Cerrone has created a trophy covered in more than 2000 emeralds for The Championships at Royal Randwick this month. Valued at $50,000, the trophy, featuring an emerald-studded horse with diamond eyes and a black diamond mane was crafted by race enthusiast and Cerrone managing director Nicola Cerrone.
Nicola Cerrone said he felt proud to be asked to once again design and create something of such high importance for the Australian racing world.
He said the use of emeralds was inspired by the fact that Sydney is often referred to as ‘The Emerald City’ and also pays homage to the ‘The Wizard of Oz’ where The Emerald City is located in the centre of the Land of Oz.
He said the challenge was to come up with the perfect curve – modern, innovative and fresh – to create a trophy that brings happiness, especially to the winners of The Championships.
“It is a piece of art – something reflective of a moment in time and we hope a true collectors’ item.”
Cerrone said months of research had gone into finding the right materials, the right shades and blend of colours, from the sparkle of the eyes to the blaze of the mane.
The trophy is pave set with over 2000 emeralds weighing over 40 carats and 140 black diamonds weighing 4.52 carats plus two sparkling pure white diamonds set in the eyes.
Ten trophies have been produced and will be awarded to winning connections of The Championships races on April 4 and April 11.