THE WINTER CHATSWORTH FINE ART & ANTIQUE SALE December 3rd & 4th, 2025

17 Fonsie Mealy’s Est. 1934 97. The Tralee Races 1791 Silver Cup Co. Kerry: Equestrian Interest - An important 18th Century Irish silver two handled Presentation Cup , the bulbous body issuing scroll handles on a socle type base, engraved on both sides 'Tralee Races - 1791,' also engraved with the names 'Jno Blennerhassett and Jno Gustavus Crosbie - Esquires Stewards,' by Matthew West, Dublin, 1791, on a later ebonised stand, approx. 21.5cms (8½") high, 23.5 ounces. (1) Note : This trophy, inscribed Tralee Races 1791, was presented by Tralee’s eminent local gentlemen, John Blennerhassett and John Gustavus Crosbie (as further engraved), two of the meeting’s Stewards. Blennerhassett and Crosbie were related by marriage, Blennerhassett’s sister being married to Crosbie. That same year, aged just 21, Blennerhassett was one of eight gentlemen from County Kerry to be elected to the Irish Parliament, the electorate consisting solely of Protestant freeholders; Sir Barry Denny was another. On Blennerhassett’s sudden death just three years later, his vacant Seat was contested by his friend, Crosbie. But a disagreement arose between Crosbie and Sir Barry Denny’s son (also named Barry, and now an MP) during Crosbie’s campaign, with the result that a duel was fought. Crosbie reportedly shot his opponent through the head despite never having discharged a pistol in his life. He was duly elected Member of Parliament. Robert Hall 2025 €3000 - €4000 Irish Equestrian Interest: A large two handled heavy silver oval shaped Presentation Tray, by Walker and Hall, Sheffield, with inscribed center and chased border, approx. 79cms long x 54cms high (31" x 21"), the reverse inscribed with owner, horse, trainer and jockey from 1958-2001 (some omissions) hallmarked, and dated Walker and Hall, Sheffield 1910. (approx. 222 ounces) (1) Note : The Arthur Blennerhassett Memorial Steeplechase was a race contested at Tralee’s Ballybeggan Racecourse. Its Plate, for the winning owner, was presented by Miss Hilda Blennerhassett, first in 1958. The race was run for the final time in 2008, then as a hunters steeplechase, when its winner was Westmeath Bachelor, owned by the Foster & Allen Syndicate. There have been many Arthur Blennerhassett's, the family having arrived in Ireland in 1590. These include Hilda’s father (1856 – 1939), Deputy Lieutenant for County Kerry, Major (Royal Munster Fusiliers) and a global traveller, acquiring horses to replace those lost during WW1. Hilda Blennerhassett (1881–1965), was the last member of the family to live at Ballyseede Castle (built by the family in the 18th century), where she died and is buried in its cemetery. She served as a nurse for the Voluntary Aid Detachment during WW1 and, for outstanding service, was awarded the Mons Star. The Blennerhassett family is an English and Anglo-Irish noble family which has been involved in the politics of Britain and Ireland since the fourteenth century. The family had a long history with Tralee racecourse and was also instrumental during the formation and early days of the Turf Club. Robert Hall, 2025 €2500 - €3200 98. The Blennerhassett Memorial Plate * The Proceeds from the Sale of Lots 97 & 98 are to be Donated to Local Charities