Peter Wegner Portrait of Darren Gauci

This portrait by Peter Wegner of jockey Darren Gauci was a finalist in the Daily Telegraph Sporting Portrait Prize, held in conjunction with the Archibald Prize 2000.

Born in Hamilton, New Zealand, in 1953, Wegner studied under William Dargie. 'I’ve always been interested in jockey’s colours. They’re so vibrant that I’ve always wanted to paint a jockey,’ he says.

When Gauci broke his leg a year ago, Wegner decided he’d have time to sit for a portrait. Halfway through the picture, Gauci was back racing, so it was a long time between sittings.

When the pair first met, Gauci sat down, put his hands between his legs and said, 'What shall we do?’ Although Wegner toyed with ideas for several different poses, this was the one that stayed with him.

Wegner also has a portrait in the 2000 Archibald Prize, of Graeme Clark, inventor of the bionic ear.