Jack Horner: 1926 Grand National Winner

1926 saw the Gold Cup winner Koko attempt to win the double, supported into 100/8 in the betting, its chance ended when brought down at the first brook.

The win went to William Watkinson on board Jack Horner. The horse was towards the bottom of the handicap and only carried 10st 5lb’s, which proved a real benefit when winning a battle to the line against Jack Anthony on Old Tay Bridge.

The 1926 Grand National winners’ pedigree was by Cyllius out of an unraced mare Melton’s Guide.

The owner was Charles Schwatz who was a famous American Polo player, the lucky mucker brought the horse only a fortnight before the race. Looking at the winner’s prize money of £7,635 the horse’s price of £4000 (plus £2000 if winning the National) looks decidedly steep!

Sadly the jockey’s career was ended by a fatal fall at Bogside, but on a happier note the horse did retire to pasture in America.