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
1985 Grand National on BBC. Those who questioned the ability of the two favourites turned instead to champion jockey John Francome who would partner 8/1 chance Drumlargen. The horse had been third in the previous year's Cheltenham Gold Cup while speculation was rife that this would be Francome's last attempt at the National, having so far never won the race. Despite being given top weight of 11 stones 10 lbs, Corbiere was by now something of a housewive's favourite at 9/1, having followed victory in the race in 1983 by finishing third in 1984. This year he would be deprived of his partner