Pathfinder

Pathfinder would run twice in the Grand National during his career, in back-to-back years. On his first attempt in the race, he would be successful, winning the 1875 edition of the contest.

Twelve months later, he was back for more, but he would only manage to finish down the field, ending in 9^th.

The horse was trained by William Reeves on both occasions, making him the winning trainer. He would actually ride the horse for his second run in the race, but not the first, that was left to Tommy Pickernell.

Reeves had plenty of races as a rider in the contest, but didn’t ride in the year that Pathfinder won it, with no explanation why available anywhere online.

Pickernell was a more than able deputy, though, when he landed his win on Pathfinder, he was recording his third victory in the race.

As for the win itself, Pathfinder would cross the line half a length in front of his nearest challenger, which was Dainty. Nineteen runners would take part, and Pathfinder was returned with an SP of 100/6, so fancied a little by the punters, but not sent off as the favourite.

An early winner, unable to back it up when trying to defend his crown, but still a winner of the greatest race in the world.

Full Results