Epsom pays tribute to racing
13 June 2002
Epsom town celebrates its racing heritage with a new sculpture by Judy Boyt to mark the millennium
Epsom, home of the Derby and Oaks Classics, is celebrating its historic racing connections with a unique racehorse sculpture by world-renowned equestrian artist, Judy Boyt in the town’s centre.
The bronze sculpture, called Evocation of Speed, captures the changing face of the colt’s Classic since its firstrunning in 1780. It depicts Diomed, the winner of the first ever Derby, on one side with Galileo, winner in 2001, on the other.
The galloping racehorses show how the Derby has changed over time. Diomed’s jockey is dressed in buttoned breeches and rides with long stirrups, while Galileo and his jockey convey all the professionalism of a Derby winner today.
“The millennium bronze has the support of the Queen, as well as the local residents and businesses who have contributed to funding the project,” says Susan Bush, spokesperson for Epsom & Ewell Borough Council.
“The original idea to commemorate the town’s long standing relationship with racing, by capturing the action from the Downs was suggested by Epsom’s residents.”
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The work of art is now in position in the Derby Square, Ebbisham Centre, Epsom and will be official unveiled on Tuesday 9 July. It has been cast in patina (a green bronze) and is mounted on a polished stainless steel plinth.
Judy Boyt, whose works include the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials trophy, won “Best piece of sculpture” at the annual exhibition of the Society of Equestrian Artists with a scale model of the bronze.
Councillor Jean Steer, chairman of the Leisure Committee says, “I am delighted to see this wonderful work of art take its place where it can be enjoyed by all those who live and work in the Borough, as well as those who visit the town.”
Judy Boyt on TV
Viewers in the HTV West area can gain a real insight into the work of Judy Boyt by watching ‘Going for Bronze‘, a documentary which portrays a year in Judy’s life. The programme features the making of ‘Up to the line‘, an equestrian bronze sited at the main entrance to Centrica’s Office Park in Windsor.
The programme will be shown at 5pm on Sunday 23 June.
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Carol is an experienced journalist and editor, who is also a passionate amateur rider and dedicated horse owner, having ridden since childhood. She has a particular interest in the emotional well-being and ethical training of horses, alongside veterinary matters, having garnered extensive first-hand experience of numerous equine health conditions through more than 30 years of horse ownership.