Lord Bentinck's Crucifix with John Barham Day up

Bred in 1837 by George Stanhope, 6th Earl of Chesterfield, Crucifix by Priam out of Octaviana was purchased with her dam for 54 guineas from Lord Chesterfield's dispersal sale by Lord George Bentinck. In 1840, she won the 1000 Guineas and the 2000 Guineas within three days, followed by the Epsom Oaks; the race had numerous false starts and, despite an injury, Crucifix prevailed and was retired to stud undefeated in her twelve races. She was the dam of Surplice (by Touchstone), winner of the Derby and St. Leger in 1848. Other versions of the painting include larger iterations in the Halifax collection and in the collection of the Jockey Club, Newmarket.

See the following lot for Herring's painting of Elis, another racehorse owned by Lord Bentinck and ridden by John Day.