It’s an old adage that there is always a story in the Grand National, but any such story is usually attached to the winner of the world famous steeplechase. Not so in 1956, though, when a horse that failed to win produced “the most sensational Grand National Aintree has ever seen”, according to British Pathé News.
The horse in question was Devon Loch, owned by Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, trained by Peter Cazalet and ridden by Dick Francis. Far from unfancied at 100/7, Devon Loch appeared to have taken the measure of his nearest pursuer, ESB, trained by Fred Rimmell and ridden by Dave Dick, when drawing five lengths clear on the run-in. Inexplicably, though, almost in the shadow of the winning post, Devon Loch fly-jumped into the air and slithered to the floor in an undignified belly-flop. Francis, who had remained in the saddle during the incident, attempted, unsuccessfully, to rouse his mount as ESB galloped by to win by 10 lengths. Devon Loch took no further part and was listed as a non-finisher.
Exactly what happened to Devon Loch remains something of an abiding mystery. Theories for his untimely demise include a patch of false ground, a sudden attack of cramp in his hindquarters and confusion over the shadow of the nearby water jump, which runners negotiate on the first circuit of the Grand National Course, but not the second. Granted that the incident took place right in front of the grandstands, Francis himself favoured the explanation that Devon Loch was startled by an unusually loud roar from the crowd, in anticipation of a Royal winner. After repeatedly reviewing newsreel footage, he said, “…you see the horse prick his ears and his hindquarters just refused to work.” Ever philosophical, the Queen Mother famously said, simply, “Oh, that’s racing.”
Devon Loch recovered quickly but, interestingly, suffered similar, but less severe, symptoms on what proved to be the final start of his career at Sandown Park. Following his retirement from racing, he became a hack for trainer Noel (later Sir Noel) Murless at Warren Place, Newmarket and was humanely euthanised during the winter of 1962/63.