The Ladbroke Epsom Gold Cup, 1963 Horse Racing:  An importa...

Hammer

€2,000

The Ladbroke Epsom Gold Cup, 1963

Horse Racing:  An important silver gilt two handled Trophy, by Mappin & Webb, Sheffield, hallmarked 1961, the front inscribed "The Ladbroke Epsom Gold Cup, 30th May 1963" (won by L'Homme Arme - Mrs. Anne Biddle), the domed loose lid over typical body with ornate handle on a conforming base, with separate ebonised base, approx. 48cms (19") high - including stand, approx. 66 ounces. (1)

Note: Th 1963 Ladbroke Epsom Gold Cup was won by Mrs Anne Biddle's homebred, the 3 year old cold, L'Homme Arme. Trained by Tommy Shaw, L'Homme Arme won five further races including the Athboy Stakes and the Trigo Stakes. He had finished a close third in the Irish 2000 Guineas prior to his Epsom success. Following his racing career, L'Homme Arme was retired to his owner's Palmerstown Stud in County Kildare.
Mrs. Anne Biddle was born Anne Bullitt, in Philadelphia, in 1924. A noted American socialite, she was the daughter of US ambassador, William C. Bullitt and American political activist, Louise Bryant. Mrs. Biddle was the first lady in Ireland to be allowed a trainers license, in 1966.
The original Epsom Gold Cup was first contested in 1810. In its formative years, before it was superseded by the Coronation Cup, it was won by such outstanding racehorses as Octavius (Derby), Wings (Oaks) Fisherman, Hampton, Parole, Bend Or (Derby), St. Simon and Bayardo.

Provenance:  By descent to the Present Vendor.