Ellen Rennard

Forty years ago, horseracing was the most popular spectator sport in America.  Around that time, Ellen Rennard rode a horse on the exercise track at Arlington Park outside of Chicago and entertained a fleeting dream of becoming a jockey. Decades later, when Rennard taught in Albuquerque, New Mexico, she returned to photograph at The Downs at Albuquerque.

Ellen Rennard has a real talent for depicting the lifeblood, energy and spirit of the people and horses of Albuquerque Downs. When you look at the portraits of the men and women from the track, you can see very deeply into who they are.
—Paula Tognarelli, Executive Director, Griffin Museum of Photography
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    Ellen Rennard, Berkley, from the series The Downs at Albuquerque: Portfolio II

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    Ellen Rennard, Mane, from the series The Downs at Albuquerque: Portfolio II

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    Ellen Rennard, Ponce, from the series The Downs at Albuquerque: Portfolio II

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    Ellen Rennard, Johanna, Fastening the Girth, from the series The Downs at Albuquerque: Portfolio I

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    Ellen Rennard, Before the Race, from the series The Downs at Albuquerque: Portfolio I

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    Ellen Rennard, Resting, from the series The Downs at Albuquerque: Portfolio II

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    Ellen Rennard, Sharpshooter, from the series The Downs at Albuquerque: Portfolio I

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    Ellen Rennard, Cowboy's Fly Mask, from the series The Downs at Albuquerque: Portfolio II

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    Ellen Rennard, Tacking Up, from the series The Downs at Albuquerque: Portfolio II

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    Ellen Rennard, Presence, from the series The Downs at Albuquerque: Portfolio II

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    Ellen Rennard, Blinkers, from the series The Downs at Albuquerque: Portfolio II

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    Ellen Rennard, Spirit of the West, from the series The Downs at Albuquerque: Portfolio I

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    Ellen Rennard, Whiskers, from the series The Downs at Albuquerque: Portfolio I

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    Ellen Rennard, T.O., from the series The Downs at Albuquerque: Portfolio II

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    Ellen Rennard, Stall 38, from the series The Downs at Albuquerque: Portfolio I

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    Ellen Rennard, Stall 28, from the series The Downs at Albuquerque: Portfolio I

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    Ellen Rennard, Run Newton, from the series The Downs at Albuquerque: Portfolio I

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    Ellen Rennard, Real Cool Jazz, from the series The Downs at Albuquerque: Portfolio II

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    Ellen Rennard, Racing Helmet, from the series The Downs at Albuquerque: Portfolio I

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    Ellen Rennard, Que Viva la Raza, from the series The Downs at Albuquerque: Portfolio II

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    Ellen Rennard, Appaloosa, from the series The Downs at Albuquerque: Portfolio I

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    Ellen Rennard, Bridles, from the series The Downs at Albuquerque: Portfolio I

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    Ellen Rennard, Jazz Time Boy, from the series The Downs at Albuquerque: Portfolio I

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    Ellen Rennard, Jo Jo, from the series The Downs at Albuquerque: Portfolio I

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    Ellen Rennard, In the Shipping Stall, from the series The Downs at Albuquerque: Portfolio II

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    Ellen Rennard, Dee Dee, from the series The Downs at Albuquerque: Portfolio II

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    Ellen Rennard, Corazon de Jesus, from the series The Downs at Albuquerque: Portfolio I

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    Ellen Rennard, Dennis, from the series The Downs at Albuquerque: Portfolio I

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    Ellen Rennard, After Winning the Race, from the series The Downs at Albuquerque: Portfolio II

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    Ellen Rennard, After the Race, from the series The Downs at Albuquerque: Portfolio II