1993 Void

Everyone will remember the mal-organisation of the 1993 Grand National, the false start, the flag raised but not flying. Of 39 horses that started this race only 9 stopped, the other 30 went round as normal, jumping and negotiating fences, some other jockeys were informed by which time it was too late. The day started with Animal Rights protestors on the track, then certain horses were became entwined in the starting tape meaning there were two false starts prior to the third and final start. Esha Ness was the first horse to cross the line ridden by John White who believe even after crossing the line that others had fallen and he had won the race.

There was talk that the race would be re-run, possibly with the remaining horses, and as I had taken the price each way I felt I had a good chance.

Unfortuntaley for me that was not the case and the whole race became void, it must been really embarrassing for the staff as I felt it was they that balls'd it up. At least the bookies were so king to pay all the bets back. I could imagine them trying to pull a sneaky one out of that.

U. Potter - 20th April 2009 - Ireland