Portrait a Bay Racing Pony
by LAPORTE, George Henry, Oil on canvas, 70 x 90 cm
This painting depicts a bay racing pony, Queen of Trumps, with his young racing groom William Preston up; a race taking place beyond. Pony racing enjoyed a vogue in the earlier part of the 19th century. The racing was initiated to train youngsters in the art of race-riding, and many meetings took place all over England, often in conjunction with local horse-races. The present painting is a rare visual depiction of this sport.