Cloister

If there was a horse that went into a Grand National and deserved to win, then Cloister is certainly one of those. He would win the 1893 Grand National, his third attempt at the race, and it was definitely a case of third time lucky for him.

He would run in the race for two years before that, and in both 1891 and 1892, he would finish second, just missing out on the win. But coming back in 1893, which would be his last run in the race, he made no mistake.

A strong galloper and an excellent jumper, he was tailor-made for the test that Aintree brings, and in 1893, he would bring it all together and put up one of the most impressive Aintree performances on the eye.

First up, let’s talk about the winning distance. He won by a massive 40 lengths, which at the time was a record winning distance, and that would stand for many years. But there’s more to the story, firstly, the weight on his back.

After two strong efforts in the Grand National, the horse had a big weight to carry, and when winning, had 12st 7lb on his back, which is enough to slow down even the best of runners.

The public was clearly latching onto the horse, though, not worried about the weight on his back. Well supported in the build-up and on the day, he would go off as the 11/2 favourite for the race, leaving plenty of punters happy with the win.

Unfortunately, not too long after winning at Aintree, the horse was discovered to have a serious injury, which would prevent him from continuing his racing career, and this meant no more Grand National attempts.

Had he come back and won again, which was more than possible, then there’s no doubt in my mind that Cloister would be talked about much higher, and amongst the greats of the race.

Two second-placed efforts, where he ran really well, then a 40-length win to make it third time lucky, despite a big weight on his back, a great Grand National horse and winner of the race.

Full Results