Nicola's idea to find Ireland's favourite racehorse originated in 2006. The brainchild took four years to realise due to her diagnosis and subsequent treatment for breast cancer in 2007. With support from The Irish Field, Horse Racing Ireland and The Irish Times the artist spearheaded the innovative project to find the nation's favourite race horse of the last 25 years.

Through a multi media campaign the people of Ireland voted in their thousands from a shortlist of six racehorses (including Dawn Run, Istabraq, Moscow Flyer, Danoli, Limestone Lad and Vintage Crop). Nicola is currently painting the outright winner - Istabraq on a massive canvas measuring 13ft by 11ft in her Belfast studio. No one will see the painting until it is unveiled later in 2010. The painting will ultimately hang in a public venue for everyone to enjoy.

The artist wants to rival the famous Englishman George Stubb's "Whistlejacket" which hangs in the National Gallery, London. Nicola's interpretation of Istabraq will be nearly twice the size of Whistlejacket.