Peter Deighan Sporting Oil Painting Burrough Hill Lad & Brown Chamberlin Cheltenham Gold Cup 1984 Signed Both Jockeys

Peter Deighan (Born 1941) Burrough Hill Lad & Brown Chamberlin Cheltenham Gold Cup 1984 Original Oil Painting Signed by Both Jockeys

An original 1984 British sporting oil painting by the established Irish-born equestrian and portrait artist Peter Deighan (born 1941), depicting Burrough Hill Lad and Brown Chamberlin in the historic Cheltenham Gold Cup, additionally bearing signatures identified as those of both competing jockeys, Phil Tuck and John Francome MBE.

Highlights

• Original oil on canvas by Peter Deighan (born 1941).

• Signed and dated DEIGHAN ’84, lower right.

• Additionally signed in biro by jockeys Phil Tuck and John Francome.

• Both jockey signatures documented by Budds Auctioneers, 12 November 2025, Lot 406.

• Depicts Burrough Hill Lad and Brown Chamberlin negotiating a steeplechase fence.

• Commemorates the 1984 Cheltenham Gold Cup, held on 15 March 1984.

• Historic victory making Jenny Pitman the first female trainer to win the Gold Cup.

• Brass presentation plaque identifying both horses, the race and artist.

• Professionally reframed by Bailey Arts Ltd, Crewe, October 2026.

• Privately loaned and exhibited at The Famous Lord Hill Museum, 15 October 2026.

• Canvas 51 × 41 cm; framed 59.5 × 49.5 × 3 cm.

• Documented specialist auction provenance and extensive published historical research.

Introduction

An atmospheric original equestrian oil painting commemorating the 1984 Cheltenham Gold Cup, one of the most celebrated championship steeplechases of its era.

The composition portrays two outstanding National Hunt racehorses negotiating a substantial fence, their jockeys wearing distinctive racing colours against an expansive British landscape.

Of particular historical significance are the three signatures: the artist's dated signature and the additional signatures of John Francome and Phil Tuck, identified in the specialist sporting memorabilia catalogue of Budds Auctioneers.

Catalogue Details

Artist: Peter Deighan (born 1941).

Title: Burrough Hill Lad & Brown Chamberlin – Cheltenham Gold Cup 1984.

Date: 1984.

School: Irish-born artist working in the British sporting tradition.

Period: Late twentieth century.

Medium: Oil on canvas.

Artist's Signature: Signed and dated DEIGHAN ’84, lower right.

Additional Signatures: John Francome and Phil Tuck, in biro, as identified by Budds Auctioneers.

Subject: The 1984 Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Frame: Decorative gilt-finished wooden moulding with beaded inner trim and brass presentation plaque.

Catalogue Note

The composition depicts two powerful National Hunt steeplechasers negotiating a substantial fence during a competitive race.

The leading horse extends forward over the obstacle, while the second horse is represented in a more upright jumping position. These contrasting movements introduce energy and immediacy into the composition.

Deighan observes the relationship between horse and rider, emphasising balance, muscular effort and the physical demands of steeplechasing.

The jockeys' distinctive racing colours provide vivid accents against the horses' dark coats and the muted greens, browns and greys of the surrounding landscape.

The distant hills and atmospheric sky create depth, while the foreground fence establishes the dramatic focus of the scene.

The painting combines descriptive equestrian portraiture with a commemorative sporting narrative characteristic of Deighan's artistic interests.

The 1984 Cheltenham Gold Cup

The Cheltenham Gold Cup took place on Thursday, 15 March 1984, at Cheltenham Racecourse in Gloucestershire.

The race was won by the eight-year-old Burrough Hill Lad, ridden by Phil Tuck, trained by Jenny Pitman and owned by Stan Riley.

Starting at odds of 7/2, Burrough Hill Lad defeated Brown Chamberlin, partnered by John Francome, by three lengths.

The twelve-runner contest was completed in 6 minutes 41.4 seconds.

The victory represented a landmark in British sporting history because Jenny Pitman became the first woman to train a Cheltenham Gold Cup winner.

Pitman had already achieved a historic success with Corbiere in the 1983 Grand National.

The race was also notable for the unusual circumstances surrounding the jockeys. John Francome had previously ridden Burrough Hill Lad to major victories but was committed to partnering Brown Chamberlin for trainer Fred Winter.

Phil Tuck consequently rode Burrough Hill Lad and secured the most prestigious victory of his riding career.

Burrough Hill Lad – The Winning Horse

Burrough Hill Lad, foaled in 1976, was one of Britain's outstanding National Hunt steeplechasers of the 1980s.

Bred and owned by Stan Riley and trained by Jenny Pitman, he developed into an exceptional staying chaser, combining stamina, power and jumping ability.

His career over fences comprised 27 starts and 17 victories.

His principal achievements included the 1983 Welsh Grand National, 1984 Cheltenham Gold Cup, 1984 Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup and 1984 King George VI Chase.

Timeform awarded him a peak rating of 184, recognising his exceptional standing among British steeplechasers.

He was also named National Hunt Horse of the Year for 1984.

Brown Chamberlin – The Runner-Up

Brown Chamberlin was a distinguished National Hunt steeplechaser trained by Fred Winter and closely associated with John Francome.

His major achievements included victory in the 1982 Sun Alliance Chase at Cheltenham and the 1983 Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Newbury.

He finished runner-up to Burrough Hill Lad in the 1984 Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Francome later recalled Brown Chamberlin's considerable natural speed and class, while also discussing the horse's tendency to jump towards the right.

Brown Chamberlin's established racing achievements make the 1984 Gold Cup encounter particularly significant.

Phil Tuck – Winning Jockey

Philip Charles Tuck, born on 10 July 1956, was a successful British National Hunt jockey whose greatest achievement came aboard Burrough Hill Lad in the 1984 Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Having completed his apprenticeship under Walter Wharton, Tuck rode his first winner, Persian King, at Catterick on 17 December 1975.

He recorded 423 career winners.

His achievements included the 1984 Cheltenham Gold Cup, the Charlie Hall Chase and second place in the 1986 Grand National aboard Mr Snugfit.

Following retirement in 1990, he pursued a second career in racing administration and regulation, holding positions in Britain, Cyprus and Saudi Arabia.

John Francome MBE – Seven-Time Champion Jockey

John Francome MBE, born on 13 December 1952 in Swindon, Wiltshire, was one of Britain's most accomplished National Hunt jockeys.

Beginning his career under Fred Winter, Francome recorded 1,138 winners and won seven National Hunt jockey championships before retiring in 1985.

His major achievements included winning the 1978 Cheltenham Gold Cup aboard Midnight Court and the 1981 Champion Hurdle aboard Sea Pigeon.

Francome enjoyed considerable success aboard both horses depicted in the painting, including Hennessy Gold Cup victories on Brown Chamberlin in 1983 and Burrough Hill Lad in 1984.

He also partnered Burrough Hill Lad to victory in the 1984 King George VI Chase.

Following retirement, Francome became a racing broadcaster, author and supporter of the Injured Jockeys Fund. He was appointed MBE in the 1986 New Year Honours.

The Artist – Peter Deighan

Peter Deighan was born in Monaghan, Ireland, in 1941.

He developed an early interest in horses while spending time on his uncle's farm, an experience that subsequently influenced his sporting subject matter.

After moving to England, Deighan received a scholarship to the Slade School of Fine Art in London.

His first solo exhibition was held at Woburn Abbey, the ancestral home of the Dukes of Bedford.

His portrait commissions have included the Duke of Bedford, Lester Piggott, Jimmy Greaves, Eric Morecambe, Steve Davis, Frederick Forsyth and former British Prime Minister John Major.

His paintings have been exhibited in annual exhibitions of the Royal Society of Portrait Painters and the Society of Equestrian Artists.

His artistic practice encompasses portraiture, celebrated sporting personalities and equestrian compositions.

The Artist's Signature and Jockey Inscriptions

The painting is signed and dated DEIGHAN ’84 in the lower-right corner.

Two additional handwritten signatures appear within the lower portion of the composition.

Budds Auctioneers specifically identified these as the signatures of John Francome and Phil Tuck, describing them as executed in biro.

The precise date and circumstances of the jockeys' signing have not been independently established.

Brass Presentation Plaque

BURROUGH HILL LAD & BROWN CHAMBERLIN

CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP 1984

BY PETER DEIGHAN

Provenance

Budds Auctioneers, On The Nose – Horse Racing Memorabilia Auction in Partnership with Weatherbys, 12 November 2025, Lot 406.

Subsequently sold through eBay UK, item 398436870669, 2 October 2026.

Private seller, United Kingdom.

Acquired by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®, October 2026.

The Budds catalogue provides independent documentary evidence of the painting's identity, date, attribution and additional jockey signatures.

Exhibition History

The Famous Lord Hill Museum; privately loaned and exhibited, 15 October 2026.

Professional Reframing

Professionally reframed by Bailey Arts Ltd, Crewe, on 6 October 2026, documented by Invoice ORD-0587.

The present decorative frame incorporates a gilt finish, beaded inner trim and retained brass presentation plaque.

Dimensions

Framed:

Width: 59.5 cm.

Height: 49.5 cm.

Depth: 3 cm.

Approximately 23.4 × 19.5 × 1.2 inches.

Canvas:

Width: 51 cm.

Height: 41 cm.

Approximately 20.1 × 16.1 inches.

Condition Report

The original 1984 oil on canvas is presented in very good overall visual condition, commensurate with its age, and was professionally reframed by Bailey Arts Ltd in October 2026.

The painted surface retains its original texture, with minor age-related marks and surface irregularities. No obvious significant paint loss, tears or major structural damage are apparent.

The artist's dated signature and both jockey signatures remain visible. The reverse retains the canvas support, wooden stretcher and corner keys, together with the Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD® identification label and Famous Lord Hill Museum label.

The decorative gilt-finished frame and brass presentation plaque are in attractive condition.

No independent conservation examination has been undertaken. Please examine the detailed photographs, which form an integral part of the condition description.

Published References and Historical Research

Budds Auctioneers, On The Nose – Horse Racing Memorabilia Auction, 12 November 2025, Lot 406.

Sworders Fine Art Auctioneers, Sporting Heritage – Peter Deighan Works Come to Auction.

Art UK, Peter Deighan (born 1941).

MutualArt, Peter Deighan, artist and auction records.

The Jockey Club, Gold Cup 100 – Century of Winners.

Timeform, Greatest Racehorses: Burrough Hill Lad, 1 May 2020.

Julian Muscat, Legends of the Sport: Seven-Time Champion National Hunt Jockey John Francome, Horse & Hound, 31 July 2020.

Samantha Martin, John Francome, Injured Jockeys Fund, 22 December 2025.

Jon Lees, How Former Top Jump Jockey Phil Tuck Has Been Key in the Transformation of Saudi Racing, Thoroughbred Racing Commentary, 20 February 2020.

Marlborough Equestrian News, John Francome Talks About His Favourite Racecourse, 26 November 2017.

Shipping

Worldwide shipping is available.

Owing to the historic framed presentation of the artwork, it will be professionally packaged using appropriate protective materials and dispatched fully insured.

International buyers are welcome. Please contact us for a destination-specific delivery quotation or to discuss any particular shipping requirements.

Certificate of Sale & Dealer Attribution

The artwork will be supplied with a Certificate of Sale & Dealer Attribution issued by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®, recording the artwork's catalogue details, attribution, provenance as stated, exhibition history and details of the sale. This document accompanies the work as part of its ongoing ownership and provenance record.

Attribution and Research

The historical observations, provenance research, attribution analysis, dating and contextual commentary presented within this catalogue entry represent the professional opinion of Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®. They are offered in good faith as informed scholarly assessments based upon the available physical evidence, signatures, comparative research, published auction records, racing archives, reference material and our experience within the international fine art market.

These observations should be understood as professional opinions rather than definitive statements of fact or guarantees of authorship, attribution, date, origin, provenance, authenticity of additional signatures or historical interpretation. As with all historic works of art, future documentary discoveries, technical examination, conservation analysis or advances in academic research may refine, expand or revise current interpretations.

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