From The World's Racers series (N32) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1888

This lithograph produced by Allen & Ginter Cigarettes is from their “World’s Racers” series. These cards were inserted into cigarette packs, a marketing strategy that gained popularity in the late 19th century. What strikes me about this image is how it encapsulates a complex intersection of sport, commerce, and identity. We see Ben Ali, the celebrated racehorse, immortalized here in full stride. Yet, who is conspicuously absent? The Black jockeys who dominated the sport at the time, but were slowly being pushed out by white riders. These cards were a form of popular culture, aimed at a broad audience, and the images they presented helped shape perceptions of the sport. Consider the story this card tells – and perhaps more importantly, the stories it omits. It's a reminder of how deeply intertwined art, entertainment, and social narratives are. While appearing to celebrate athletic achievement, it subtly reinforces prevailing power structures.