By NOEL MURPHY
ALEX Hecker discovered some of the Victorian racing industry’s most treasured gold and silverware at Geelong Gallery this week.
This year’s Face of Country Racing Victoria pored over two of the grandest trophies presented to major cup winners in the 19th Century.
The 1888 Melbourne Cup, won by Mentor, and the 1890 Geelong Cup, won by Britannia, are on display to mark the Spring Racing Carnival and its artistic attributes.
“These trophies show the rich heritage of racing in Victoria,” Alex said.
“Having studied history at university, I really appreciate the historic value of these trophies, especially the 1888 Centennial Cup.”
The trophies were the work of pre-eminent 19th Century Geelong silversmith, Edward Fischer, as well as London’s Elkington & Co.
Fischer was commissioned to fashion the first Geelong Cup in 1873 and crafted numerous others in subsequent years.
The 1890 trophy was the last in a series of gold racing cups stumped up by Geelong Racing Club for the cup.
The gallery’s Racing Heritage – Early Melbourne and Geelong Trophies is on display until 17 November.
