Painting Horse Racing Champion Jacinth Of Brook Stud Cheveley By Peter Biegel

Peter Biegel (1913–1987): “Sketches, ‘Jacinth’ 1973” — A Commemorative Portrait of Lady Butt’s Champion Filly of Brook Stud, Cheveley
Original Oil on Canvas — Signed and Dated 1973
Presented in the original gilt frame with engraved brass plaque
A Celebrated Equestrian Portrait by Peter Biegel
Offered here is a rare and spirited original oil painting by the distinguished British sporting artist Peter Biegel, titled “Sketches, ‘Jacinth’ 1973.”
This exceptional work captures multiple studies of the celebrated filly Jacinth, one of the defining racehorses of early 1970s Britain.
Executed during her Classic season, this painting epitomises Biegel’s hallmark blend of technical mastery, movement, and atmosphere — qualities that made him the natural successor to Britain’s great sporting art tradition.
Subject & Medium
The painting commemorates Jacinth (1970–1992) — Lady Butt’s champion filly of Brook Stud, Cheveley.
Foaled in Ireland by Red God (by Nasrullah) out of Jaffa (by Right Royal), Jacinth was bred by bookmaker William Hill and trained by Bruce Hobbs.
Her illustrious racing record includes:
1972 Cheveley Park Stakes — Winner; Britain’s Top Two-Year-Old Filly (Timeform 133)
1973 Coronation Stakes (Royal Ascot) — Winner
1973 Falmouth Stakes (Newmarket) — Winner
Runner-up in the 1,000 Guineas and Sussex Stakes
After retirement, she became a valuable broodmare at Brook Stud, continuing the distinguished Butt family breeding line.
Medium:
Oil on Winsor & Newton “HERGA” prepared canvas, stamped on the reverse “HERGA – Prepared by Winsor & Newton, London.”
Presented in its original gilt frame with an engraved brass plaque listing Jacinth’s 1972–73 racing record — a hallmark of authenticity and presentation from the period.
Composition & Technique
Biegel’s “Sketches, ‘Jacinth’” is composed in his signature “sketch montage” format — an artistic device he perfected to capture motion, anatomy, and personality within a unified composition.
Across the canvas, he presents several studies of Jacinth — head profiles, galloping poses, and static outlines — collectively conveying a living portrait of power and grace.
The artist employs a warm, naturalistic palette of golden umbers, chestnut browns, ivory whites, and muted greens, balanced by soft blue-grey tones suggesting an open racing landscape.
Light impasto highlights along the musculature and flanks enhance movement, while delicate brushwork around the eyes and muzzle captures Jacinth’s alert, intelligent character.
This harmony of expressive background and disciplined drawing demonstrates Biegel’s exceptional understanding of equine anatomy — creating an image both energetic and elegant, a masterclass in portraying vitality and refinement.
Signature
Signed “Peter Biegel” lower left and inscribed upper left with the title and date:
“Sketches, ‘Jacinth’ 1973.”
The confident, flowing signature is characteristic of Biegel’s 1970s hand and provides full assurance of authenticity.
About the Artist
Peter Biegel (1913–1987) ranks among the foremost British sporting artists of the 20th century.
A pupil of Lucy Kemp-Welch — renowned for War Horse and her Newlyn School work — Biegel adopted her disciplined study of anatomy and movement before developing his own expressive modern style.
He became a favourite among racing patrons, aristocratic families, and equestrian enthusiasts, undertaking numerous private commissions across the United Kingdom.
His paintings, admired for their lively draughtsmanship, atmospheric colour, and acute observation, appear in many prestigious collections, including:
The National Horseracing Museum, Newmarket
The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, Saratoga Springs, NY
Numerous private and estate collections throughout Britain and the U.S.
Today, Biegel’s work remains highly collectible — valued for its synthesis of classical training, modern energy, and emotional depth.
Frame
Presented in its original gilt frame, moulded and finished with a brass plaque engraved with Jacinth’s 1972–73 racing record, and fitted with a front protective glass cover.
The frame’s soft gold tones harmonise with the painting’s earthy palette, enhancing its period elegance.
Ready to hang — an authentic presentation from the early 1970s.
Dimensions
Frame: 71 cm (W) × 56 cm (H) × 4.5 cm (D)
A superb, balanced size — impressive yet refined — ideal for a study, feature wall, or equestrian art collection.
Provenance
Direct from a notable Winchester-area racing family
Southern shire auction house label verso
Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd — curatorial review and authentication
Exhibited: Lord Hill Museum, Shropshire — “British Sporting Art and the Thoroughbred Tradition”
This combination of private heritage and museum exhibition record firmly establishes the work’s provenance, cultural importance, and collectible stature.
Why You’ll Love It
A signed 1973 original by Peter Biegel, one of Britain’s most significant sporting artists
Features the Classic-winning filly Jacinth, Lady Butt’s Brook Stud champion
Exemplifies Biegel’s celebrated sketch montage technique and natural palette
Retains its original gilt frame with engraved racing plaque
Museum-exhibited, fully documented, and authenticated
A timeless investment in British sporting heritage and equestrian art
This is not merely an artwork — it is a living piece of racing history, painted by a master who understood the Thoroughbred both artistically and spiritually.
Condition
Excellent original condition with a stable surface, rich pigment, and no visible restoration.
The gilt frame shows only light, age-appropriate wear and retains its charm and integrity.
A vibrant, well-preserved example — ready to display and admire.
Shipping & Authenticity
Fully insured worldwide shipping via professional fine-art courier
Museum-grade packaging for secure delivery
Includes Certificate of Authenticity and full provenance documentation
Available for private viewing by appointment prior to purchase
A Museum-Quality Equestrian Masterpiece
Peter Biegel’s “Sketches, ‘Jacinth’ 1973” embodies the union of art, sport, and British heritage.
It stands as both a tribute to a champion filly and a testament to the mastery of an artist whose understanding of the Thoroughbred remains unmatched.
A rare opportunity to acquire a signed, exhibited, and fully documented original from one of the most respected names in 20th-century equestrian art — a true collector’s treasure.