Cartmel unveils trophy for richest ever race
16/07/2012
The race, run over two miles six furlongs will be the main event on a seven race card on Saturday which carries a course record of £80,000 in prize money. With a further £45,000 for the second stage next Monday, it will be the biggest weekend in Cartmel’s history.
The trophy for the big race has been specially commissioned from Cumbria Crystal and they have lived up to the task by producing a bespoke full lead crystal cup, designed by Cumbria Crystal’s Managing Director and designer Katy Holford.
Hand made by skilled craftsmen from the company’s glasshouse on the edge of the Lake District, the Cup has a running engraving of racing horses expertly carved into the rim of the centre bowl by Master Engraver, Neil Yates. This is complemented by a row of simple flute cuts, giving the trophy a classic, timeless elegance.
As the sole remaining producers of hand-blown and hand-cut full lead English crystal, Cumbria Crystal concentrates on making everything by hand using traditional techniques and refusing to make products overseas or use automated manufacturing methods.
Katy Holford says, “We are honoured to have been asked to design the prestigious Cumbria Crystal Cup which we hope will be an integral part of Cartmel Races for many years to come.
“Tucked away in a quiet corner of the Lake District, using skilled and experienced craftsmen, we take pride in making exceptional crystal that will be treasured for generations. In Neil Yates, we have one of the most talented engravers in Britain.
“This commission was both a challenge and a pleasure to create and we look forward to seeing it presented to the winner on the day.”
