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Alfred WheelerPretty Polly - classic winner horse1906
1906
About the Item
Alfred Wheeler (1852-1932) was a British sporting and equestrian artist known for his finely detailed depictions of racehorses, hunting scenes, and rural life in late Victorian and Edwardian England. Born in 1851, Wheeler developed a keen interest in the countryside and the sporting traditions of Britain, which became the backbone of his career as an artist. He exhibited at the Royal Academy and the Royal Society of British Artists, earning a strong reputation for his accurate portrayals of horses and their riders.
Wheeler was especially admired for his ability to capture the energy and elegance of thoroughbred horses in motion, whether at rest, in the paddock, or mid-stride on the track. His works often depicted celebrated horses of the day, and he was commissioned by prominent owners and breeders to commemorate equine achievements on canvas.
"Pretty Polly" by Alfred Wheeler: A Champion Immortalised
The work captures the great Pretty Polly, the Irish-bred, British-trained thoroughbred racehorse often hailed as one of the greatest fillies ever to run on British turf. In this composition, Wheeler places Pretty Polly in the foreground, her chestnut coat rendered in warm tones, glistening under clear light. The jockey sits poised in the saddle, an image of composure and control, symbolizing the horse's regal bearing and phenomenal racing career.
In the background, another horse and jockey are seen mid-gallop, emphasizing the competitive world Pretty Polly once dominated. The juxtaposition of motion and stillness—a Wheeler hallmark—underscores her supremacy in the racing field.
The Legend of Pretty Polly
Foaled in March 1901, Pretty Polly was bred and owned by Major Eustace Loder and trained by Peter Gilpin. She won nine out of nine races as a two-year-old in 1903, immediately marking herself as a prodigy on the track. As a three-year-old, she took the 1,000 Guineas as the overwhelming 1-4 favourite, securing the win by three lengths and in record time.
Her dominance continued that year with victories in The Oaks, the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot, the Nassau Stakes, and most notably, the St. Leger Stakes, which crowned her the fifth filly ever to achieve the British Fillies' Triple Crown since its inception in 1814. She also added the Park Hill Stakes to her résumé—all with jockey William Lane aboard.
Pretty Polly stayed in training beyond her three-year-old season, an uncommon feat for such a successful filly. She won six more races over the next two years, including back-to-back victories in the Coronation Cup in 1905 and 1906. Her final record was an extraordinary 22 wins from 24 starts, placing second only twice—once in Paris in 1904 and again in the 1906 Ascot Gold Cup.
In retirement, Pretty Polly proved just as remarkable as a broodmare, producing descendants that shaped the breed for generations, cementing her legacy as one of the most influential mares of the 20th century.
Wheeler’s painting not only celebrates the outward beauty and power of Pretty Polly but also acts as a tribute to her endurance, versatility, and historic achievements. By combining realism with reverence, Wheeler positions the viewer not just as a spectator, but as a witness to sporting greatness. His work preserves not only the image but the spirit of Pretty Polly—standing still in the foreground yet forever galloping through the annals of racing history.
panel size: 40 x 50 cm
Painting and frame conservation services are provided upon request. Please message us for further advice.
- Creator:Alfred Wheeler (1851 - 1932, British)
- Creation Year:1906
- Dimensions:Height: 21.26 in (54 cm)Width: 25.2 in (64 cm)
- Medium:
- Movement & Style:
- Period:
- Framing:Frame IncludedFraming Options Available
- Condition:
- Gallery Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:Seller: 511stDibs: LU2841216329992
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