Top Ten Greatest Grand National Moments: Number Four

Top Ten Greatest Grand National Moments: Number Four

1956 - Devon Loch Falls On Home Straight

As excitement builds towards the latest instalment of one of the most iconic horse races in the world, we continue our countdown of the greatest Grand National moments with a trip back to 1956. 

4 - Devon Loch Falls On Home Straight

Year: 1956

Winner: E.S.B.

Odds: 100/7

The 1956 Grand National was won by E.S.B. but will always be remembered as the Grand National that Devon Loch didn’t win. Owned by Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother and ridden by legendary jockey, Dick Francis, Devon Loch was well-fancied ahead of the 1964 Grand National and his chances were further boosted by a fall t the first fence for SP favourite, Must.

Devon Loch looked set to win as he pushed five lengths clear on the run for home however, the horse inexplicably slipped just 40 yards from the finishing post. It is believed that the horse had mistaken a shadow on the ground for another obstacle. Famously, owner, The Queen Mother simply commented afterwards, “oh that’s racing” but her hopes of winning the Grand National were unfortunately gone forever.

Capitalising on Devon Loch’s slip was E.S.B. for trainer, Fred Rimell. Mr Grand National, Rimell would go on to train a record four Grand National winners with further wins with Nicolaus Silver (1961), Gay Trip (1970) and Rag Trade (1976).

Finishing Positions

PositionNameStarting Price
1stESB100/7
2ndGental Moya22/1
3rdRoyal Tan28/1
4thEagle Lodge66/1
5thKen Royal28/1
6thMartinique40/1
7thCarey's Cottage10/1
8thClearing66/1
9thWild Wisdom66/1

Non-Finishers

NameStarting Price
Early Mist25/1
High Guard22/1
Must7/1
Reverend Prince40/1
No Response50/1
Mariner's Log22/1
Merry Windsor28/1
Athenian66/1
Border Luck66/1
M'as Tu Vu40/1
Dunboy II66/1
Polonius66/1
Domata66/1
Witty66/1
Sundew8/1
Pippykin100/7
Armorial III20/1
Much Obliged50/1
Ontray100/6
Devon Loch100/7

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)

7. Ginger McCain wins a fourth Grand National (2004)

6. Tipperary Tim wins at 100/1 (1928)

5. McCoy Finally Rides A Grand National Winner (2010)

4. Devon Loch Falls On Home Straight (1956)

3. ?

2. ?

1. ?

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