Description
Subject & Medium
English historical notable race horse champion portrait scene at Newmarket races. English School, late 19th century, in the manner of John Frederick Herring Sr. Circa 1898 Oil on wooden panel
Composition & Technique
A compelling naïve profile portrait of Persimmon, positioned centrally and presented with quiet authority. The horse’s elongated form, slightly rigid stance, and simplified modelling reflect a provincial hand, while the detailing of the bridle and saddle demonstrates careful observation. The jockey sits upright, almost emblematic in pose, reinforcing the formal and commemorative tone.
The most engaging feature is the horse’s head, particularly the small, sharply defined beady eye, highlighted with a pinpoint of light. This gives Persimmon a striking sense of awareness—alert, intelligent, and faintly watchful—imbuing the image with personality. The simplified racecourse setting, with white running rails and a low horizon, provides context while maintaining focus on the subject. The restrained palette of greens and ochres enhances its decorative appeal.
About the Horse
Persimmon (1893–1908) was one of the most celebrated and influential Thoroughbreds of the late 19th century, bred at the Royal Stud by the Prince of Wales. He was by the legendary St Simon—unbeaten in his racing career and one of the most dominant sires in British history—and out of Perdita II, a mare of exceptional quality who herself produced multiple important offspring.
Persimmon was widely admired not only for his pedigree but also for his physical presence and temperament. Contemporary descriptions emphasise his deep chest, powerful hindquarters, and balanced conformation—attributes that contributed to his combination of stamina and speed. He was known for his calm yet resolute disposition, capable of settling in a race before delivering a sustained and decisive finish.
His racing career, though relatively short, was distinguished at the highest level. From nine starts he secured seven victories, including:
The Epsom Derby (1896) – his most famous success, run before a vast crowd and widely celebrated as a royal triumph
The Ascot Gold Cup – demonstrating his stamina over extended distance
The Eclipse Stakes – confirming his class and versatility
His Derby victory was particularly significant, marking one of the rare occasions on which a horse owned by the heir to the throne captured Britain’s most prestigious race. The event was attended by immense crowds and became a moment of national celebration, elevating Persimmon to near-iconic status.
Following his retirement, Persimmon stood at stud at Sandringham, where he became one of the leading sires of his generation. He produced several classic winners and exerted a lasting influence on British and international bloodlines. His success as a sire ensured that his reputation endured well beyond his racing years, securing his place among the great Thoroughbreds of the Victorian age.
About the Jockey
Jack Watts was one of the foremost jockeys of the late Victorian period, recognised for his tactical intelligence, balance, and composure under pressure. Riding at a time when the sport was both highly competitive and socially prominent, Watts was trusted with elite mounts and regularly engaged in the most prestigious races of the British calendar.
His partnership with Persimmon represents a defining moment in his career. Watts rode the colt in his most important victories, including the 1896 Derby, where his measured and disciplined handling allowed the horse to perform at his best. His riding style was characterised by patience and control—qualities essential for managing a powerful Thoroughbred at the highest level.
In this portrait, Watts is depicted with formal restraint—upright, composed, and in full command—reflecting both his professional reputation and the conventions of sporting portraiture. His presence reinforces the essential relationship between horse and rider, central to the success of any great racehorse.
About the Owner
Persimmon was bred and owned by the Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII, one of the most influential royal figures in the history of British horse racing. Edward VII’s engagement with the turf was both enthusiastic and informed; he maintained an active breeding programme at Sandringham and took a keen interest in the development of high-quality bloodstock.
Under his patronage, the Royal Stud became a centre of excellence, and Persimmon was one of its greatest achievements. The horse’s Derby victory in 1896 was not merely a sporting success but a moment of considerable national importance, widely celebrated across Britain. It symbolised the union of royal prestige and sporting excellence, reinforcing the cultural significance of horse racing within Victorian society.
Edward VII’s involvement in racing helped to broaden the sport’s appeal and cement its place within both aristocratic and popular culture. His ownership of Persimmon thus adds a layer of historical and social importance to the painting, linking it directly to the highest levels of British society.
About the Trainer
Richard Marsh was one of the leading trainers of his generation, based at Egerton House Stables in Newmarket—the heart of British flat racing. As trainer to the Prince of Wales, Marsh was entrusted with the preparation and management of some of the finest horses in the country.
His handling of Persimmon was central to the horse’s success. Training a horse of such calibre required not only technical expertise but also judgement and discipline, ensuring the horse was prepared for the most demanding races. Marsh’s role places him among the key figures behind Persimmon’s achievements and situates the painting firmly within the professional world of the Victorian turf.
Historical Significance
This painting commemorates one of the most important racehorses of the Victorian era, capturing a moment when sport, society, and monarchy were closely intertwined. Persimmon’s success, particularly under royal ownership, made him a figure of national admiration.
Naïve portraits such as this offer a valuable perspective on how such figures were celebrated beyond elite artistic circles, preserving both their likeness and their cultural resonance.
About the Artist
The work is attributed to an unknown English provincial artist working in the late 19th century, within the tradition established by John Frederick Herring Sr.. By this period, Herring’s compositional formula—profiled horses, clear identification, and minimal landscape—had been widely adopted by artists working outside academic institutions.
These painters often produced works for local patrons, trainers, and admirers, prioritising clarity and recognisability over academic finish. The present painting exemplifies this approach: its naïve qualities, expressive detailing (particularly the horse’s eye), and decorative simplicity contribute to its authenticity and charm.
Signed
Unsigned; inscribed “PERSIMMON” lower centre.
Framed
Presented in a recent Larson-Juhl gilt moulded frame, complementing the painting’s warm tonal range and enhancing its display.
Size
Frame: 36.5 cm (h) x 42.5 cm (w) x 4 cm (d)
Image: 23.5 cm (h) x 29 cm (w)
Provenance
Side Door Studio, Winchester, Hampshire
Paul Ting, Thorpe, Suffolk
Reserve: $8,606.00
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Condition
Used
Buyer's Premium
20%
Persimmon Race Horse Jockey Jack Watts Owned by the Prince of Wales At Newmarket
Estimate $10,000-$12,000
Starting Price
$4,200
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May 07, 2026 5:00 PM EDTNew York, NY, United States
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