2 minutes 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
| Position | Name | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | ESB | 100/7 |
| 2nd | Gental Moya | 22/1 |
| 3rd | Royal Tan | 28/1 |
| 4th | Eagle Lodge | 66/1 |
| 5th | Ken Royal | 28/1 |
| 6th | Martinique | 40/1 |
| 7th | Carey's Cottage | 10/1 |
| 8th | Clearing | 66/1 |
| 9th | Wild Wisdom | 66/1 |
Non-Finishers
| Name | Starting Price |
|---|---|
| Early Mist | 25/1 |
| High Guard | 22/1 |
| Must | 7/1 |
| Reverend Prince | 40/1 |
| No Response | 50/1 |
| Mariner's Log | 22/1 |
| Merry Windsor | 28/1 |
| Athenian | 66/1 |
| Border Luck | 66/1 |
| M'as Tu Vu | 40/1 |
| Dunboy II | 66/1 |
| Polonius | 66/1 |
| Domata | 66/1 |
| Witty | 66/1 |
| Sundew | 8/1 |
| Pippykin | 100/7 |
| Armorial III | 20/1 |
| Much Obliged | 50/1 |
| Ontray | 100/6 |
| Devon Loch | 100/7 |
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)
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