Description
Subject & Medium
A superb late-Victorian British racing portrait of the celebrated thoroughbred Victor Wild, ridden by the legendary jockey Mornington Cannon, commemorating Kempton Park—“KEMPTON. JUNE 26TH, 1897.” (inscribed on the inner slip). Medium: Oil on canvas, presented with a front protective glass cover to safeguard the surface and preserve the accompanying historic relic.
Composition & Technique
This is high-quality British “turf portraiture” with real wall presence. Victor Wild is given the commanding side-profile treatment collectors expect—convincing weight and structure, finely observed tack, and a composed rider’s seat that reads as authentically professional. The open Kempton setting is handled with confident greens and a lively English sky, creating depth and atmosphere without distracting from the horse.
About the Horse, Owner, Stable & Racing Record
This work is unusually well-documented on the object itself:
Inner slip (pedigree): “VICTOR WILD, BY ALBERT VICTOR — WILD HUNTRESS.”
Inner slip (venue/date): “KEMPTON. JUNE 26TH, 1897.”
Victor Wild was a noted Kempton Park specialist. The specialist auction record links him with the Royal Hunt Cup at Ascot (1894) and consecutive Jubilee Stakes at Kempton (1895 & 1896), and describes this portrait as commemorating the Coronation Cup at Kempton Park (26 June 1897).
The same record identifies the owner as Tom Worton, and notes Victor Wild was trained by Joe Cannon at the Waltham House / Lethorne Stables in Lambourn—a desirable Lambourn training village connection.
And the extraordinary survivor:
A lock of Victor Wild’s hair, tied with ribbon in the owner’s racing colours, preserved under the front protective glass cover—explicitly described in the auction catalogue for this very work.
Historical Significance
Victorian sporting oils are widely collected, but examples that remain named, dated, venue-inscribed, and accompanied by original turf relic material are materially scarcer. This is not generic equestrian décor—it is fine sporting art plus authentic racing history, ideal for a curated American library, office, club room, or trophy-room wall. ����
About the Artist
Alfred Charles Havell (1855–1928) is an established British sporting artist whose works are recorded in institutional collections including The National Horseracing Museum (Art UK lists multiple Havell racehorse portraits in museum holdings). He first exhibited at the Royal Academy (1878) and soon after took up commissions with Messrs Fores of Piccadilly, producing portraits of important racehorses for publication—precisely the milieu suggested by your retained Fores label on the reverse. For market context Havell’s top auction result at $36,000 USD (Sotheby’s New York, 2006), underscoring that serious international collectors pursue his best turf subjects.
Signed
The work is catalogued as signed and titled by Alfred Charles Havell.
The lower area of the composition also carries the horse identification “VICTOR WILD” (see photos).
Framed
Housed in the orignal traditional gilt frame with a hand-inscribed inner slip, and fitted with a front protective glass cover—a period-appropriate presentation that enhances longevity and preserves the inscriptions and hair relic.
Dimensions Framed: 39.5 cm (H) × 44 cm (W) × 5 cm (D)
Provenance
Private collection
Retains historic reverse labeling including Messrs Fores, 41 Piccadilly (corner of Sackville Street), London (label present on verso; see photos).
Sold through Budds (formerly Graham Budd Auctions), Race to History: Specialist Horse Racing Memorabilia Auction (in partnership with Weatherbys)
Curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD.
Why You’ll Love It
True Victorian British turf portrait with serious wall presence
Named horse + famous jockey: Victor Wild with Mornington Cannon up
Inner slip dated and located: Kempton, June 26th, 1897
Inner slip pedigree-inscribed: Albert Victor — Wild Huntress
Includes rare original turf relic: lock of Victor Wild’s hair in owner’s colours
Documented specialist-auction provenance
Strong artist market signal: MutualArt records Havell’s top result at $36,000 USD
Condition Report
Overall very presentable for age. The painted surface shows age-related craquelure and foxing consistent with late-19th-century oils. The frame shows typical wear with later overpaint and small losses. The front protective glass cover shows minor marks/scratches consistent with age and handling. Ready to hang.
Add this important historical equestrian racing masterpiece to your collection today.
Reserve: $25,313.00
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Your purchase is protected:
In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Chairish Auctions specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Chairish Auctions within 5 days of receiving the item.
Condition
Used
Buyer's Premium
20%
Oil Painting Victor Wild Winner at Kempton Park June 1897 Mornington Cannon Up
Estimate $30,000-$36,000
Starting Price
$12,000
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Shipping & Pickup DetailsItem located in: United Kingdom Offers In-House Shipping
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Meet the Auction House
10501
4.5
54350
Sporting, Animal & Equestrian Art Auction
May 07, 2026 5:00 PM EDTNew York, NY, United States
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