Scottish Sterling Silver Horse Racing Trophy. The Famous Lanark Silver Bell 1955

An extremely rare & collectable Scottish sterling silver horse racing trophy in the form of a bell, complete with its original frame. This is the winning owner's 1955 prize trophy from the famous "Lanark Silver Bell" race run at Lanark Racecourse in Scotland. The bell itself hangs on a hook to the frame & can be removed at will. One side of the bell is engraved with the Lanark Crest and the other side is engraved. Replica of Lanark Silver Bell Won by Mr Phil Bull's 4 y.

"Babbanio " by My Babu-Blue Butterfly. Included with the silver bell is a photo reprint depicting the winning owner, Phil Bull. Sterling Silver Bell & Frame: Weight: 757.5 gm. Maker's Mark: Hamilton & Inches. Search for "Lanark Silver Bell" and you will find a detailed history of the race together with an image of this trophy & a similar one from the 1952 race, both won by Phil Bull.

Lanark Silver Bell Race: There is indication that a race meeting of some kind took place in Lanark, Scotland as early as 1170 with a prize of a silver bell initiated by King William the Lion of Scotland. The earliest record of a silver bell actually contested was on 4th June 1719 but the first occasion results were provided in a racing Calendar was from 15th/16th September 1785. There is a perpetual silver bell which was competed for annually up to 1977 and this bell dates back to the 17th century. The details of the winners each year were attached to the bell in the form of a silver medal. The trophy for sale is a replica of this original bell and was presented to the winning owner each year. It is one of the most prized trophies outside of the classic races. The last race run at Lanark Racecourse was in 1977 but the Lanark Silver Bell race was resurrected in 2008 and is now run at Hamilton Park Racecourse. However, the Lanark Silver Bell trophies from the original Lanark Racecourse are the most prized for collectors. Phil Bull (9th April 1910 - 11th June 1989) was a successful professional gambler, racehorse owner & publisher who founded the Timeform private handicapping system for British horse racing.

In 1947 he founded the Hollins Stud in Halifax West Yorkshire. As can be seen from the photo reprint depicting Phil Bull, he was a distinctive figure around the racecourses of Britain.

Summary: No serious collector of horse racing trophies would want to be without an example of a Lanark Silver Bell, a trophy from possibly the world's oldest horse race and one of the most attractive & unusual trophies to be found.