Gimcrack with John Pratt up on Newmarket Heath by George Stubbs

Acquisition through private treaty sale. Gimcrack was one of the most famous racehorses in England in the 18th century. At just over 14 hands, he was an unusually small colt, with a spirit so indomitable that, in an 11-year career, ho won 28 of this 36 races. In April 1765, he made his debut at Newmarket, where he won his first race carrying the colours of William Wildman, a Smithfield meat salesman. This painting may have been commissioned to celebrate this victory; it is not dated, but must have been painted during 1795, as an engraving after it was published early the following year...