1993 Grand National
| Grand National | |
| Location | Aintree |
|---|---|
| Date | 3 April 1993 |
| Winning horse | None |
| Jockey | None |
The 1993 Grand National was an abandoned horse race that took place at the Aintree Racecourse on 3 April 1993. It is primarily remembered for being declared void after 30 of the 39 riders failed to realise a false start had been called and continued to race.[1] The Jockey Club decided not to re-run the race, and as a result, it has often been called "the race that never was".[2][3]
Events
The meeting had been beset by problems before the race. Animal Rights protestors had got onto the track near the first fence resulting in a delayed start.[2] A first false start was caused by horses being caught in the starting tape. This occurred again with the second attempt, but after a false start was declared by starter Keith Brown, the recall flag (which signals riders to pull up) was not waved. As a result, 30 of the 39 riders set off around the racetrack.[1]
Despite attempts to halt the racers by officials, trainers and the crowd, seven horses completed the course, with Irish horse Esha Ness, ridden by John White and trained by Jenny Pitman being the first across the line.[3] Several jockeys stated at the inquiry that they thought the officials attempting to stop them were protestors.[2] The Jockey Club declared the race void and held an enquiry into why the flag had not been shown.[1][3] An estimated 300 million people around the world were watching the race live on television. Peter O'Sullevan, the BBC commentator, called it "the greatest disaster in the history of the Grand National".[2] The race was not re-run, and bookmakers had to repay the £75 million in bets placed on the race.[1]
References
- ^ a b c d On this day: 3rd April 1993 -Grand National ends in 'shambles', bbc.co.uk
- ^ a b c d Paul Hayward, "Racing: Day of disaster for National, The Independent, 4 April 1993
- ^ a b c John White, "3 April 1993: Esha Ness 'wins' the Grand National that never was", The Guardian, 3 April 2010
External links
- 1993 race at Grand National World.