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
1986 Grand National former champion jockey Josh Gifford. The remaining public support was placed in former winners, Corbiere and "Last Suspect" who would both set off at 14/1 in company of their riders in victory, Ben de Haan and Hywell Davies. Aside from these main contenders the majority of the remainder of public support was placed with "The Tsarevich", former twice runner up, "Greasepaint" and 1984 winner "Hallo Dandy" at 16/1. Mark Dwyer was considered to have the best chance of the seven riders taking part in their debut National on board 18/1 shot "Knock Hill". Among the other six debut riders was