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1898 National winner, the Irish-bred Drogheda, also won the Galway Plate in 1897, and was described by his then-owner, G.F. Radwell, as "an unpleasant mealy bay." Still, he won the National for trainers R.C. Dawson --who also trained National winners Covercoat and Ballymacad and 1925 Derby winner Manna-- in a snowstorm in very heavy going. His sire, Cherry Ripe, was full brother to 2000 Guineas winner Enthusiast. Drogheda's dam, Eglentine, won the Irish Grand National, and was a member of an Irish steeplechasing female family tracing back to Verbena. Another branch of this family produced Irish Grand National winner Thurles, who sired Eremon, Grand National winner of 1907. Yet another branch produced Pay Only, another Irish Grand National winner. |
