The Eglington Race Cups. A pair of silver-gilt two-handle cups and covers, William Burwash, reatiled by William Gray, London, 1818 and 1819

urn form with cast guilloche borders, each applied with a cast oval vignette depicting racing jockeys, partly-fluted lower baluster bodies, fluted girdles, the reeded handles with lion mask embellished terminals, the partly-matted domed covers with fluted bands and acanthus bud finials, one foot-rim engraved 'Gray Fecit New Bond St London'

Hugh, 12th Earl of Eglinton K.T. (1739-1819) and then by descent to
Archibald, 16th Earl of Eglinton and Winton (1880-1945).
The Earl of Eglinton and Winton, Christie's, London, 12 July 1922, two of a group of four similar cups and covers, 1818/19, lots 29-32.
Christie's, London, 15 June 2004, lot 35.

Good clear marks to cover and base. Excellent gauge. Good condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Hugh, 12th Earl of Eglinton K.T. (1739-1819) only took to racing in 1809 at the age of seventy, keeping his entries mainly to the meetings near his estates in Aryshire. His wins in the period 1809 until his death in 1819 are recorded:

Gold Cup at Ayr, Snodgrass by Sir Charles, 1 September 1813
Gold Cup at Irvine, Meg Merridees by Remembrancer, 3 August 1815
Gold Cup at Ayr, Kate Kearney by Caleb, 4 September 1816
Gold Cup at Irvine, 24 July 1817
Gold Cup at Ayr, Glengarry by Stamford, 6 October 1817
Gold Cup at Ayr, San Culotte by Stamford, 26 August 1817
Gold Cup at Perth, 8 October 1818
Gold Cup at Irvine, Monreith by Stamford, 22 July 1819
Gold Cup at Stranraer, 3 August 1819
Gold Cup at Ayr, 1st September 1819

This impressive record covering five wins at Ayr, three at Irvine/Bogside, plus Stranraer and Perth shows Monreith as the 12th Earl's most prolific winnder with three important wins over a scant seven weeks in the summer of 1819. The Earl's successor, the 13th Earl, who was Viceroy in Ireland, continued the family's racing tradition, establishing the Eglinton Tournament, and owned the great horse The Flying Dutchman.