Istabraq painting unveiled at Punchestown A large painting of Istabraq, reportedly the biggest such equine work in Europe, will be unveiled as part of the opening ceremony at the Punchestown Festival on May 3. Both the three-time Champion Hurdle winner and his owner JP McManus will attend the unveiling of The Big Horse Painting in the parade ring at 2:45pm on the opening day of this year's Festival which runs from May 3-7. The Big Horse Painting - a celebration of the Irish Thoroughbred, is the brainchild of Belfast-based equine artist Nicola Russell. In 2009 she spearheaded an all-island campaign supported by HRI, The Irish Field and The Irish Times to find Ireland’s favourite racehorse of the last 25 years. A short list of six famous horses were drawn up by an expert panel from the horseracing industry including Dawn Run, Danoli, Vintage Crop, Limestone Lad and Moscow Flyer, with Istabraq winning the popular vote. Over the last 18 months Ms Russell has created a stunning image of Istabraq on a huge 13ft x 10ft canvas and it will be seen exclusively for the very first time at Punchestown. “This has truly been a labour of love, nothing has been straightforward about painting such a huge artwork. I feel very apprehensive but am thrilled that it is part of the opening ceremony at Punchestown, especially as Istabraq had such history there. I would love to hear what everyone thinks of the painting particularly all those that voted,” she said. “Istabraq - Ireland's Favourite” will be exhibited at Punchestown until Saturday May 7 after which it will go on public display.
