The Racehorse: Past & Future is the first major exhibition by local artist Anne Ward. With a lifelong passion for horseracing and enviable connections within the industry, this new exhibition reflects upon the lives and achievements of ten wonderful, retired racehorses and ten foals that represent the hopes and dreams of future champions.
The exhibition runs from 17th September 2022 until 19th February 2023.
The first half of the exhibition shines a light on previous champions of the racecourse. With fantastic connections within the racing industry, Anne Ward has utilised those to gain unprecedented access to some of the sport’s greatest names and paint them from life.
The retired racehorses featured in the exhibition include Sire de Grugy, Big Buck’s, Ouija Board, Prince of Arran, and Oasis Dream.
Anne commented, “Deciding upon a final list of retired racehorses was a gradual process, but I wanted to achieve a balance across several factors – code of racing, gender, distance specialism, plus a variety of colours. It was also important for each individual not only to be either well-known itself, to have a recognisable achievement or a connection to a famous horse, but to have gone on to a happy and productive phase of life after retirement from racing.”
The second half of the exhibition imagines the future of the sport of horseracing, specifically ten young foals, who are each learning how to be a future champion at their respective stables.
The ten foals are unnamed within the exhibition, save for Anne’s own names assigned based on their unique characteristics.
Reflecting on this approach to the younger subjects within the exhibition, Anne said, “The title given to each of the foal studies represents the mood of the painting and the impression that I hope it gives to those who see it, and not the subject’s registered name. All the foals in this section are unnamed for the purposes of this exhibition, although they are all now officially named as racehorses.”
Visitors are able to purchase a souvenir book, in which Anne summarises the lifetime achievements of each horse and explores their connections within the racing industry.
When asked why this exhibition is worth a visit, Anne summarised it beautifully: “I hope everyone who visits ‘The Racehorse: Past & Future’ will find something to enjoy that may spark an interest in racing or bloodstock, or perhaps even encourage some to paint.”
Entrance to the exhibition is included in general admission, giving you access to all areas including the National Horseracing Museum, Palace House, and the Rothschild Yard where you can meet retired racehorses.
