The winner of ‘The Greatest Flat Race in the World’, The Investec Derby was in 2010 honoured with a new perpetual trophy.
In recognition of the national resonance and worldwide following of this historic and thrilling race, Epsom Downs Racecourse and the Festival sponsors, Investec commissioned an iconic Investec Derby Trophy which was officially unveiled by Ian Balding, 2010’s Investec Derby Festival Guest of Honour.
The trophy was designed by the young and talented equine sculptor, Charlie Langton whose design, which is circular in shape and half a metre in diameter, was inspired by the undulating contours of the famous Derby course, which rises steeply as the horses start the two and half mile journey, before beginning the descent toward the sharp left hand turn of Tattenham Corner and onto the finishing line.
Three silver galloping horses on silver turf have been sculpted and mounted on a macassar ebony base. The winners of the Investec Derby from 2010 and beyond will be engraved on a silver cuff that surrounds the entire work. The trophy has been created by Asprey, the expert jewelers and producers of bespoke silver pieces and luxury leather goods.
Charlie Langton commented: “The idea for the design is inspired by the climax of the race, the dramatic moment when the horses charge into Tattenham Corner. I hope that the sculpture is perceived as a worthy prize for such a momentous race. I feel extremely honoured to have been given this incredible commission.”
Rupert Trevelyan, Managing Director of Epsom Downs Racecourse added: “Dating back to 1780 The Investec Derby attracts the largest one day sporting crowd in the UK and is the UK’s richest race with a prize fund of £1,250,000. This prestigious event is racing's equivalent of the FA Cup, Ashes or Wimbledon and therefore it is only fitting that an iconic perpetual trophy was commissioned to acknowledge the event’s sporting significance. With such a unique and challenging course producing such phenomenal performances as Sea the Stars in 2009, a trophy of such style and impact does justice to the heritage and future of The Derby.”
GUIDE TO THE EPSOM DERBY FESTIVAL 2011 – CLICK HERE
ABOUT THE ARTIST – CHARLIE LANGTON
Just 25 years of age, Charlie trained for a year at the Edinburgh College of Art before heading to Florence for two years to study at the Charles Cecil studio. It was here that the talented artist developed an appreciation for the work of the old masters and in particular Leonardo da Vinci. Da Vinci’s understanding of his subject, desegno and his ability to work in all mediums is something that has inspired Langton in his own work and which is reflected in his drawings, paintings and sculptures.
Having grown up in the countryside of Wiltshire and surrounded by horses from an early age, Langton’s natural understanding of their magnificent form is realised in his work, from their delicate yet pronounced muscle to their perfectly constructed heads.
The underlying theme of Langton’s work is understanding the form and portraying it in different mediums. Working in pencil, charcoal, chalk, oil, plaster, bronze, silver, his work is grounded in the ethos of the old masters but with an individual and unmistakable style of his own. For more information visit www.charlielangtonart.com
Allison is the Publisher of Eclipse Magazine. She loves going to the Races and is learning to bet (despite being officially the worst bettor in the History of the Universe), there’s a lot more to learn…
