signed 'J. Stephen Dews' (lower left)
oil on canvas
61 x 91.2cm (24 x 35 7/8in).

A typically spectacular work by the modern master of the genre, this painting by Dews portrays two great thoroughbreds as both near the end of their primary racing careers, notwithstanding the fact that Lulworth is, in fact, still afloat and continues to race whenever the competition merits it.

Two of the greatest racing yachts of the first half of the twentieth century battling for victory at Ryde in The Royal Victoria Yacht Club Regatta of 1929.

The opening day of the regatta featured a circuit of the Isle of Wight for yachts exceeding 21 metres and Shamrock, owned by Sir Thomas Lipton, and Lulworth, owned by Mr A.A. Paton, totally dominated the race, struggling for supremacy over nearly six hours of sailing time. As the pair passed the Needles and the celebrated local lighthouse, Lulworth finally forged ahead and was eventually victorious, her winning margin being only forty-one seconds.