With the Cheltenham Festival just around the corner, the anticipation and energy is already building around the racecourse — the artwork I’ve been creating throughout the season is now nearing completion.
This season marks my fourth year as Artist in Residence at Cheltenham Racecourse, and I decides to make this year’s project a little different.
Instead of creating a painting that will disappear into a private collection, I wanted to create a piece that would stay at Cheltenham Racecourse — a piece that celebrates the people who make the racecourse what it is.
Those Who Make Cheltenham Magic
The artwork is a six-foot by four-foot painting that has been evolving throughout the season as a live interactive piece.
At the centre of the painting is Honeysuckle and Rachael Blackmore, captured mid-jump. I chose this moment deliberately — not only because of the extraordinary partnership they formed, but because it celebrates a remarkable female jockey riding a phenomenal mare, two athletes that helped shape a memorable chapter in modern National Hunt racing.
Around the painting, Cheltenham Racecourse and I have been inviting individuals to add their signatures to the piece throughout the season.
Not just jockeys and trainers, but the many people who make a race day possible — from racecourse staff to officials, owners, broadcasters, to cleaners and security staff, everyone who helps make to make Cheltenham such a unique and magical experience. The aim is to create a snapshot of a single Cheltenham season, captured through the names of the people who were part of it.
Nearly full — but still growing
With the Festival just days away, the piece is now around three-quarters full of signatures.
Names already include: Rachael Blackmore, Nicole de Boisville, Harry Cobden, Harry Skelton, Mick Fitzgerald, Ed Chamberlain, Fergal O’Brien, Willie Carson, A.P. McCoy, Noel Feely, Venetia Williams, Richard Johnson, Tom Bellamy, Jonathan Burke, Sophie Upton- BHA Starter, Veterinary Staff, Horse Ambulance crew, Daniel Cooper- Clerk of the Course, Alistair King- Head Groundsman, to name just a few!
Over the four days of the Festival, I’ll be continuing to gather signatures as the piece moves closer to completion.
Come and find me in the Hall of Fame
If you’re visiting Cheltenham during the Festival, you’ll be able to see the artwork and find me in the Hall of Fame.
Please do come and find me if you’re passing through — I’d love to show you the piece and hear which names you think should be on it.
By the end of the season, the finished artwork will be placed on permanent display at Cheltenham Racecourse as a record of the people who helped create the magic of this year.
Some pieces are made to be owned.
Others are made to belong.
For those interested in commissioning a bespoke painting, I’d love to hear what you have in mind. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch.