Henry Alken Snr.

Laffitte, Chateau de Maisons, Las Course en France Exposition Retrospective, nd.

The following condition report was kindly provided by Simon Parkes Art Conservation, Inc.: This pair of paintings has been lined in the last forty years with glue. The paint layers are now fairly dirty and certainly will benefit from cleaning, but the linings are still sufficient. The condition of Winning the Derby is perfectly good in the lower half of the picture, although there is restoration in the race track itself, but the rider and the crowd beyond are quite well preserved. The sky however has two different restorations, both of which show under UV, and I am in no doubt that these restorations are broad and loosely applied, however, one must assume that there is some cracking or thinness that will need attention if this painting is cleaned. The Start shows restorations in the sky, some of which show under UV, some of which do not. Like its mate, this painting is over-restored in the lower half of the picture. Apart from some restoration on the left edge, and a few spots here and there, the condition is quite reasonable. Both pictures have been sloppily restored and although retouches will be necessary, the amount of retouching will be considerably reduced.
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."

The 1847 Derby saw a record number of horses on the track, 32 in all. The horse Gabbler led the field for a mile, then ceded to Cossack who was only challenged for a moment by War Eagle, the favorite. Cossack fought hard in the final furlong and pulled ahead to win by a length. Cossack, who stood fifteen hands three, was ridden by Sim Templeman.  War Eagle, the runner-up, and Van Tromp, who placed third, can be seen in that order in the painting of the finish.

Cossack was owned by a Mr. Pedley, a bookmaker form Haddersfield with a loud voice, an ungainly appearance and passion for singing his favorite song, The Cats on the Housetops are mewing, Love. Pedley had at one time been extremely wealthy but had squandered his vast wealth on horses and hard living.

Cossack was by Helman Platoff (see lot 7) and his dame Joannina was by Priam (see lot 133). Cossack was purchased in Northamptonshire as a yearling for 200 Guineas by Old John Day and was sold to Mr. Pedley for 1,000. Cossack continued to race until 1852, when he was put out to stud, and was ultimately exported to France.