Horse Racing interest. A Victorian silver mounted presentation whip

Horse Racing interest. A Victorian silver mounted presentation whip, the leaf and flower decorated pommel inscribed 'John Reed won at March By Vanguard 1841', 103.7cm long.

Provenance: The Property of the Rt. Hon. Sir Mathew Thorpe.

Vanguard was a steeple chase racehorse. In 1841 he won the Trophy Whip at March (Isle of Ely) for John Reed for which this lot was presumably presented. In 1843 at his first attempt he won the Grand National for Lord Chesterfield, ridden by Tom Olliver. Vanguard was Tom Olliver's favourite horse and when he died Olliver had him skinned and his hide used to upholster a sofa which is at Aintree. His skull was to be mounted upon Olliver's personal carriage and the rest of the remains donated to feed the destitute of Liverpool and the bones sold for animal glue.