A pocket watch presented to J.A. Johnston from H.R.H. The Prince of Wales to commemorate his first victory as a racehorse owner with his filly ''Count
£800 - £1,200
A pocket watch presented to J.A. Johnston from H.R.H. The Prince of Wales to commemorate his first victory as a racehorse owner with his filly ''Counterpane'' at Sandown Park 4th June 1886 ridden by Fred Archer, the works stamped BAUME, LONGINES, PATENTED, 818256, running but in need of attention Counterpane was an 1884 filly aptly named sister to Quilt by Hermit out of Patchwork. Her only career victory came on debut at Sandown Park, the Prince's first win as an owner. Tragically, and in a distressing scene, the filly 'died in harness' in front of packed racegoers, including The Prince of Wales, after the finish of the Stockbridge Cup in August 1886. It is not certain the connection J.A. Johnston had with the Prince and the filly.