Lot 42: Thomas Spencer (fl.1730-1763)

Flying Childers held by a groom in an extensive landscape oil on canvas 25 x 30 in. (76.2 x 63.5 cm.) PROVENANCE with Arthur Ackermann & Son, Ltd., London. Sporting Pictures from the collection of the late Thomas Mellon-Evans; Christie's, New York, 3 December 1998, lot 3 (sold $23,000). NOTES Childers, bred by Colonel Leonard Childers and foaled in 1715, was by the Darley Arabian out of Betty Leedes . As a yearling, he was sold to William, 2nd Duke of Devonshire, whose buff and blue livery are worn by the jockey in this picture. Childers did not often race but was unbeaten and held a reputation as the fastest horse at Newmarket, the prefix Flying was later added as his reputation grew. He died in 1741, aged 26.