Every year the TV broadcasters spend the day telling wonderful and heartfelt stories about the various runners, riders and connections of that year's crop of hopefuls.
In 1992, it was the same except this time around they had the aptly named Party Politics to focus their attention on. Why? Because it was five days before the General Election, making the horse a popular choice for once-a-year punters.
So with the public backing him, he went off on odds of 14/1, and though he was by no means the favourite, he had plenty of fans cheering him on.
But winning the grand national is rarely an isolated event so just how did Party Politics get on the road to Aintree and what led up to his win in 1992?
The Early Years
Bred in Britain in 1984 by David Stoddart, who also owned him at the time, Party Politics was sired by Politico out of the dam Spin Again.
His early career was marked by steady improvement, showcasing his potential as a talented jumper. In his first season as a novice chaser, in 1990, he won twice at Warwick giving connections a lot of hope for the forth coming season.
By the time the 1990/91 season rolled around, Party Politics was on a roll and even had a go at the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Unfortunately he pulled up in a race that was won by Garrison Savannah – who later attempted to do the double with the Grand National but was beaten to the post by Seagram.
The Road to Aintree
Undeterred, he returned for the 1991/92 season ready to tackle some of the bigger races.
By now, Party Politics had already proven himself a capable steeplechaser. He placed second in prestigious races like the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury and the Welsh National at Chepstow, demonstrating his aptitude for challenging courses and long distances.
On April 4, 1992, he lined up alongside 39 other horses for the 146th running of the Grand National. He was sent off at odds of 14/1, a relatively mid-range price for a race known for its unpredictability.
As the field set off, Party Politics, ridden by jockey Carl Llewellyn, settled into a steady rhythm. His jumping was impeccable throughout the race and he navigated the challenging fences with ease, steadily making progress through the field.
As the race entered its final stages, Party Politics found himself in contention for the lead. Five fences out he kicked into gear, took the lead and kept it with only Romany King giving him a real run for his money in the closing stages.
Party Politics' superior stamina came to the fore, and he crossed the finish line 2½ lengths ahead of Romany King, with Laura's Beau finishing third. Docklands Express, the 15/2 favourite was in fourth place.
The victory was a team effort, bringing together some of the most respected names in British horse racing.
Nick Gaselee, a Lambourn-based trainer, masterfully prepared Party Politics for the Grand National challenge. it was also his only win in the race.
Carl Llewellyn, a Welsh jockey who was beginning to make a name for himself, showcased his skill and experience in guiding Party Politics to victory.
It was his first of two wins in the race, the other coming in 1998 on Earth Summit.
Owner Patricia Thompson, had only purchased Party Politics just days before the race. Officially, it is recorded that she took ownership on April 3rd – the race was on April 4th.
Legacy
Party Politics won the 1992 Grand National in a time of nine minutes and 6.4 seconds, demonstrating both speed and stamina.
Despite his previous good form, Party Politics was not considered one of the top favourites, making his victory all the more exciting.
While the Grand National was undoubtedly the pinnacle of his career, he had other significant victories.
He went on to win the Greenalls Gold Cup at Haydock in 1993 and the Rehearsal Chase at Chepstow in the same year.
He returned to Aintree for three more attempts at the Grand National:
- 1993 – he was pulled up at the 17th fence in the infamous “void race” that was called off
- 1995 – he finished an impressive second to Royal Athlete, demonstrating his enduring class.
- 1996 – where he unfortunately fell at the third fence
Following the fall in the 1996 National, Party Politics was retired from racing.
Standing at over 17 hands, he was the biggest horse ever to win the race, and put down at the age of 25 due to the infirmities of old age in 2009.
His passing was mourned by the racing community, with many remembering his courageous Grand National victory 17 years earlier.
Conclusion
Party Politics' 1992 Grand National victory stands as a testament to the unpredictable and thrilling nature of the world's most famous steeplechase.
His win, achieved through the combined efforts of a talented horse, a skilled jockey, and a dedicated trainer, continues to be remembered fondly by racing enthusiasts.
The story of his career serves as a reminder of the magic that can happen on any given day at Aintree.
From his steady improvement in the early years to his moment of glory on the biggest stage in jump racing, Party Politics' journey captivated the public and earned him a permanent place in Grand National folklore.
