A 20th century French metalwares silver gilt covered

A 20th century French metalwares silver gilt covered dish, by Maison Puiforcat, Paris, Stamped with the French Minerva head indicating minimum silver standard of 800/1000 and gilded, of circular form with two applied cast and decorated lug handles, the domed cover with large cast artichoke finial, the side engraved 'Prix Royal Oak 1979 Niniski' opposite an engraved horse's head, signed to the base, 41.9ozt gross 13 x 33 x 21cm (5 x 13 x 8in)
Other Notes: The Prix Royal Oak is a Group 1 flat horse race in France open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run at Longchamp over a distance of 3,100 metres (about 1 mile and 7½ furlongs), and it is scheduled to take place each year in late October. Niniski (1976 - 1998) was an American-bred, British-trained thoroughbred racehorse and sire. In a racing career which lasted from October 1978 until October 1980, he ran fourteen times and won six races. After showing some promise in his early races he emerged as a top-class stayer in the autumn of 1979, winning the Geoffrey Freer Stakes, Irish St Leger and Prix Royal Oak. In the spring of 1981 he won the John Porter Stakes and the Ormonde Stakes but was beaten in his three remaining races. He was retired to stud where he became a very successful breeding stallion. In 1979 Niniski started as 7/5 favourite for the Prix Royal Oak. Ridden by Willie Carson, he appeared to be struggling at half way but rallied and turned into the straight in third place. He took the lead inside the last 400 metres and held on to win by one and a half lengths from the filly Anifa. Niniski became the first foreign-trained horse to win the race since 1962 and the first to complete the Irish St Leger/ Prix Royal Oak double.