Arkle memorabilia to go under the hammer

Art and memorabilia honouring one of Britain’s most famous racehorses goes under the hammer next month.

Past glories of the mighty Arkle remembered both on canvas and in racing silks are among a collection to be auctioned by Christie’s in Bedfordshire.

The collection of 20 lots, which are expected to fetch up to £20,000 (€29,630), centre on the triple Gold Cup winner’s time with indomitable rider Pat Taafe.

Christie’s is hoping fans from all quarters will have the chance to snap up a piece of racing history.

Arkle was voted Britain’s favourite racehorse, ahead of Red Rum and Desert Orchid, by Racing Post readers earlier this year.

He became a legend after winning the Cheltenham Gold Cup three successive years between 1964-66 – plus countless other races.

The collection includes paintings, racing silks, binoculars, a special cognac presented in memory of the horse and even a cartoon and Dick Francis novels.

It was formed by Her Grace Anne, Duchess of Westminster, the post war National Hunt racehorse owner who bought Arkle for 1,150 guineas in 1960.

Proceeds of the sale will raise funds for the charities she supported.

The highlight of the collection is a painted maquette of Arkle, from around 1970, which stands a metre tall and is expected to fetch up to £800.

Arkle won 27 of his 35 races, never fell on a racecourse and was beaten only three times over fences.