The late Eugene “Gene” V. Klein was a businessman who served as Chairman of the Board of Directors and chief stockholder of National General Corp. an insurance and entertainment company based in Los Angeles. He was also a founding partner of the then Seattle SuperSonics of the NBA owner of the SanDiego Chargers (1966 to 1984) and a major figure in Thoroughbred horse racing.His involvement in the latter is represented here.Klein entered the thoroughbred horse racing business in 1982and quickly established the Del Rayo Racing Stables a 237-acre facility breeding operation and training center in Rancho Santa Fe California. He hired D. Wayne Lukas to train his horses.

This lot features just a sampling ofwinners’ engraved plaques that Klein and his team won while competing in the New York Racing Association (N.Y.R.A.) during the 1980’s. Whether the New York racing venue was Saratoga Aqueduct or Belmont Klein’s team often shined. Featured here are a total of 21 engraved N.Y.R.A. plaques that include his nameas owner of every one. There are a total of 15 of the plaques that measure eight inches wide by six inches high while the remaining five plaques measure five inches wide by four inches high. Winning horse included “Life’s Magic”(1984 and ‘85); “Family Style” (1985); “Lady’s Secret” (1985 and ’86); “Gene’s Lady” (1986); “Life at the Top” (1986); “Fiesta Gal” (1987); “Over All” (1987);“Open Mind (1988 and ‘89); and “Is It True” (1989).

Includes Letter of Provenance from the San Diego Hall ofChampions.