19 Aug Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Gimcrack Stakes Trophy

I was thrilled recently to be approached by Michael O’Hagan of Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai to paint the winners trophy for this prestigious race at York again this Year. The race sponsors normally use a different artist every year, who works with the winning connections to paint a portrait of the winning horse and last year we were honoured to supply the Shadwell Stud with a portrait of Minzaal being led into the Winners’ enclosure at York.

Minzaal

The selection of an artist for this trophy normally brings with it some well-placed publicity, as the painting is unveiled at the famous Gimcrack Dinner at York in December, where the owner is invited to give a landmark speech. Sadly, HH Sheikh Hamdan passed away before he could see the painting, and the Gimcrack Dinner itself was cancelled because of the pandemic. Michael O Hagan and Mr Al Basti very fairly decided that they had not been able to provide the high profile coverage that the artist might have expected, through no fault of their own, and so put the commission our way again this year.

At Prescott’s Wall

We are supplying a small oil study (see “At Prescott’s Wall” below) to be given to the winning connections on the day, and then I’m very much looking forward to working with them after the race to produce a more finished painting, to their tastes, of the  race winner.

Very grateful thanks to Mr Al Basti, Michael O’Hagan and all at  Al Basti Equiworld Dubai  for giving me  this fantastic opportunity again.