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
Fred Barrett (jockey) Fred Barrett (jockey) Frederick John Barrett (1867 – 21 January 1895) was an English horse racing jockey. His greatest success came in 1888, when he won The Derby and the Jockeys' Championship. His career is summed up by two top class racehorses – Ayrshire and Donovan – which he rode in their championship years of 1888 and 1889. He rode Ayrshire in the 1888 Derby, even though the veteran John Osborne had ridden him to victory in the 2,000 Guineas. He won, but only after nearly throwing the race away. While going clear, he jabbed Ayrshire on one side only