1959 Grand National

1959 Grand National
Grand National
LocationAintree Racecourse
Date21 March 1959
Winning horseEngland Oxo
Starting price8/1
JockeyEngland Michael Scudamore
TrainerWillie Stephenson
OwnerJohn E. Bigg
ConditionsGood
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External videos
video icon Highlights of the 1959 Grand National (British Pathé)
video icon British Movietone

The 1959 Grand National was the 113th renewal of the Grand National horse race that took place at Aintree Racecourse near Liverpool, on 21 March 1959.

The race was won by the 8/1 second-favourite Oxo, ridden by Michael Scudamore and trained by Willie Stephenson. Thirty-four horses ran, including the previous year's winner Mr. What, who finished third. Wyndburgh was second and Tiberetta was the only other finisher, each finishing in the places for the third consecutive year.[1]

There was one equine fatality during the race: Henry Purcell, who was one of fourteen horses to fall or be brought down at Becher's Brook.[1] Additionally, Slippery Serpent broke a bone in his leg in falling at the thirteenth fence and was euthanised during the week after the race.[2] A debate was held in parliament[3] and the Home Secretary, Rab Butler, met the National Hunt Committee in response to safety concerns raised by the League Against Cruel Sports.[4]

  1. ^ a b "The Grand National". The Times. London. 23 March 1959. p. 4.
  2. ^ "The Grand National". The Times. London. 26 March 1959. p. 16.
  3. ^ "The Grand National". The Times. London. 10 April 1959. p. 16.
  4. ^ "The Grand National". The Times. London. 12 May 1959. p. 7.