Grand National | |
Location | Aintree Racecourse |
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Date | 24 March 1956 |
Winning horse | E.S.B. |
Starting price | 100/7[1] |
Jockey | Dave Dick |
Trainer | Fred Rimell |
Owner | Mrs. Leonard Carver |
Conditions | Good |
External videos | |
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Highlights of the 1956 Grand National (British Pathé) |
The 1956 Grand National was the 110th renewal of the Grand National horse race that took place at Aintree near Liverpool, England, on 24 March 1956.
It is probably best remembered for Devon Loch's sudden and inexplicable fall on the final straight, just 40 yards from a certain victory. The incident is almost always replayed during television build-up coverage on Grand National day.
Owned by Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother and ridden by Dick Francis, the well-fancied Devon Loch held a five-length lead over his nearest challenger, E.S.B., on the run-in to the finishing post, when he suddenly half-jumped into the air and landed in a bellyflop on his stomach, allowing E.S.B. to overtake and win. Although Francis tried to cajole the horse, it was unable to continue.