Irish Sweeps Derby: An Irish 9 Karat Gold Trophy Cup and Cover on Onyx Stand, Worboys Ltd., Dublin, 1965
Auction Closed
December 18, 08:20 PM GMT
Estimate
25,000 - 35,000 USD
Lot Details
Description
the cup engraved Irish Sweeps Derby 1965, with borders of stylized foliage, all on a green onyx base with an applied gold plaque engraved Won By Meadow Court / M. Bell / owners: F. McMhon / Bing Crosby / Trainer: P. J. Prendergast / Jockey: L. Piggott, marked on base rim of cup, cover and plaque
26 oz 5 dwt excluding base
817.9 g
height 11 in.
27.9 cm
The Irish Sweeps Derby was the name used for the major Irish classic horse race, the Irish Derby, from 1962 until the mid-1980s due to it being sponsored by the Irish Hospitals' Sweepstake, a state-established lottery.
Along with Max Bell and Frank McMahon, Bing Crosby was a part-owner of the horse Meadow Court, which won the Irish Sweeps Derby in 1965. After the victory, Crosby gave an impromptu performance, singing "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling" in the winner's enclosure at the Curragh Racecourse.