John Beer (1883-1915) Grudon; Grudon Still Leads A pair

John Beer (1883-1915)

Grudon; Grudon Still Leads

A pair, each signed, titled and inscribed Grand National 1901

Each watercolour and bodycolour

36.4 x 25.4cm; 14¼ x 10 in (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.