St Ledger Stakes Trophy 2023
Published: 25th September 2023
The Betfred St Leger Stakes Trophy 2023 was designed and made by award-winning Silversmith Alice Fry, who is a graduate of The Glasgow School of Art Silversmithing and Jewellery Design course, and is now based in The Sculpture Lounge studios in Holmfirth.
This dramatic geometric interpretation of a Yorkshire rose celebrates Doncaster’s recent City status, which was awarded as part of the Platinum Jubilee and was officially bestowed by King Charles III. This royal influence is prominent throughout the design, in the sparkling gold, silver and iridescent blue colours, and the crown-like rose thorns that spiral into a gemstone-inspired rose centre.
This is perhaps the first trophy to use the unusual metal niobium, which can be seen in the iridescent blue thorns and central ‘gemstone’. These shapes were handcrafted in niobium and coloured using electricity (anodised) at 83.8 volts. Alice is a specialist in this technique, and is one of a handful of makers using niobium in the UK.
Alice worked in partnership with Sheffield Silversmiths Chris Knight and Chris Perry to create this year’s trophy.
Speaking about the special piece, Alice said; “I am absolutely honoured to have made this year’s St Leger Stakes trophy and was delighted to be able to feature anodised niobium in my design. It was surreal to be part of such a historic race, and having the King and Queen in attendance was the cherry on top!”
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