Important Charleston horseracing silver trophy circa 1802 cat finial atop leaf-decorated domed cover supported on urn-form body with conforming design flanked by intwined serpent handles, adorned with applied plaquette depicting racing scene, engraved with McPherson crest and arms, raised on pedestal base with ball feet; engraved Roxana Winning a Jockey Club Purse at Washington Course in Charlestown South Carolina, Feby. 1802. Complete London hallmarks for William Fountain dated 1803. (Very good condition) H16 1/2" L15 1/2", and 115.78oz *Note: General John McPherson (1756-1806) was a member of the Third Regiment of Rangers and was a Militia Officer in Francis Marion's Brigade of South Carolina during the American Revolutionary War. He also served terms with both the House of Representatives and the State Senate. South Carolina planters were known for raising and racing thoroughbreds, and McPherson was no exception. He was known as one of the top breeders of horse stock, and was considered instrumental in maintaining the high standards of racing. The General's patronage and contributions to the gentlemen's sport of Turf in early America cannot be overstated. McPherson died in the shipwreck of the "Rose in Bloom" alongside his daughter Mrs. James R. Pringle (nee Elizabeth McPherson). At the time of his death he owned six plantations and 492 slaves. In 1734, a group of Carolina gentlemen founded the South Carolina Jockey Club, and in 1791, twenty 'sporting gentlemen' of the club purchased a tract of land and developed the Washington Race Course, so named in honor of the President George Washington. The President's Southern tour of the same year brought him to Charlestown and the annual races, and it is said that he was one of the five "most conspicuous gentlemen of the Turf." Washington Race Course held the honor of being the oldest race track in the world until it was sold in 1900. Its location remains intact and is near the Citadel. The course is now the present day Hampton Park encircled by Mary Murray Drive, which was the track.