A UNIQUE 17-inch high, solid silver sculpture of Lester Piggott by William Newton is set to be the star among eight items being auctioned at the annual Sir Peter O’Sullevan lunch in London. The sell-out event on Thursday, November 21st raises funds for a number of charitable causes.

Nigel Payne, who orchestrates the event with members of the charitable trust, is open to take bids in advance for any of the items and he can be contacted at nigel@earthsummit.demon.co.uk. On Derby day this year, Queen Elizabeth unveiled a life-size sculpture of Piggott. Newton made a smaller maquette to reflect Lester’s record of 30 British classic successes. Thirty casts have been made, 29 in bronze and at Lester’s suggestion, one silver sculpture especially for the auction. The piece was signed by Lester prior to casting and is presented in a custom made case. It will carry a reserve of £20,000.

Portrait

The 24th award winner is Brough Scott and the first lot is his portrait painted by the internationally famous portrait artist Johnny Jonas. It is followed by the breeches worn by Sammy Jo Bell when winning the Leger Legends race on Dubai Acclaim at Doncaster in September 2019. It is signed by Sammy Jo and Sir Anthony McCoy.

Lot 3 is the original of this year’s Trust Christmas card Riding Home for Christmas by Sarah Aspinall. Two Centre Court seats for the men’s semi-finals at Wimbledon 2020 have been gifted for the auction by John McManus, and a big seller every year is a trip to the Dubai World Cup 2020. It includes two business class flights, five nights in a five star hotel, chauffeured transportation and more.

Lot 6 is an equine head portrait in oil by the renowned Katie O’Sullivan, an opportunity to have your special horse remembered. Also bound to be popular is hospitality for at the Dublin Racing Festival in Leopardstown on Sunday, February 2nd with food, beverage plus a visit to the parade ring for the Irish Gold Cup.