Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, April 4, 1993 TAG: 9304040144
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: From Associated Press reports
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
FALSE STARTS CAUSE STEEPLECHASE CHAOS
The Grand National steeplechase was run Saturday at Aintree in Liverpool, England.Officially, though, it never happened.
The second false start of the afternoon turned the world's most famous steeplechase into a debacle. It was declared void.
The $115 million bet on the race, one of England's most popular wagering events, will be returned to those who ask.
Eight horses covered the entire 4 1/2 miles. Nine never left the starting line - gates are not used in steeplechase races - and others in the field of 40 wandered around various parts of the course.
An estimated 350 million television viewers around the world tuned in to see the race, which first was run in 1836.
"This is one of the greatest disasters in the history of the National," said British Broadcasting Corporation commentator Peter O'Sullevan. "These horses have had an arduous race for nothing."
The race initially was held up by an animal rights demonstration on the course. The frequent spills in steeplechases causing death or injury to horses have made the events targets of activists.
The first false start created no real problem because the field was called back after about 300 yards. Then, there was a second false start with the horses trampling all over the start tape. Nine of the riders noticed the red flag had gone up, and they stayed at the line. The others didn't.
Of the horses that continued to run, most either fell or pulled up after one circuit. Esha Ness was first to cross the finish line, to a chorus of boos, just holding off Cahervillahow.
"I was among the first half dozen, and I did not see any flag," said Esha Ness' jockey, John White. "We thought perhaps there were some protesters on the course waving us away."
Esha Ness' trainer, Jenny Pitman, was reduced to tears. She stormed into the weighing room demanding to see the stewards, and she broke down as she called for the race to be stopped.
"What are you doing?" she said. " My bloody horse has already gone one circuit. I don't want to win the National like this!"
She didn't because, according to the record books, the 1993 Grand National just didn't happen. Nobody collected the $150,000 prize.