Thomas Spencer 1700-1767

Haughton Hall, Shropshire 

The canvas has been lined. There are no apparent tears or damages, and the painting would appear to be in generally good condition and is ready to hang. Examination under ultraviolet light reveals some retouching to the edges of the canvas where a frame may have rubbed. There are scattered retouchings in the sky, as well as some minor touches of repaing to the figure of Flying Childers. Other scattered touches. A layer of varnish prevents further analysis. Held in plain gilt wood frame.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Known as 'the fastest horse that was ever bred in the world" Flying Childers was bred by Colonel Leonard Childers of Cantley Hall, Doncaster in Yorkshire.  He was sired by the Darley Arabian out of Betty Leedes.  The Darley Arabian was foaled in 1700 and brought from Aleppo by Thomas Darley.  Together with the Godolphin Arabian and the Byerley Turk, each of these stallions founded enduring bloodlines from which by the male line, all modern thoroughbreds in the world descend.  Collectively they have become known as the three pillars of stud book.  It is no surprise, therefore, that with such a sire, Flying Childers became one of the greatest racehorses in the history of the thoroughbred.

He was foaled in 1714 with a blaze and four white stockings.  He grew to 15.2 hands and was sold to the Duke of Devonshire.  He became known alternately as Devonshire Childers, or Flying Childers.  Flying Childers first raced at the age of six.  In 1721 he ran in three races, and won them all, including a race at Newmarket in which he defeated  the Duke of Bolton's Speedwell in a match over the four miles on the Round Course at Newmarket in six minutes and forty seconds, carrying 9st and 2lbs.  The following year Flying Childers won a race at Newmarket, defeating Chaunter, and in 1723 he made his final two starts.  The Duke of Devonshire was often offered great sums of money for Flying Childers, including an offer of the horse's weight in gold crowns.  These were all refused, and Flying Childers retired to stud at the Dukes of Devonshire's estate at Chatsworth.