|
Early Mist won his Grand National during a period where increasing prize money in other jumping events was luring trainers away from the grueling early challenge of the Aintree course; many commentators noted the field was unimpressive and the race itself "dull," despite four fatal accidents during the running. Early Mist had been purchased as a yearling for J.V. Rank, a long-time ardent steeplechase supporter and owner who had never won the Grand National. Although British-bred, Early Mist was trained in Ireland and won some races there, including the Newlands Handicap at Naas and the Dunshaughlin Plate at Fairyhouse. In his first outing in the Grand National for Rank, in 1952, Early Mist fell at the first fence. Rank died that year, and Early Mist was sold in a dispersal auction to Joe Griffin, of Ireland, who also owned Royal Tan (1954 Grand National winner), and was sent to the now legendary Vincent O'Brien to train. In his 1953 National win he led for most of the second time round the course, and won easily by twenty lengths, beating the game Mont Tremblant, who had given Early Mist 17 pounds. O'Brien had, to that time, also trained three Champion Hurdle and four Cheltenham Gold Cup winners (Hatton's Grace, Cottage Rake, Knock Hard), and one Irish Grand National winner (Alberoni)--Early Mist was his first Grand National winner. Early Mist was by the French-bred Brumeaux, a son of Teddy, who had won six races in France and England, including the Prix Edgard Gillois and the Newbury Autumn Cup, and later sired horses who could go a distance, including the stayer Borealis. His dam was by the great stayer and staying sire, Hurry On, who traced back to Melbourne in tail-male descent. |
