A TOTAL of 137 paintings by artist David Baird have been placed in an online auction with the aim of raising funds for Irish Injured Jockeys and Killusty Pony Show.

The majority of the artworks are portraits of well-known faces at the races and there are also plenty of hunting and equestrian sport pieces.

Bids can be placed immediately online and the auction closes on Saturday, October 11th. Lots 1-20 will remain open for live bidding at an exhibition of all the paintings in the Hotel Minella, Clonmel, on that date.

Baird, who lives in Clonmel, began his ‘equestrian’ series in 2002 when attending his local show. He soon became immersed in the horsey world and began attending racemeetings, mostly at his local track, where he found an unlimited number of potential subjects.

“Very few were asked to pose,” he said. “I finished Ted Walsh before realising that Robert Hall should certainly be included. However, the photo reference I had for him was inadequate. When I later approached him, he kindly posed in a way that fit the available space. Same venue, different days, and racecards.

“Fast forward 171 paintings and nearly 13 years later, I painted Ger Clancy, the esteemed vet of Carrick, and that marked the conclusion of this chapter!

“Along the way, some paintings were sold, while others were gifted. For the past five years, approximately 138 pieces have been tucked away at my home. Recently, as I browsed through them, I was pleasantly surprised and the thought of my paintings helping others brings me immense joy, which is why all proceeds will be shared between the Killusty Pony Show and the Irish Injured Jockeys.”

The Hotel Minella event will begin with a preview at 6pm, followed by the auction at 8pm. Interested parties are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance, as seating is limited. Tickets are €25 which include light refreshments and musical entertainment.

Tickets can be purchased by contacting Theresa Kinane on 086 8291042 or Pat Culligan on 087 9451810. They can also be purchased by emailing info@irishinjuredjockeys.com or calling 045 533011.

Web: michaelryan.ie/auctions