The Aintree Grand National – The War Years
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The Grand National is steeped in history.
Over 180 years of winners and losers. Stories so wild they are stranger than fiction. In the early years, the ‘National’ was called The Grand Liverpool Steeplechase (1839-46).
In fact, the first Grand National Steeplechase, as we know today, was run on the 3rd March 1847. Mathew, trained by John Murphy, ridden by Denny Wynne at the odds of 10/1. He raced in the colours of County Cork landowner, John Courtenay.
In those days the start of the race was describe as a ploughed field…
Throughout the years, the Aintree Grand National has detailed many poignant times.
Here are a few which stick in the mind:
1839 – The first winner of the National, Lottery.
1928 – Tipping Tim wins at 100/1. Only two horses completed the course after a mass pile-up at the Canal turn.
1934 – Golden Miller became the only horse to win the Gold Cup and Grand National in the same year.
1956 – Devon Loch looked a certain winner for the Queen Mother when collapsing just before the finishing line.
1967 – Foinavon won at odds of 100/1 after avoiding the melee at the 23rd fence. In 1984 the fence was name Foinavon.
1973 – 77 Red Rum, the most famous horse in the world won the Grand National 3 times for trainer Ginger McCain & owner Noel Le Mare.
1981 – Bob Champion & Aldaniti captured the heart and mind of race fans across the globe with the story of triumph over tragedy.
1993 – The Grand National was void after a false start. The only time this has ever happens.
2010 – Tony McCoy won his first Grand National on Don’t Push It after 15 attempts.
2019 – Tiger Roll is the first horse since Red Rum to win back to back victories and only denied a chance for three successes then the 2020 race was cancelled due to the COVID 19 pandemic.
However, there have been years which are seldom talked about. Truly difficult times which saw nations lose millions of men, women and children. A time when horses went forward to help in the efforts of King and country.
The War Years.
The assignation of Archduke Franz Ferdinand on the 28th June, 1914 lead to truly terrible times.
The conflict of World War I started on the 28th July 1914 and ended on the 11th November 1918 with the signing of the Armistice of Compiegne which took place at 11am (the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month). A period of 4 years, 3 months and 14 days of conflict. There were over 20M military and civilian deaths.
An estimated 8 million horses, donkeys and mules were killed during World War I. Horses bore a significant loss in the conflict with mounted charges, transport, communication and agricultural work.
It is important to remember the Grand National with regard to the war effort.
In 1915, Ally Soper won the 77th Grand National by 2 lengths for trainer Aubrey Hastings, ridden by Jack Anthony, in the ownership of Lady Margaret Nelson.
This would be the last race to be held at Aintree, Liverpool. The course was taken over by The War Office, for the administration of the British Army.
However, the Grand National would find a new home from 1916 – 1918 held at Gatwick Racecourse (presently the site of Gatwick Airport, London). The course was modified and similar to Aintree: the same distance but one fewer fence.
The 1916 – The Racecourse Association Steeplechase:
Six-year-old, Vermouth won at odds of 100/8 for trainer James Bell, ridden by Jack Reardon for owner P. F. Heybourne.
The 1917 – 1918 The War Nationals:
Both held at Gatwick Racecourse. It should be noted that these three races are often not include in the Grand National record book.
It should never be forgotten.
1917 – Ballymacad wins for Trainer Aubrey Hastings, ridden by Edmund Discroll, in the ownership of Sir George Bullough, known as a Victorian playboy.
1918 – Poethlyn, and eight-year-old gelding, was trained by Harry Escott, ridden by Ernie Piggott in the ownership of Gwladys peel.
It is important that we appreciate that many horses which participated in Grand Nationals were used for military purposes, including cavalry. The Grand National was seen as a key sporting tradition which maintained continuity even during wartime. It was important for morale in a time of crisis. There was a reduced field and fewer spectators but it still went ahead.
In 2014, Warrior, known as ‘the horse the German’s couldn’t kill’ was awarded an honorary Dickin Medal (animal Victoria Cross) for gallantry in World War I. Dogs, pigeons and even a cat have been awarded medals for bravery and their contribution to the war effort.
The bronze medal reads: ‘For Gallantry’ and ‘We Also Serve’. It is held by a ribbon of green, brown and blue to symbolize water, land and air services.
Remember Steven Spielberg’s film War Horse (2011) based on Michael Morpurgo’s 1982 novel which explore the bond between a young man and his horse devastated by the impact of war. A story of hope and resilience.
1919 – Saw the resumption of The Aintree Grand National, Liverpool. Poethyln went on to win for connections this time 11/4f, the shortest odds of any winner in the history of the race.
The conflict of World War II began from the 1st September 1939 – 2nd September 1945.
A period of 6 years and 1 day.
The Grand National 1941 – 1945. No races were held due to the World War II.
Who says the Grand National doesn’t have a story to tell?
The Grand National Steeplechase. One of the most famous horse races in the world. With its inauguration back in 1839, it was said the be the ultimate test for horse and jockey. There’s little doubt it was that and more.
Back in the day, professional horse racing jockeys started young.
Irishman, Derek Fox was born in Sligo on the 14th May 1992.
Most people have to die before reaching legendary status.