Lot 50 , George Finch Mason, (1850-1915), 'Double Event - Goodwood, 1899'

George Finch Mason ((1850-1915))
'Double Event - Goodwood, 1899',
'Merman Wins! - The Goodwood Plate and The Goodwood Cup, 1899',
each signed and titled,
watercolour and bodycolour,
35.5cm x 26cm

£150-250
Merman (foaled in Australia) (1892–1914) was a Thoroughbred racehorse, one of the finest racehorses in Colonial Australian racing history that raced in Europe.
Merman's owner W. R. Wilson had made contacts, one of which was the bookmaker Joe Thompson, who at this time was in England. Wilson sent a cable to William Allison offering to sell Merman.
Thompson was a mentor to the horse owner and actress Lillie Langtry and after seeing the cable from Wilson she agreed to purchase the stallion through William Allison as an agent, for 1,600 guineas. Merman left Australia on the streamer Aberdeen on 3 December 1896 from Melbourne, arriving in England in February 1897.
Women were excluded from registering horses at this time so the horse was registered under the pseudonym Mr. Jersey.
Merman started at the Glorious Goodwood meeting at Goodwood Racecourse on 26 July in the 2 miles Goodwood Plate and starting 4/1 as the second favourite won the event easily by 4 lengths.
On the next day Merman's owner Lily Langtry married Hugo Gerald de Bathe in Jersey and was present to witness her horse capture the prestigious Goodwood Cup over the 21/2 miles distance.

Provenance: The Tanyards Collection, East Sussex

Condition:
"Due to past issues with items being damaged in transit, we regret to inform you that we are unable to offer packing and posting services on picture lots in this sale. This is non-negotialble. Picture lots must be collected in person, or external packing companies can be recommended. Thank you for your understanding."

Sold for £360