Bronze Signed, dated and numbered ‰, 12/30 , to integral marble base 33.3 x 50.8 cm (13 1/8 x 20 in.) British Thoroughbred racehorse Eclipse (1764 - 1789) is largely regarded as one of the world s finest racehorses. Foaled during and named after the solar eclipse of 1 April 1764. By retirement, had won eighteen races including eleven King s Plates. At top speed, Eclipse is attested to have covered 83 feet per second, which equated to roughly 25 feet in a single stride. Eclipse was a large horse for the time, measuring just over sixteen hands (163cm). Despite a difficult temperament, a spell with a rough rider who worked him hard settled Eclipse enough to allow him to be raced. According to contemporary accounts, Eclipse was victorious often without ever being fully extended. James Osborne s (1940-1992) skill in realistically capturing and depicting a fleeting action, whilst adhering to the anatomical strictness of the life models from which he drew inspiration, is what first brought him recognition as a sculptor in bronze. After six years in his studios in London s Covent Garden, Osborne moved to Ireland in 1991, where he stayed until his death in 1992. IMPORTANT: This lot is sold subject to Artists Resale Rights, details of which can be found in our Terms and Conditions.