BALTIMORE (WJZ) — It’s called the most valuable trophy in American sports and its home is here in Baltimore.
As Mike Schuh reports, the Woodlawn Vase is in the winner’s circle at Pimlico.
Only one horse and rider gets to come forward to the winner’s circle and see the Woodlawn Vase.
The real vase is kept in its case; the winners raise a two-thirds sized identical replica, which is theirs to keep.
The trophy is hand-crafted by world-renowned silver artist Michael Galmer. An exhibition of his work is now on display in Homewood at the Evergreen House Museum.
Galmer had an idea and called the museum’s director, John Abbott, with an offer.
“For the exhibition, it made so much sense. It looks at the artist; we have him both in the creative individual artist’s voice and we also have him in commission with this beautiful work,” said Evergreen House Director James Abbott.
The real vase—except for this week—is kept at the BMA. Though this is a two-thirds replica, the original artistry and that of this modern creation is evident.
“The Woodlawn vase as the original, the mid-19th century, is the finest example of American silver craftsmanship. The finest,” Abbott said.
If you’d like to get a better view of the vase than the one you’ll see on TV, stroll on down to the Evergreen House.
Created in 1860, the original was, for safekeeping, buried during the Civil War at a Kentucky horse farm. It has been a part of the Preakness for the past 98 years.