George Finch Mason (1850-1915) Grudon. Drumcree and Buffalo Bill; Go Along Grudon A pair

George Finch Mason (1850-1915)

Grudon. Drumcree and Buffalo Bill; Go Along Grudon

A pair, each signed, the former inscribed The Grand National 1901/Grudon 1 Drumeree 2 Buffalo Bill 3/23 Ran; the latter signed, titled and inscribed The Grand National 1901

Each gouache

25.2 x 35.3cm; 10 x 14in (2)

The 1901 Grand National was run in a howling snowstorm, and won by the 9/1 chance Grudon. In order to cope with the treacherous conditions, Grudon's trainer, Bernard Bletsoe, decided to pack the horse's hooves with butter, in order to prevent snow from clogging them. Legend has it, that Grudon's jockey became so confident as the race progressed, that with a mile to go he said to one of his rivals 'Ta ta old chap. I must push on a trifle faster', before streaking ahead.