3 minutes 1993 - Esha Ness wins the Grand National that never was
We are now just wight days away from the Grand National and as we continue our countdown of the ten greatest Grand National moments, number eight takes us back to 1993 and the Grand National that never was.
8 - Esha Ness wins the Grand National that never was
Year: 1993
Winner: N/A
Odds: N/A
If you check the history books, there will be no mention of Esha Ness winning the world’s greatest steeplechase but in 1993 the Jennie Pitman-trained, ten-year-old actually completed the Grand National in the second-fastest time recorded. Unfortunately, the race was declared void for the only time in its long history.
39 runners lined up at the start of the 1993 Grand National in a race delayed for around 15 minutes by animal rights protestors. Two false starts had seen several runners and riders tangled up in the start tape but on the second occasion the red flag was missed by the second official with 30 horses proceeding to tackle the famous Grand National course.
50/1 shot, Esha Ness would eventually win the race in what was the second-fastest time in the race’s history up until that point. Cahervillahow, Romany King and The Committee would make up the top four in the “race that never was”.
Party Politics, winner of the race in 1992 had gone to post as the bookies’ 7/1 favourite whilst other notable entries included 1995 Grand National winner, Royal Athlete (17/2), 1992 Scottish Grand National winner, Captain Dibble (9/1) and 1991 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, Garrison Savannah (10/1). Esha Ness returned to Aintree two years later for the 1995 Grand National but fell at the 12th fence.
In the aftermath of the race, the Jockey Club declared the race void and confirmed it would not be re-run. The bookies were forced to refund an estimated £75 million from bets placed on the race and following an enquiry several changes were made to the race start including a narrower starting line and sturdier starting tape.
| Name | SP | Fate |
|---|---|---|
| Party Politics | 7/1 F | Fence 17, pulled up |
| Romany King | 15/2 | Completed, 3rd |
| Zeta's Lad | 15/2 | Fence 17, pulled up |
| Royal Athlete | 17/2 | Fence 10, fell |
| Captain Dibble | 9/1 | Fence 17, pulled up |
| Garrison Savannah | 10/1 | Fence 16, pulled up |
| Givus A Buck | 16/1 | Completed, 5th |
| Wont Be Gone Long | 16/1 | Did not start |
| Laura's Beau | 20/1 | Completed, 7th |
| On The Other Hand | 20/1 | Completed, 6th |
| Cahervillahow | 25/1 | Completed, 2nd |
| The Committee | 25/1 | Completed, 4th |
| Mister Ed | 25/1 | Fence 17, pulled up |
| Riverside Boy | 28/1 | Fence 17, pulled up |
| Chatam | 28/1 | Did not start |
| Latent Talent | 28/1 | Did not start |
| Kildimo | 40/1 | Did not start |
| Esha Ness | 50/1 | Completed, 1st |
| Stay on Tracks | 50/1 | Fence 17, pulled up |
| Rowlandsons Jewels | 50/1 | Fence 17, pulled up |
| Sure Metal | 50/1 | Fence 20, fell |
| The Gooser | 50/1 | Fence 21, fell |
| Roc de Prince | 66/1 | Did not start |
| Nos Na Gaoithe | 66/1 | Did not start |
| Howe Street | 66/1 | Fence 20, fell |
| New Mill House | 66/1 | Fence 18, pulled up |
| Direct | 100/1 | Fence 16, pulled up |
| Travel Over | 100/1 | Fence 2, pulled up |
| Bonanza Boy | 100/1 | Fence 24, refused |
| David's Duky | 100/1 | Fence 17, pulled up |
| Paco's Boy | 100/1 | Fence 20, fell |
| Joyful Noise | 150/1 | Fence 20, refused |
| Interim Lib | 200/1 | Fence 24, unseated rider |
| Farm Week | 200/1 | Fence 4, fell |
| Formula One | 200/1 | Did not start |
| Royle Speedmaster | 200/1 | Did not start |
| Senator Snugfit | 200/1 | Fence 11, fell |
| Quirinus | 300/1 | Fence 17, pulled up |
| Tarqogan's Best | 500/1 | Did not start |
A Countdown Of The Greatest Grand National Moments
10. The Monday National (1997)
9. Golden Miller Creates History (1934)
8. Esha Ness wins the Grand National that never was (1993)
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