12/10/2026
Kings of the Hill
To paint one’s subject one needs to study it. When commissioned to paint Frankel this was no easy feat! With the world in the grip of Frankel fever all wanted to be close to the equine legend and he was constantly surrounded by press, tv cameras and well wishers, only his head and neck visible with Tom Quelly atop.
Eager to do my homework I was welcomed to Warren Place and with “access all areas” I could study my subject with an artist’s eye and a horseman’s appreciation.
It was here that I realised Bullet Train’s role in the Frankel story. Not only his close blood brother but his pacemaker on the course and at home, his sparring partner, going about their work together.
With this understanding a separate painting evolved, a composition of both horses “at home” on Warren Hill with their regular work riders, Danny Danachi and Shane Featherstonehaugh. Newmarket is at their feet with landmark of Tattersall’s domed roof on the left, the Cambridgeshire landscape stretching to infinity as “The Kings of the Hill” rule their world.
This oil on canvas is currently on display at the Rountree Tryon Gallery as part of their Hound and Horse exhibition until the 16th October.
Rountree Tryon Galleries