1985 Grand National of the betting public put their faith in last year's champion Hallo Dandy at 14/1, Fethered Friend at 16/1, and Classified at 20/1 with Hill of Slain, Kumbi, Scot Lane, Broomy Bank, Rupertino, Tacroy and Talon considered the only others in the field capable of winning the race. Last Suspect was among those largely unconsidered at 50/1. In the company of Welsh jockey Hywel Davies he had developed a reputation as a stubborn horse and had pulled himself up in his last race. His owner, Anne, Duchess of Westminster, instantly decided to scratch her horse from the race, having never
Tony Vega (jockey) entered in the 1988 Martha Washington Handicap at Laurel Park after her impressive allowance victory at Aqueduct two weeks prior. Another jockey who rode in The Martha Washington, was Hall of Fame Jockey Jean Cruget, best known for winning the Triple Crown aboard Seattle Slew. Cruget tried to intimidate Vega in the jockey's room before the race, but Vega did not back down and had the last word by winning the race easily, paying $58 to win. Other prominent riders who rode in the race were Hall of Fame jockeys Julie Krone and Kent Desormeaux, Greg MacCaron, Vincent Braciale (rider