This charming late 19th-century English oil painting depicts the bay thoroughbred racehorse, Flying Fox (1896-1911), winner of the English Triple Crown. Stylistically, it’s comparable with works by Albert Clark (1821-1909).

Flying Fox was a lively colt who raced for two years, bringing significant success under his trainer John Porter. At age two, he won three of his five races, while at age three, he was undefeated. In 1899, he became only the eighth horse in history to achieve the Triple Crown by winning the 2,000 Guineas Stakes, the Derby, and the St Leger Stakes, for his owner, Hugh Grosvenor, Duke of Westminster.

Following the Duke’s death, he was purchased for 37,500 guineas by Edmond Blanc, a prominent French horse breeder, and became the leading sire in France.

English painter, Albert Clark, produced a likeness of Flying Fox, which is currently in the collection at Doncaster Mansion House.

It’s similar to ours, with the most obvious difference being the addition of a checked pattern and ‘W’ initial to the blanket on the right. The name plaque is also displayed a little larger. Clark was the second son of notable animal painter James Clark (1855-1943) and one of several equestrian artists in the family.

Signed ‘A or J Clark’ in the lower right and held within a later frame.

Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 21½” x 17½” / 55cm x 45cm
Year of creation: c. 1899
Provenance: Private collection, UK.
Condition: Cleaned. Faint stretcher marks. Areas of fine and settled craquelure, as you would expect. The paint layer is stable. Frame in good condition with minor age-related wear.
Our reference: BRV2006