1986 Grand National was again heavily supported at 15/2 with many of his supporters feeling that he had been unlucky when falling at Becher's Brook while disputing the lead last year. His jockey on that occasion, Richard Dunwoody was released from his retainer on "Port Askaig" to take the mount on the second favourite. Four months before the National, West Tip had been defeated by the impressive chaser, "Door Latch", considered by the racing press as owner, Jim Joel's best chance of winning the race in his almost thirty years of trying. Richard Rowe took the mount on the 9/1 chance trained by
1986 Grand National with the prospect of having to interview himself if the 200/1 outsider were to win, until they departed the contest at the tenth fence. Jockey Paul Nicholls later commented that "He cleared Becher's like a dream then fell at a little one. We [He and Des Lynam] still have a laugh about it" In addition to its Television coverage, The BBC also broadcast the race live on Radio Two as part of its regular Saturday Sports Programme, having broadcast every National since 1927 with Peter Bromley calling home the winner. In the post race interview with Lynam, Richard Dunwoody explained