American, mid-19th century, main body encircled with racing scene, stewards’ booth and American flag, landscaped background, acanthus and floral borders, scroll handle, elaborate cartouche surrounded by hunting related items, inscribed "Red Bird", marked twice, one on base rim and inside base “GW Stewart/Lex KY” , inside base also has eagle head (George W. Stewart, Lexington, Kentucky, working 1843-1852), 29.9 oz.T., 14-1/2 in.

Provenance: Private Collection

Notes: Red Bird was sired by Grey Eagle, who helped establish Kentucky’s reputation as a premier source of great horses.
https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/109985/pedigree-analysis-grey-eagle

George W. Stewart was active in Lexington, Kentucky between 1843-1852 (and possibly longer). During this time he is known to have produced trophies or racing prizes for a number of stakes races, both in Lexington, for the Kentucky Association, and for the race meets in Louisville, with very few of the trophies having survived. Stewart’s trophies are known for heavy repoussé and are elaborately ornamented with horse racing motifs, showing jockeys on horseback racing towards the finish, a grandstand with spectators watching from behind a rail, and an occupied stewards’ booth, with the American flag flying in the background. Stewart is also known for details such as the hoof prints in the turf and the faces of the spectators. 

For similar examples see: Brunk Auctions, July 16, 2015, lot 36, $188,800 (https://live.brunkauctions.com/online-auctions/brunk/rare-george-w-stewart-kentucky-259671)