1956 Grand National
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.
| Grand National | |
| Location | Aintree Racecourse |
|---|---|
| Date | 24 March 1956 |
| Winning horse | E.S.B. |
| Starting price | 100/7 |
| Jockey | Dave Dick |
| Trainer | Fred Rimell |
| Owner | Mrs. Leonard Carver |
| Conditions | Good |
| External videos | |
|---|---|
| Highlights of the 1956 Grand National (British Pathé) |
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.