Last Suspect was the horse that nobody saw coming in the 1985 Grand National. His entry into the race was due to the persistent pleading of his jockey, Hywel Davies. Initially, his owner, the Duchess of Westminster, was reluctant to have any of her horses, including the great Arkle, participate in the National.
Bred for Success
Bred by the Countess of Mount Charles, Last Suspect had an impressive pedigree. He was sired by Above Suspicion and out of Last Link, a mare who had won the Irish Grand National.
Despite this illustrious lineage, Last Suspect was known for his moody and unreliable temperament. He often showed disinterest in racing, a trait he prominently displayed in his prep-race at Warwick for the Grand National. This performance led both his owner and his trainer, Tim Forster, to decide to withdraw him from the National.
Hywel Davies' Determination
Davies, however, had other plans. He had a strong belief that Last Suspect could win the race. Having survived a near-fatal fall months earlier, he was determined to prove his faith in the horse. Last Suspect had never fallen in a race, never unseated a jockey, and possessed great stamina. After failing to convince Forster, Davies took his plea directly to the Duchess of Westminster, who eventually agreed to let the horse run.
A Pessimistic Trainer
Tim Forster, despite having already won the National twice with Well To Do and Ben Nevis, and later receiving an OBE in the 1999 New Year's Honours List, was known for his pessimism. Even though the Duchess conceded to Davies' insistence, Forster remained skeptical about Last Suspect's chances.
The Race of a Lifetime
Last Suspect debuted at 50-1 odds, facing tough competition from the previous year’s winner, Hallo Dandy, twice runner-up Greasepaint, the up-and-coming West Tip, and the in-form Mr Snugfit. Davies also had the challenge of riding three pounds overweight.
A Dramatic Start
The race started dramatically with Hallo Dandy and three others falling at the first fence. The early part of the race was chaotic, with many horses struggling to find their rhythm. Last Suspect, however, managed to avoid trouble and steadily made his way through the field.
The Turning Point
As the race progressed, West Tip appeared to be the likely winner but fell at the second Becher’s. Mr. Snugfit then took the lead, followed by Last Suspect, Greasepaint, and Corbiere.
In a stunning turn of events, Last Suspect closed the gap at the final fence. With a burst of speed and sheer determination, he managed to overtake Mr. Snugfit, securing an unexpected and thrilling victory.
Mr Snugfit being challenged again by Corbiere. It's Mr Snugfit from Corbiere and Last Suspect putting in a tremendous run towards the stand side. It's Mr Snugfit from Last Suspect, Last Suspect is beginning to get up on the near side and Last Suspect has won it! Last Suspect the winner!
– BBC Commentator Peter O'Sullevan
A Short-lived Retirement
Following his Grand National triumph, Last Suspect was retired. However, his owner changed her mind when the horse showed no signs of slowing down, winning two marathon races in the lead-up to the 1986 National. At twelve years old, carrying eleven more pounds than the previous year, Last Suspect was not in contention and reverted to his previous reluctance to race, ultimately being pulled up in the second circuit.
A Legacy of Unpredictability
Some say that one of the golden rules of betting on the National is to avoid any horse priced at more than 40-1 or less than 5-1. Before Mon Mome's 100-1 victory in 2009, Last Suspect was the only horse to win outside these odds.
His story serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the Grand National, proving that sometimes, against all odds, miracles do happen.
Last Suspect's victory in the Grand National remains one of the most memorable moments in the race's history. It highlighted the importance of perseverance, both from the jockey and the horse. Hywel Davies' faith in Last Suspect, despite overwhelming skepticism, is a testament to the deep bond and understanding that can exist between a jockey and their mount.
For the Duchess of Westminster, the win was a moment of vindication for her decision to listen to Davies. For Tim Forster, it was another chapter in a career marked by both triumphs and challenges.
Last Suspect’s unexpected victory continues to be celebrated by racing enthusiasts and serves as an inspiration for those who believe in the power of persistence and belief.
Final Reflections
Last Suspect's story is a reminder that in the world of horse racing, anything is possible. His journey from an unreliable and moody gelding to a Grand National champion showcases the unpredictable nature of the sport. It also underscores the significance of the human-horse relationship, where mutual trust and determination can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
In conclusion, Last Suspect’s 1985 Grand National victory is not just a tale of an underdog triumphing against all odds, but a story of resilience, belief, and the magic that can happen when passion and persistence come together on the racecourse.
