Kirkland

If there was a horse that came back to Aintree and deserved to win the Grand National, then Kirkland is definitely one of those. Fourth in 1903, running well, he would go better in 1904 to finish second.

It was third time lucky when 1905 would see him record a much-deserved win, coming as a nine-year-old while he was in the peak of his career. His form was strong overall, in particular at Aintree with good runs over the two previous years, and for that reason, he was sent off at just 6/1 in the betting.

He was brilliant over the fences, using his experience well, and would win the contest by three lengths, keeping ahead of those who tried to challenge him. Jockey on the day was Titch Mason, a man who won the British jump jockey championship a total of six times, while his trainer was Colonel Lort-Phillips.

The horse was trained in Wales, and when winning the Grand National, became the first Welsh-trained runner to win the race. But there was a local connection, as the horse was owned by Liverpool horse owner Frank Bibby.

After winning the Grand National in 1905, he wouldn’t actually go back to the race until 1908. He would finish 7^th in the contest, which came towards the end of his career, and he had plenty more weight on his back.

Four runs in total, three excellent efforts and a first and second placed finish from those, a strong career with highlights coming in the Aintree race.

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