W F Perrin (20th century) ARKLE signed & titled, oil on canvas, 46 by 35.5cm., 18 by 14in., framed Arkle is universally regarded as being the greates

W F Perrin (20th century) ARKLE signed & titled, oil on canvas, 46 by 35.5cm., 18 by 14in., framed Arkle is universally regarded as being the greatest steeplechaser of all time. His Timeform rating of 212 has never been eclipsed. In recent times Kauto Star has come closest, with a Timeform rating of 191. Arkle won three consecutive Cheltenham Gold Cups between 1964 and 1966, whilst other major victories included the King George VI Chase (1965), the Irish Grand National (1964), two Hennessy Gold Cups (1964 & 1965), three Leopardstown Chases (1964-1966 inc.), a Whitbread Gold Cup (1965), the Gallagher Gold Cup (1965), the Punchestown Gold Cup (1963) and the Powers Gold Cup (1963). There would almost certainly have been more but for a career ending injury sustained in the 1966 King George.