia Kraft Payson through a series of five auctions this June, featuring the late thoroughbred owner’s extensive personal collections.
The auctions, scheduled for June 15-22, will showcase Payson’s fine jewelry, rare antiques, and an impressive array of equine artwork — including numerous paintings and limited-edition prints from her personal collection.
Payson, who operated Payson Stud in Lexington and Payson Park Training Center in Florida, amassed works by renowned sporting artists including Henry Stull, Jenness Cortez, Fred Stone, and Peter Howell.
Several pieces feature Payson’s own successful racehorses, including her 1985 Travers Stakes winner Carr de Naskra and homebred St. Jovite, who earned European Horse of the Year honors in 1992.
The collection also includes numbered prints and paintings of legendary thoroughbreds such as Ruffian, A.P. Indy, John Henry, and Alysheba among others.
Interested bidders can access all five auction catalogues online, where detailed condition reports and bidding options are available through the Bluegrass Auction, Appraisal & Realty website.
The sales represent a significant opportunity for racing enthusiasts and art collectors to acquire pieces from one of the sport’s notable figures and her carefully curated collection of equine memorabilia and fine art.
