After the finish of the Second World War, the country was recovering and although times were hard and rations didn’t officially end until 1954 the future was one of optimism. With no Aintree Grand National from 1941 – 1945, race fans were triuphant to see Lovely Cottage win the following year for trainer Tommy Rayson, ridden by Captain Bobby Petre in the ownership of John Morant. The nine-year-old won at odds of 25/1 by four lengths.
The 1950s saw a decade of Aintree Grand Nationals.
Let’s take a look at the winners:
1950 – Freebooter 10/1f, Trainer Bobby Renton
1951 – Nickel Coin 40/1, Trainer Jack O’Donoghue
1952 – Teal 100/7, Trainer Neville Crump
1953 – Early Mist 20/1, Trainer Vincent O’Brien
1954 – Royal Tan 8/1, Trainer Vincent O’Brien
1955 – Quare Times 100/9, Trainer Vincent O’Brien
1956 – E.S.B 100/7, Trainer Fred Rimell
1957 – Sundew 20/1, Trainer Fred Hudson
1958 – Mr. What 18/1, Trainer Tom Taafe, Sr
1959 – Oxo 8/1, Trainer Willie Stephenson
If there was one trainer who lifted horse racing out of the doldrums it was Vincent O’Brien, from Curchtown, County Cork, Ireland. A career that lasted 50 years (1944 – 1994), it is easier to detail races he didn’t win. Whether National Hunt or Flat racing, his accolades were many.
However, it is worth knowing that O’Brien turned his attention to the Flat turf after his three Grand National successes, training at Ballydoyle (1951).
After immense success from 1948 – 50 with Cottage Rake wining the Cheltenham Gold Cup three times on the trot. And later Knock Hard in 1953, he was taking all before him.
O’Brien fielded his first National runner in 1951. Royal Tan finished 2nd at odds of 40/1, ridden by his brother, Phonsie. The partnership took their chance the following year when Royal Tan fell at the 30th fence.
However, the successes would come thick and fast from 1953 – 1955 with three very talented thoroughbreds.
1953 Aintree Grand National
Eight-year-old gelding Early Mist ran out an easy 20-length victor in the 107th running of this famous steeplechase. The 20/1 shot was ridden by Bryan Marhsall for owner Joe H. Griffin. Of the 31 starters, only five horses completed the course.
1954 Aintree Grand National
After finishing runner-up in 1951 and falling the following year it was third time lucky for the ten-year-old Royal Tan who held the late charge of the much larger Tudor Line winning by a neck. Irish Lizard finished third. Bryan Marshall enjoyed back to back victories. Sadly four horses were fatally injured, the worst record for any National.
1955 Aintree Grand National
Vincent O’Brien made it three consecutive wins with Quare Times. The nine-year-old gelding won at odds of 100/9, ridden by Tom Taaffe, for owner Cecily Welman. Stablemate and previous winner, and favourite, Early Mist, finished a creditable nineth. They also fielded Royal Tan who returned twelth. The heavy going taking its toll on both horses who carried over 12 stone. Quare Times won well by 12-lengths carrying 11 stone. Tudor Line ran superbly in second place while Carey’s Cottage finished third.
After outcry over fatallities in 1954, the severity of many fences was reduce and the water jump omitted.
The Queen Mother’s M’as Tu Vu fell at the open ditch, fence 27.
Other noted races in the 1950s include the win of E.S.B. (1956). This was the year when the Queen Mother’s Devon Loch looked a racing certainty before half-jumping and bellyflopped on the run-in, just yards from the winning line.
In 1959 Oxo, trained by Willie Stephenson won, ridden by Michael Scudamore. Remarkably from the 32 runners only 4 horses finished. Sadly, two horse were fatally injured (Henry Purcell & Slippery Serpent). A debate was held in Parliament and Home Secretary, Rab Butler, met the National Hunt Committee in response to safety concerns raised by The League Against Cruel Sports.
The 1950s Aintree Grand Nationals saw a number of outstanding performances from horses, trainers and jockeys. Vincent O’Brien was a noted performer as were his runners, especially the ultra tough Royal Tan. Many of these gallant horses ran exceptional races and showed great consistency. Horse welfare was a keynote for cause and consideration.