AFTER JOHN FRANCIS SARTORIUS (BRITISH FL. 1775-1831)
Hambletonian vs Diamond
oil on canvas
48 x 76 cm
In a famous match with Mr. Cookson's Diamond over the four-mile Beacon Course at Newmarket on 25 March 1799, Hambletonian, ridden by Francis Buckle, won by a neck in a time of 7 minutes 15 seconds. He is said to have covered 21 feet in a single stride at the finish. The horse was afterwards the subject of the painting, Hambletonian Rubbing Down by George Stubbs, who was then 75 years old. Hambletonian and Diamond at Newmarket.1800, by John Whessell, known as Sir Harry Tempest Vanes Horse, Hambletonian, Preparing to Start against Mr Cookson's Diamond &c &c 1799