John Scott (1794-1871) at an early morning training trial between Cotherstone and probably Napier, with an attendant groom at Malton, North Yorkshire signed or inscribed lower right 'H Alken' oil on canvas 30 x 40cm Footnote: Provenance: Presumably acquired by John (1811-1908) or Algernon Dunn Gardner (1853-1929) and thence by descent Foaled in 1840, the bay Cotherstone was sired by Touchstone. His racing career lasted from September 1841 to July 1843, during which he won eight out of eleven races. Bred by John Bowes at his stud at Streatlam Castle, County Durham, Cotherstone was sent into training with John Scott at Malton, North Yorkshire. He was ridden in most of his important races by the trainer’s younger brother, Bill Scott. In 1843, he won the 2000 Guineas by 3 lengths at Newmarket. Shortly before the Derby, John Scott moved Cotherstone from Malton, to the stable at Leatherhead, where the colt was visited by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. On the day, Cotherstone started at 13/8 favourite in a field of twenty-three runners and won an easy two length victory. Narrowly beaten in the St Leger by a head to Nutwith, he just missed the title of being the first winner of the Triple Crown. Cotherstone’s seven wins in 1843 earned his owner in excess of £12,000 thus making him the most successful horse of that year in Britain. In 1844, he was sold to John, 3rd Earl Spencer for £3000. He broke down in his first start at Goodwood and was retired to stud at Althorp. The chestnut Napier, by Gladiator belonged to Col. George Anson, who had a stable at Goodwood House and was a prominent owner of racehorses, including Attila who won the 1842 Derby. The use of Napier as a trial horse is very probable as he was effectively used as a lead horse for Cotherstone in a race at Doncaster where there were only three runners, which Cotherstone won with Napier coming in second. In the present painting both jockeys wear outfits that match the owner’s racing colours – black for Bowes, owner of Cotherstone, white for Colonel Anson, owner of Napier. Condition report: Oil on canvas which has been lined. The paint layer is stable but has suffered from wear and abrasion in the thinner paint passages. There are numerous areas of retouching across the surface and around the signature. Overall these are well matched to the original. The varnish is clear and even. There is some wera to the gilding on the frame but overall it is sound.