Mr What Grand National Wins
- 1958 - ridden by Arthur Freeman trained by Tom J Taaffe Snr

A real stalwart of horse racing in the late 1950s and early 1960s, Mr What was a tremendous animal who would run in the Grand National remarkably for a total of six times, which, on its own, is an incredible feat for any runner.
However, not only that, he was able to win the race once and would also place 3rd on two further occasions, further adding to his excellent reputation as a racehorse.
Despite being very successful, Mr What would change both riders and trainers on a frequent basis during his career. He would have four different trainers take him to the Grand National and would be ridden by five different jockeys.
Trainer for his win would be Tom Taaffe senior, while he would be ridden by Arthur Freeman for his victory. These two would both have two attempts at the race with this horse, and they would taste their only Grand National success with him.
In a real test of stamina, Mr What would claim a 30-length success, with just seven in total able to finish the race. There are some who say his victory was enhanced by the conditions making it tough for racing, but ultimately, Mr What had to cope with exactly the same as everyone else.
He would finish third a year after his success, in 1959, and would add a third-place finish in 1962. If he needed to enhance his reputation at this point, he certainly did that.
With just one win, it’s hard to talk about this horse as being one of the great Grand National runners, but from footage at the time, plus seeing quotes from those who were there, this horse has to be very close to the Grand National legend category.
The public adored his appetite for racing, and in particular, his ability to keep coming back to the toughest test in the sport and keep running well.
Mr What’s Big Race Wins
Being such a legend of the Grand National, it will come as no surprise that Mr What would work his entire season around this race.
There was little in terms of success elsewhere, with minor races the only others he would win across his career. But that didn’t stop him from being considered as a Grand National legend by some, if not all, and running in this tough contest for a remarkable six times.
Full Results
Year | Result | Prize Money | Handicap | Jockey | Trainer |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1963 | Fence 11 - Refused | - | 10-8 | Tommy Carberry | J Dowdeswell |
1962 | 3 | £1117 10s | 10-9 | Johnny Lehane | R Ward |
1961 | 11 | - | 11-9 | David Dick | D J Morgan |
1960 | Fence 22 - Fell | - | 11-11 | Arthur Freeman | D J Morgan |
1959 | 3 | £824 | 11-9 | Toss Taaffe | Tom J Taaffe Snr |
1958 | 1 | £13719 10s | 10-6 | Arthur Freeman | Tom J Taaffe Snr |