THE MAGNIFICENT MASTER MCGRATH 18CT GOLD GREYHOUND STICKPIN

A beautifully modelled 18ct gold stickpin, depicting the most celebrated and successful race greyhound of his time: ‘Master McGrath’.

The fine 3d sculpture of the dog sits on a solid plinth that bears his name and is set with rose cut diamonds.

Born in 1866 in Ireland, and lovingly known as ‘Dicksy’, Master McGrath was a small weak pup that showed no signs of a winner.

But after some training with his handler, he went on to win the Waterloo Cup on three occasions, 1868, 1869 and 1871 and was the first greyhound to do so.

After his win in 1871, he was paraded before Queen Victoria at her majestry's request.

From Master McGraths winnings , his owner built a terrace of houses in Walthamstow, London. which still stand today!  

Master McGrath died in 1871 of heart disease which was the reason his career as a sire had ended.

An autopsy revealed an unusually large heart, twice the size of a normal dogs, which is thought to be the reason for his success.

The Master McGrath Monument is located at Dungarvan to mark his winning of the Waterloo Cup.

This is the only public Monument to any greyhound in the Republic but one of three to this special dog.

Known as 'the immortal black', he lost only once in 37 course meetings. 

A description of Master McGrath:

His eyes were like to living balls of fire. The muscles on his back sprung and twitched like whalebone. The dog looked as if he were supercharged with electricity. I knew at once the hare had no chance. McGrath swept round her when she broke and crashed into his game as if shot from a gun. I can never forget it.

Size of Greyhound approx: 2.4cm x 3cm

Total length incl pin approx: 9.4cm

Weight approx: 10.4g

Some of the tiny diamonds are missing but his name is still very legible.

A wonderful piece of history