大象传媒

Professor Sir David Cannadine explores political fame and image by looking at how an object or prop can come to define a political leader. In this episode - Lord Rosebery's race horses.

It's claimed that, early in his life, Lord Rosebery said that he had three aims - to marry an heiress, to become Prime Minister, and to win the Derby. And whether he said it or not, Rosebery undeniably accomplished all these ambitions.

Rosebery achieved his second ambition when he served as Britain鈥檚 Prime Minister from March 1894 to June 1895 and, at the same time, realising his third goal, as his horses won the Derby in both of those years. No other Prime Minister has rivalled such a success on the turf, but no other Prime Minister has allowed themselves to be so closely connected to such an elite sport. Ultimately, it didn't enhance Rosebery鈥檚 public image.

David meets Harry Dalmeny, who is the current chair of Sotheby's and a direct descendant of Lord Rosebery鈥檚, to discuss his love of racing and he goes to Epsom downs to look at the graves of Lord Rosebery鈥檚 beloved racehorses.

Series Producer: Melissa FitzGerald
Series Researcher: Martin Spychal
Readings by Will Huggins

A Zinc Audio production for 大象传媒 Radio 4