GEORGE ROBERT LEFTWICH (1846-1929) British Persimmon With John Watts Up Oil on canvas, signed, inscribed Newmarket and dated 1896, inscribed to verso, framed and glazed. 49.5 x 39 cm. Note: Persimmon (1893-1908) was a British thoroughbred racehorse and sire, bred by his owner The Prince of Wales, and trained throughout his career by Richard Marsh at his Egerton House Stable at Newmarket. In 1896, when this portrait was painted, his major wins included the Epsom Derby, the St Leger and the Jockey Club Stakes. His win at the Derby was the first royal victory for more than a century and his winning time of 2 minutes 42 seconds broke the race record by a full second.