Historic pair of horse hoof inkwells, the hooves of one of the most famous steeplechase racehorses in history!
The hooves belonged to "Bridegroom" who had a very successful career in the Grand National at Aintree finishing 6th in 1860, 4th in 1861 & 2nd in 1862. However he is much more famous as the winner of the First Grand National Hunt Steeplechase run at Market Harborough in 1860.
Each hoof has been converted to an inkwell with brass mounts & each inkwell lid bears the identical engraving:
"BRIDEGROOM, Winner of the First Grand National Steeple Chase. RUN AT MARKET HARBOROUGH 1860, RIDDEN BY E.C. BURTON ESQRE. 31 RAN".
Included with the hooves is a photo reprint depicting "Bridegroom" with the caption "SECOND IN THE GRAND NATIONAL 1862".
Also included is a printout of the Wikipedia page relating to the 1862 Grand National confirming Bridegroom as runner-up.
I have also included a printout from the magnificent website "www.greyhoundderby.com" run by John Slusar which provides a comprehensive history of horse racing & racecourses worlswide, many sadly, now defunct.
The printout relates to the Market Harborough Racecourse and gives details of the 1860 race won by Bridegroom. John describes the race as "deemed to be the most important steeplechase ever held in the United Kingdom". The Grand National Hunt Steeplechase, run on Wednesday 18th April, 1860 was the race which saw the establishment of the National Hunt Committee which went on to run the sport.
The National Hunt Chase Challenge Cup, a Grade 2 steeplechase for novice chasers over 3 miles 5 furlongs and 201 yards, is staged annually at the Cheltenham Festival in March. It boasts a rich history and is the oldest race in the Cheltenham Festival programme, dating from 1860. In the early days, between its inception in 1860 & 1910, it was stages at a variety of courses, but in 1911 Cheltenham became its permanent home.
The inaugural running was at Market Harborough in 1860 when the 8 year old Bridegroom, ridden by Edmund Burton, was victorious, winning as the 5/1 favourite (see photos for complete result).
NOTE: Please do your own research on "Bridegroom" & the First Grand National Hunt Steeplechase at Market Harborough to confirm the above history & the importance of the race to steeplechasing.
Hoof Inkwell Number One: Weight: 686.0 gm. Height: 80 mm. Width: 120 mm. Length: 145 mm.
Hoof Inkwell Number Two: Weight: 745.9 gm. Height: 80 mm. Width: 110 mm. Length: 145 mm.
Summary: As can be seen from the photos & history (above) this is a rare pair of taxidermy hoof inkwell from one of the most famous horses in the history of steeplechasing. Of Museum Quality. Good luck!