When is a horse not a horse? when it's a 'Horsecycle'

For immediate release

15 February 2011

When is a horse not a horse? when it's a 'Horsecycle'

Horse races are traditionally won with speed, but artistic talent will play a big part in deciding which horse will raise the most funds for charity in this race.

Tomorrow evening, 18 life-size fiberglass horses, painted by the likes of Marc Ellis, Billy Apple, Karen Walker and Oscar Kightly, will be revealed for the first time at the Barfoot & Thompson Twilight Summer Series at Ellerslie.

One has been dipped in gold, another covered in thousands of Swarovski crystals, one has even been given wheels, a seat and pedals and named the 'Horsecycle'!

Auctions for these horses will go live on Trademe to coincide with their big reveal. For those wanting to see the horses in all their painted glory before placing a bid, tomorrow's race meet is the perfect opportunity.

Many of the proud artists will be at Ellerslie for the reveal and will be able to share the inspiration behind their work.

It has been an artistic feat of immense proportions for the 18 artists, who have transformed plain white horses into extraordinary one off pieces of art in only seven weeks.

Following their reveal tomorrow evening, these horses will be let loose on a tour around Auckland until Friday 4 March, popping up around the city in all sorts of unusual places.

The horses will then return to Ellerslie for Auckland Cup Week, Saturday 5 March - Saturday 12 March, from where the highest bidders will take them home.

ENDS

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