Grand National first jump, suddenly veered across the leading group at the 23rd, causing them to either stop, refuse or unseat their riders. Racing journalist Lord Oaksey described the resulting pile-up by saying that Popham Down had "cut down the leaders like a row of thistles". Some horses even started running in the wrong direction, back the way they had come. Foinavon, whose owner had such little faith in him that he had travelled to Worcester that day instead, had been lagging some 100 yards behind the leading pack, giving his jockey, John Buckingham, time to steer his mount wide of the
1925 Grand National 1925 Grand National The 1925 Grand National was the 84th renewal of the world-famous Grand National horse race that took place at Aintree Racecourse near Liverpool, England, on 27 March 1925. The race was won by Double Chance, a 100/9 shot ridden by jockey Major John Wilson and trained by Fred Archer, Jr. for owner David Goold. Old Tay Bridge finished in second place, Fly Mask was third and future winner Sprig completed the course in fourth position. Thirty-three horses ran and all returned safely to the stables. One jockey was injured at the water-jump (16th fence) as his horse