1985 Grand National horse, West Tip had been fortunate to survive being hit by a lorry in 1982, which left a huge scar in his hind quarters. Having recovered, he went on to show impressive form by winning four races in the buildup to the National, including The Ritz Club National Hunt Handicap at Cheltenham a few weeks before Aintree. His partner was Richard Dunwoody, the youngest rider in the contest and among thirteen riders making their National debut. Such was the interest in the pair in the days leading to the race that he was asked to appear on the Wogan show
1926 Grand National 1926 Grand National The 1926 Grand National was the 85th renewal of the world-famous Grand National horse race that took place at Aintree Racecourse near Liverpool, England, on 26 March 1926. The steeplechase was won by Jack Horner, a 25/1 bet ridden by jockey Billy Watkinson and trained by Harvey Leader for American owner Charles Schwartz, who had paid 5,000 guineas for him a week beforehand. Schwartz won £5,000 for the victory. Harvey Leader was a brother of Ted Leader and son of Tom Leader. Old Tay Bridge finished in second place for the second successive year, Bright's Boy was