AS the contents built up by the Gaisford St Lawrence family at Howth Castle over 800 years were dispersed this week, one of the fabulous items for sale was this magnificent Victorian silver trophy cup, by Robert Garrard 1848 London.

The description reads: “The ornate cover finial with stylized fox heads above a coronet and four tongues centred with medallions “The Curragh Whip” won by Rat-trap, 1847”, on an ornate vase shaped stem on a serpentine shaped circular base with grotesque masks”. Unsurprisingly it reached €7,500. Let’s hope it has gone to a good home.