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Sources for business history: plans of New Court

Sources for art history: Catalogue of the pictures of Alfred de Rothschild 1901

Sources for yachting history: Plans for Nathaniel von Rothschild's yacht Veglia 1905

Sources for natural history: Walter 2nd Lord Rothschild and his zebra carriage: c.1910

Sources for global financial history: Map of lines of the Brazil Railway Company: c.1920

Sources for business history: index cards to bank files

Sources for social history: Rothschild Hospital Paris: 1920s

Sources for business history: detail of a Rothschild bond coupon

Sources for architectural history: Halton House: 1890s

Sources for the history of travel: Lionel de Rothschild's tours of Spain: 1909

Sources for local history: Tring Park: c.1900

Sources for Royal history: shooting party with Edward Prince of Wales: 1893

Sources for political history: Lionel de Rothschild: first Jewish MP: 1858

Sources for sporting history: St Amant winner of the Derby: 1904

Sources for local history: gardeners at Aston Clinton: 1899

Sources for Rothschild family history: Lionel de Rothschild's yacht Rhodora: 1927

Sources for London history: entrance to New Court: 1965

Sources for design history: plans for Lionel de Rothschild's Rolls-Royce: 1930

Sources for business history: Rothschild gold bars produced by the Royal Mint Refinery: 1930s

Sources for business history: letters of August Belmont Rothschild Agent in New York: 1860s

Exhibition - Horse Racing Rothschilds

4: Leo's failures and successes

In 1879 Leo registered the Rothschild colours in his name and had his first victory when a previously unknown horse, Sir Bevys, won the Epsom Derby. It transpired that the owner, a 'Mr Acton', was actually Leopold de Rothschild who had entered his late father's horse into the race.

His next great hope for the Derby was in 1896 when his horse, St Frusquin, entered the race as the favourite. But after a close race, St Frusquin was beaten by a neck by the Prince of Wales's horse Persimmon. At their next meeting St Frusquin was the victor, but his nerve failed in training for the St Leger and so there was not to be the eagerly awaited public rematch. Despite St Frusquin's uneven performance, Leo headed the list of winning owners in 1896 with £46,766 prize money to his credit.

This letter is one of many written to Leopold and his wife, Marie, following the defeat of St Frusquin. Although St Frusquin did not win any races after this classic, in tribute Marie arranged for a silver model to be cast of him by Fabergé for Leopold's 67th birthday; this remains at Ascott house today.

Letter of condolence

Letter of condolence

Silver model of St Frusquin

Silver model of St Frusquin