Horse racing choice for stamps stirs up debate among fans
A NEW set of stamps is being launched featuring racehorse legends, just days before this year’s Grand National.
Artwork of eight champion horses who have won top races over the past 60 years are included in the stamps, which mark the 40th anniversary of Red Rum’s historic third Grand National win.
The horses featured are Frankel, Shergar, who was stolen by an armed gang believed to be working for the IRA, Kauto Star, Desert Orchid, Arkle, Brigadier Gerard, the Queen’s horse Estimate as well as Red Rum.
Royal Mail’s stamp strategy manager Philip Parker said: “Horseracing is a British passion, and we pay tribute to eight legendary horses that have proven their greatness on UK racecourses and won the affection of the public.” Royal Mail commissioned renowned equestrian artist Michael Heslop, who said: “The reason I wanted to paint racehorses is, for an artist they have everything – you paint form, you can paint movement. In that one image you’ve got horseflesh and you’ve got the silks of the jockey. Everything in that one image, that is really worth painting.” The racing media has however stirred a debate on the choice of horses with some racing fans suggesting Mill Reef and Dancing Brave should have been included in the list. Racing Post historian John Randall, who was consulted on the selection, said: “How can the Royal Mail be so misguided? Its choice of Estimate as one of British racing’s eight legends in its new issue of stamps, along with seven authentic giants of the Turf, is embarrassing.”