Isaac James Cullin 1910 Two Thousand Guineas Newmarket Antique Horse Racing Watercolour

Isaac James Cullin 1910 Two Thousand Guineas Antique Horse Racing Watercolour An original signed and dated Edwardian sporting watercolour by Isaac James Cullin (1859–1942), commemorating Neil Gow's historic victory in the 1910 Two Thousand Guineas at Newmarket. Ridden by American-born champion jockey Danny Maher for Lord Rosebery, the thoroughbred defeated Lemberg by a short head in a celebrated British Classic contest. The painting has documented provenance from the late Richard “Dickie” Onslow Collection, Graham Budd Auctions and an exhibition at the Famous Lord Hill Museum, Shropshire. Professionally reframed by Bailey Arts Ltd. Highlights - Original signed and dated 1910 watercolour by Isaac James Cullin (1859–1942). - Depicts Neil Gow winning the Two Thousand Guineas at Newmarket on 27 April 1910. - Winning jockey Danny Maher, inducted into the American Racing Hall of Fame in 1955. - Neil Gow belonged to former British Prime Minister Lord Rosebery. - Lemberg finished second and subsequently won the 1910 Epsom Derby. - The two celebrated thoroughbreds later dead-heated in the Eclipse Stakes. - Neil Gow's dam, Chelandry, won the 1897 One Thousand Guineas. - Trained by Percy Peck at Exning, near Newmarket. - Cullin exhibited at the Royal Academy and lived in Newmarket during the Edwardian period. - Related 1910 Derby watercolour documented by Christie's. - Richard “Dickie” Onslow Collection; Graham Budd Auctions, Lot 78, 2024. - Privately loaned and exhibited at the Famous Lord Hill Museum, Shropshire. - Professionally reframed by Bailey Arts Ltd with conservation mounting and UV-protective glazing. - Original watercolour approximately 35.5 × 25 cm; framed 63 × 53.5 × 4.5 cm. Introduction A distinctive original Edwardian sporting watercolour depicting a historically identifiable British Classic race. The work commemorates the victory of Lord Rosebery's chestnut colt Neil Gow in the Two Thousand Guineas of 1910, an occasion remembered for the remarkably close finish between Neil Gow and Lemberg. Its original date, artist's signature and identifying inscription connect the painting directly with the sporting history of Newmarket. The documented auction provenance, exhibition history and professional reframing further contribute to its interest for collectors of antique British sporting paintings. Catalogue Details Artist: Isaac James Cullin (1859–1942). Title: *Two Thousand Guineas 1910*. Date: 1910. Period: Edwardian. Medium: Original watercolour on paper, recorded as mounted on board. Signature: Signed “Isaac Cullin”, lower right. Inscription: *Two Thousand Guineas 1910*. Subject: Neil Gow winning the Two Thousand Guineas at Newmarket. Race date: 27 April 1910. Racecourse: Newmarket, Rowley Mile, Suffolk. Winning horse: Neil Gow (1907–1919). Jockey: Daniel Aloysius “Danny” Maher (1881–1916). Owner: Archibald Philip Primrose, 5th Earl of Rosebery. Trainer: Percy Peck. Runner-up: Lemberg. Third: Whisk Broom. Provenance: Richard “Dickie” Onslow Collection; Graham Budd Auctions, 13 November 2024, Lot 78. Exhibition: Famous Lord Hill Museum, Shropshire. Framing: Bailey Arts Ltd. Catalogue Note Cullin depicts a closely contested horse race, with the thoroughbreds galloping in powerful forward movement. The jockeys adopt low riding positions, their coloured silks providing contrast against the horses and racecourse setting. The composition demonstrates the artist's understanding of equine anatomy, particularly the extended limbs, muscular bodies and physical exertion of horses competing at speed. Spectators, railings and architectural features establish the atmosphere of an Edwardian race meeting. The painting's original inscription identifies the historical event, distinguishing it from an imaginary sporting composition. The Two Thousand Guineas — Newmarket, 1910 The Two Thousand Guineas Stakes was inaugurated in 1809 and became one of Britain's five Classic thoroughbred races. The 1910 renewal took place on Wednesday, 27 April, over one mile at Newmarket. Neil Gow defeated Lemberg by a short head, with Whisk Broom finishing third. The official winning time was 1 minute 40.4 seconds. The race attracted considerable attention because Neil Gow and Lemberg were regarded as two of the leading colts of their generation. Contemporary newspaper reporting and later racing histories document the significance of their rivalry. Neil Gow (1907–1919) — The Winning Thoroughbred Neil Gow was a distinguished chestnut thoroughbred bred and owned by Lord Rosebery. He was by Marco out of Chelandry, winner of the 1897 One Thousand Guineas. His pedigree included important nineteenth-century bloodlines associated with Barcaldine, Goldfinch and Ormonde. Neil Gow developed into a leading British two-year-old in 1909 before winning the Craven Stakes and Two Thousand Guineas in 1910. Despite his exceptional ability, contemporary accounts described him as sometimes difficult to handle, particularly at the starting post. Following retirement, he entered stud, where his descendants contributed to later thoroughbred breeding lines. Chelandry — A Classic-Winning Dam Chelandry won the One Thousand Guineas in 1897 for Lord Rosebery. Thirteen years later, her son Neil Gow won the corresponding Newmarket Classic for colts. The mother-and-son achievement provides an important connection with Lord Rosebery's thoroughbred breeding programme. Neil Gow and Lemberg — A Celebrated Racing Rivalry Neil Gow and Lemberg met four times during their racing careers. Neil Gow won the 1909 Champagne Stakes, with Lemberg finishing third. Their second encounter occurred in the 1910 Two Thousand Guineas, when Neil Gow prevailed by a short head. Lemberg subsequently won the Epsom Derby on 1 June 1910, while Neil Gow finished fourth following an interrupted preparation. Their final meeting in the Eclipse Stakes at Sandown produced an extraordinary dead heat. The owners agreed to divide the prize rather than contest a deciding heat. This remarkable sequence has been documented by racing historian John Randall in the *Racing Post*. Danny Maher (1881–1916) — American Champion Jockey Daniel Aloysius Maher was born in Hartford, Connecticut, in 1881. He became American Champion Jockey in 1898 before establishing an outstanding career in Britain. In 1905, Maher became first jockey to Lord Rosebery and rode Cicero to victory in the Epsom Derby. Five years later, the same owner, trainer and jockey partnership achieved another Classic success through Neil Gow. Maher won nine British Classic races and recorded 1,421 victories in Britain. He was twice British Champion Jockey, in 1908 and 1913 according to the British Racing Hall of Fame. His achievements were recognised through induction into the American National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 1955. Lord Rosebery — Owner and Breeder Archibald Philip Primrose, 5th Earl of Rosebery (1847–1929), served as British Prime Minister from 1894 to 1895. He was also a distinguished thoroughbred owner and breeder. His horses included Ladas, Sir Visto, Cicero and Neil Gow. His racing interests were associated with Mentmore and Crafton in Buckinghamshire. Lord Rosebery's registered racing colours were primrose and rose hoops with a rose cap. These colours provide historical context for interpreting the jockeys' silks in the painting. Percy Peck and Harraton Court Stables Percy Peck trained Neil Gow at Exning, near Newmarket. He was associated with Harraton Court Stables, an important nineteenth-century racing establishment. Constructed in 1883, the surviving complex includes an Italianate clock tower and horse-and-jockey weathervane. The buildings are recorded by Historic England. Peck had previously trained Cicero, winner of the 1905 Derby for Lord Rosebery. Newmarket and the Rowley Mile Newmarket's association with organised horse racing developed during the Stuart period. King Charles II played an important role in establishing the town as a royal racing centre. The Rowley Mile takes its name from Old Rowley, a horse associated with Charles II. By the Edwardian period, Newmarket was internationally recognised as a centre for thoroughbred breeding, training and racing. Cullin's documented residence in Newmarket provides an important geographical connection with the painting's subject. The Artist — Isaac James Cullin (1859–1942) Isaac James Cullin was born in New York City on 18 June 1859. He initially pursued portrait painting before developing a specialism in equestrian subjects and British sporting scenes. In 1882, he received a commission to paint *The Lawn at Goodwood*, incorporating the then Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII. In 1883, Cullin collaborated with John Alfred Wheeler on a depiction of Zoedene, winner of that year's Grand National. He subsequently contributed sporting illustrations to *The Illustrated London News*. Cullin exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1881, 1883, 1884 and 1889. By 1901, he was living in Newmarket. The 1911 census records him at Sandiver House, St Mary's Square. His documented works include *The Saddling Room, Newmarket* (1886), *The Derby, 1910* and *Lemberg & Greenback before the Race* (1911). He died in London on 21 March 1942. Documented Comparable Works and Auction Recognition Christie's catalogued Cullin's *The Derby, 1910* on 22 November 2005, Lot 94. That signed and dated watercolour was inscribed with the names Neil Gow, Charles O'Malley, Greenback and Lemberg. Its dimensions of approximately 24.8 × 35.3 cm closely correspond to the present work. Other documented compositions include *Signorinetta* (1908), *Lemberg & Greenback before the Race* (1911) and *The Derby Stakes, 1923*, recorded by Bonhams. These examples demonstrate Cullin's sustained interest in historically identifiable racing subjects. Original Artist's Signature and Inscription The lower-right area bears the signature “Isaac Cullin” and the date 1910. The composition is also inscribed *Two Thousand Guineas 1910*. The markings have been recorded in detailed photographs. Reverse Marks and Documentary Evidence The artwork's provenance is supported by Graham Budd Auctions documentation. No additional unverified reverse inscriptions, labels or ownership stamps are attributed to the painting. Provenance The late Richard “Dickie” Onslow Collection. Graham Budd Auctions, *Race to History*, 13 November 2024, Auction GB84, Lot 78. Acquired through the specialist auction. Present collection, Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®. The original acquisition documentation has been retained. Earlier ownership history remains unconfirmed. Exhibition History Privately loaned and exhibited at the Famous Lord Hill Museum, Shropshire. The exhibition association does not imply permanent museum ownership. Frame and Presentation Professionally reframed by Bailey Arts Ltd. The presentation incorporates a Larson Juhl gold-leaf moulded pine frame, acid-free conservation mounting and AR70 UV-protective glazing. The decorative gilt finish complements the painting's Edwardian sporting subject. Dimensions Original watercolour: approximately 35.5 cm Wide × 25 cm High. Overall framed: approximately 63 cm Wide × 53.5 cm High × 4.5 cm Depth. Published References and Primary Sources The Jockey Club, historical Two Thousand Guineas results. Suffolk Artists, Isaac James Cullin (1859–1942). John Randall, *Racing Post*, 4 July 2017. National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, Daniel A. Maher. British Racing Hall of Fame, Danny Maher. Christie's, *The Derby, 1910*, Lot 94, 22 November 2005. Christie's, Isaac Cullin, *The Finish*, Lot 57. Bonhams, *The Derby Stakes, 1923*, Auction 13644, Lot 66. Historic England, Harraton Court Stables. Graham Budd Auctions, *Race to History*, 13 November 2024, Lot 78. Contemporary newspaper reports, April–May 1910. Original signature, inscription and acquisition documentation. Certificate of Sale & Dealer Attribution The artwork will be supplied with a Certificate of Sale & Dealer Attribution issued by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®, recording the artwork’s catalogue details, attribution, provenance as stated, exhibition history and details of the sale. This document accompanies the work as part of its ongoing ownership and provenance record. Attribution and Research The historical observations, provenance research, attribution analysis, dating and contextual commentary presented within this catalogue entry represent the professional opinion of Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®. They are offered in good faith as informed scholarly assessments based upon the available physical evidence, historic inscriptions, comparative research, published reference material and our experience within the international fine art market. These observations should be understood as professional opinions rather than definitive statements of fact or guarantees of authorship, attribution, date, origin, provenance or historical interpretation. As with all historic works of art, future documentary discoveries, technical examination, conservation analysis or advances in academic research may refine, expand or revise current interpretations. 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