Gregalach: 1929 Grand National Winner

66 horses took part in 1929’s National, but Gregalach finished in front at the finishing line. The Irish bred My Prince chestnut returned at odds of 100/1.

In 1928 only two horses finished from a field of 42, so in 1929 they have actually aimed to have less runners take part! The plan backfired and despite raising the entry costs to £100 and offering a forfeit stage at which horses could be withdrawn the record number started the race!

In a tremendous display off jumping all 66 of the horses cleared the first fence, what a sight that must have been. If you want to relive the action there is some great pathe footage on the internet.

The culprit for 1928’s chaos Easter Hero started the 9/1 jolly, but Gregalach denied favourite backers by accelerating past the top weight at the penultimate fence.

History could have been much different if Easter Hero had not spread a plate during the race, as this discomfort must surely have been a negative factor for the American owned horse.

Gregalach fell the following year, and in 1931 was going very well when it’s massive weight burden caused it to tire into a narrow second.

The game old stead would last race in the National aged twelve and finished pulled up, the 12st7lbs being too much for it to carry!