Few names are more well known in the hallowed halls of horse racing than that of jockey Mick Fitzgerald whose Grand National win on Rough Quest in 1996 solidified his status as a legend of the sport.
Rough Quest was the first favourite for 14 years to win the Grand National, going off at odds of 7/1.
Afterwards, the gelding had to survive a lengthy stewards’ enquiry because when beating Encore Un Peu, in a tight finish, Rough Quest appeared to drift across in front of Encore Un Peu on the run in after hanging left in the closing stages.
But the victory stood and Rough Quest, Mick Fitzgerald, trainer Terry Casey and owner Andrew Wates took their rightful places in the history books.
Background and Early Years
Rough Quest was born in 1986 and bred by Michael Healy. He was sired by Crash Course out of the mare Our Quest.
His early career, under the guidance of trainer Tim Etherington, was marked by steady improvement, showcasing his potential as a talented jumper.
In July 1994 he was moved to Terry Casey's yard where his prep for the Grand National began in earnest.
Prior to his Grand National triumph, Rough Quest had already proven himself a capable steeplechaser.
He won the Ritz Club National Hunt Handicap Chase (now known as the Ultima Handicap Chase) at the Cheltenham Festival in 1995, demonstrating his aptitude for challenging courses and long distances.
He followed that up with a win at Punchestown in the Castlemartin Stud Handicap Chase and ended the season on solid form.
As November rolled around he was back chasing though a fall on his seasonal return didn't inspire much confidence.
A couple of solid second place finishes at Ascot and Newbury boosted his credentials but it was his win at Kempton and his second place in the Cheltenham Gold Cup that really caught the public's imagination as the National drew ever closer.
The 1996 Grand National
On March 30, 1996, Rough Quest lined up alongside 26 other horses for the 149th running of the Grand National.
He was sent off as the 7/1 favourite, a relatively short price for a race known for its unpredictability. As the field set off, Rough Quest settled into a steady rhythm under Mick Fitzgerald.
Rough Quest's jumping was impeccable throughout the race. He navigated the challenging fences with ease, steadily making progress through the field.
As the race entered its final stages, Rough Quest found himself in contention for the lead.
In a dramatic conclusion, he had to battle with Encore Un Peu in the closing stages. The two horses duelled down the famous Aintree straight, with spectators on the edge of their seats.
Rough Quest's superior stamina came to the fore, and he crossed the finish line 1¼ lengths ahead of Encore Un Peu.
However, the drama wasn't over. A stewards' inquiry was called to investigate possible interference between Rough Quest and Encore Un Peu on the run-in.
After a tense wait, the result stood, and Rough Quest was confirmed as the winner of the 1996 Grand National.
A Team Effort
Rough Quest's victory was a team effort, bringing together some of the most respected names in British horse racing.
At the time, Terry Casey was a relatively small-scale trainer based in Worcestershire, though he masterfully prepared Rough Quest for the Grand National challenge.
Mick Fitzgerald, riding in his sixth Grand National, showcased his skill and experience in guiding Rough Quest to victory. It was his only win in the race.
Rough Quest's owner Andrew Wates was a businessman and longtime racing enthusiast who saw his investment in Rough Quest pay off in spectacular fashion.
As the 7/1 favourite, Rough Quest was one of the rare market leaders to win the Grand National.
What made it even more special was that just 16 days before his triumph, he had finished second in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, making him the first horse since 1976 to place in both races in the same season.
Later Life
Rough Quest's Grand National victory ensured his place in racing history. He continued to race after his Aintree triumph but never quite reached the same heights again.
That included a second shot at the National in 1998 which didn't go as well as his first. Again under Mick Fitzgerald, he mad a mistake at the 18th and having been driven along at the 25th, soon weakened before he bowed out of the race two fences from homes.
Despite his winning form, the young horse had been plagued by a constitution so fragile that he often appeared ungenuine in the heat of a close finish, which is what happened at the Grand National.
The fault was diagnosed as a muscle enzyme disorder and Rough Quest's diet was subsequently loaded with carboyhdrates and vitamin E to help counteract the problem.
After his Aintree win, he returned for the 1996/97 season at Folkestone, taking the Lympne Novices Hurdle but he never re-captured his old form and went on to win only one more race, a hunter chase at Newbury in 1999. His retirement was announced later that same year.
