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
West Tip at 50-1, ridden by Philip Hobbs. West Tip was left with a distinctive large scar on his hindquarters. In 1985 West Tip won the Ritz Club Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. He started joint-favourite for the 1985 Grand National but fell at Bechers Brook on the second circuit. West Tip returned to Aintree for the 1986 Grand National and started the 15/2 second favourite under a weight of 151 pounds. Ridden by Richard Dunwoody he was always amongst the leaders and jumped the last fence in second place behind the Scottish-trained outsider Young Driver. West Tip took the lead