THE winner of Thursday's big race at York will gain a truly unique prize to keep the memory of the day forever fresh.

For the successful owner in the Victor Chandler Nunthorpe Stakes (Group One) will receive a painting commissioned from leading equine artist, Christopher J Dennis.

The owner will get the chance to sit down with Knaresborough-based Mr Dennis so they can come up with an entirely personal piece of art to commemorate their horse's achievement.

James Brennan, sponsorship manager at York Racecourse, said: "We wanted to give them something special to remember the day, so what better than letting them commission their own painting?"

They are anticipating that the painting may well give prominent position to the winning horse, but stressed that the choice of subject matter would lie entirely with the owner.

The creation of the eventual prize will take a little time, but to enliven Thursday's presentation, Mr Dennis, himself a former owner and successful breeder of horses, has produced a work entitled Dreams of Glory, which shows a victorious horse in York's winner's enclosure bearing his own colours.

He said: "I've not been fortunate enough to experience the real thing, but racehorse ownership and painting must come with their share of dreams."

He has received recognition for his artistic talent in the form of various awards and international exhibitions, and his work graces the collections of many leading owners and trainers, including The Queen.

Mr Dennis bred horses commercially for the best part of ten years, including 1998 Cheltenham Festival winner In Truth.

Mr Brennan said the prize for Thursday's race was particularly appropriate because its sponsor, Victor Chandler, was himself interested in equine art. The racecourse was considering further art-based projects involving Mr Dennis, though they had not yet discussed the details.

*The Victor Chandler Nunthorpe Stakes has a total prize fund of £175,000.