Frame Size (H x L): 42.5” x 46”
Kerchief Size (H x L): 31.5” x 35”

Offered is a silk kerchief featuring Felstead, the winner of the 1928 Epsom Derby.  The center of the kerchief includes the following overprint. 

FELSTEAD
BY SPION KOP—FELKINGTON
WINNER OF THE DERBY
TRAINED BY CAPT. O.M. D. BELL 1928.  RIDDEN BY H. WRAGG.
THE PROPERTY OF
SIR HUGO CUNLIFFE—OWEN.  

The Epsom Derby is an English race that is open to three-year-old colts and fillies.  It commenced in 1780.  It is now England’s most prestigious race, and it serves as the middle leg of its Triple Crown.  The Epsom Derby was the inspiration for numerous other derbies, including the Kentucky Derby. 

At 33/1 odds, Felstead was a longshot to win the Epsom Derby.  Of the newspapers who predicted a winner of the race, nineteen predicted Fairway, eight predicted Flamingo, four predicted Sunny Trace, and two predicted other horses.  None predicted Felstead.  Fairway was skittish before the race and failed to run to his potential.  Flamingo and Sunny Trace performed better and led the majority of the race.  However, in the final furlong, Felstead overtook both of them.  Felstead ran a time of 2:34.4, tying the record set just one year earlier.    

Following the Epsom Derby, Felstead developed a splint and never raced again.  As a stud, Felstead bred two outstanding fillies.  The first was Rockfel, who won the 1000 Guineas, Oaks, and Champion Stakes in 1938.  And the second was Steady Aim, who won the Oaks in 1946.  Felstead died in the late 1940s, but continues to appear in the pedigrees of modern thoroughbreds.    

Felstead was owned by Sir Hugo Cuncliffe-Owen.  He was the director of the British-American Tobacco Company starting 1902, was its chairman from 1923-1945, and was its president from 1945-1947.  He was also the chairman of the Cunliffe-Own Aircraft Ltd., and was associated with the British Foreign Aviation Ltd.

Conservation Process: This kerchief was hand sewn to cotton fabric, and both were hand sewn to a mounting board.  To prevent the black dye in the cotton fabric from seeping into the kerchief, it was first washed in a standard wash and then in a dye setting wash.  The kerchief is positioned behind Conservation Clear Acrylic (standard) or behind Optium Museum Acrylic (per request).   

Frame: This offering is in our Large Reclaimed Wood Frame.  However, it can be reframed and would look great using any one of our Medium or Large Frames, which are shown in the final two images.  The pricing associated with the different framing options may vary.  Reframing of an offering may delay shipment by up to two weeks.  

Condition Report: This kerchief includes some minor red bleeding and staining.  But overall, it is in excellent condition.   

Collectability Level: The Great – Perfect for Rising Collectors  
Date of Origin: 1928