Royal Ascot

This year I attended all five days of Royal Ascot in my role as Artist in Residence to the Royal Ascot Racing Club. I had several works on display in the club and I thoroughly enjoyed being there with the members and experiencing some incredible racing. It was thrilling to see Highclere have three winners and the closest second, by a whisker, of the week. Another highlight was Paco Boy putting in the bravest performance of the week in the Queen Anne. He came from way back in the field having being caught up against the rail and showed amazing acceleration to hound the leader in a desperate attempt to regain his title. If he had had another 20 yards he would have got there. I look forward to starting the sculpture commission of him in the next few weeks.

2010 Investec Derby Trophy

The Investec Derby 2010

It has been quite an amazing few months. The build up to the Derby started back in April with the first Derby Trial race at Epsom and the official unveiling of the trophy. Ian Balding was the guest of honour and I was extremely relieved when he voiced his approval of the design and the sculpture itself. Until that day it had been seen by Aspreys and a select few at Investec. I was very anxious about how the racing community would view the sculpture. I'm very relieved that all the feedback has been incredible and far better than I could have hoped for. I would like to thank Investec for giving me the freedom to create this work. It really has been a dream commission.

After the first Trial race on 21st April the trophy travelled the country, following the Derby roadshow. It appeared on Channel 4, Racing UK, BBC Breakfast, BBC One and The Morning Line. It was then displayed that the prestigious Derby Club Dinner before returning to its new home in the Queen's Stand at Epsom.

When I arrived on Oaks Day it really struck me just how brilliant it was to be involved in such a way with this amazing event. Oaks Day and Derby Day were incredible. The sun shone and the racing was thrilling. I've never seen so many people at one event before. The atmosphere was totally unforgettable.

The Epsom and Investec teams did an amazing job in moving the Trophy around the course for various interviews and presentations and it was fantastic to see so many people looking at the sculpture and remembering past winners which are engraved on the inside.

The Trophy was presented to HRH Prince Khalid bin Abdullah after his horse Workforce destroyed the Derby course in a record time.

To be a part of the Derby is something that I will be very proud of and extremely thankful for. Thank you Investec and Epsom.