The 1900 Grand National took place on Friday 30 March at Aintree racecourse. It was the 62nd renewal of the event.
In the field on this occasion were Grudon, unplaced here but who would go on to win in 1901 and the dual Grand National winning Manifesto. This was another remarkable performance from the latter who finished third while shouldering a hefty 12st 13lbs.
Favourite on the day at 4/1 was Ambush II who was owned by The Prince Of Wales (latterly King Edward VII). As both a royal runner and race favourite, Ambush II was a very popular winner and was met with great enthusiasm on course.
Ambush II jumped into the lead at the final fence and stayed on to win by four lengths from Balsac who made the most of the more than three stone he was receiving to best an eased down Manifesto by a neck.
Ambush II would attempt to repeat his success in 1903 and 1904 but fell on both occasions. Winning jockey Algernon (Algy) Anthony would go on to more National success as a trainer with Troytown in 1920.
Full Race Result:
| 01 | Ambush II | Algy Anthony | 6 | 11-3 | 4/1 | 4 lengths |
| 02 | Barsac | Bill Halsey | 8 | 9-12 | 25/1 | neck |
| 03 | Manifesto | George Williamson | 12 | 12-13 | 6/1 | |
| 04 | Breemont’s Pride | Mr Gwyn Davies | ? | 11-7 | 20/1 | |
| 05 | Levanter | Mcguire | 11 | 9-8 | 50/1 | |
| 06 | Grudon | Mr MB Bletsoe | 10 | 10-5 | 40/1 | |
| 07 | Easter Ogue | Charles Hogan | 6 | 9-13 | 66/1 | |
| 08 | Lotus Lily | Arthur Wood | ? | 9-10 | 25/1 | |
| 09 | Sister Elizabeth | C Clack | ? | 10-0 | 40/1 | |
| 10 | Model | Percy Woodland | ? | 10-7 | 66/1 | |
| 11 | Elliman | Edmund Driscoll | ? | 10-1 | 100/7 | Last to complete |
Also ran: Hidden Mystery, Covert Hack, Alpheus, Barcalwhey, Nothing.
Note: Ages of horses where not published at the time have been adjusted from previous or subsequent runs where the age was declared.
Post-race Report:
Once under the starter’s command, the flag fell almost immediately, and the lot were despatched on their eventful journey. Clear and bright, the jumps round the course were plainly visible to the naked eye, and with glasses an almost microscopical view could be obtained. Something that looked like Hidden Mystery but turned out to be Nothing (this sounds almost Irish), refused at the first fence, and Covert Hack and Mason parted company a little later on. Barsac led right round, and in front of the stands, and over the water, he was followed by Hidden Mystery and the riderless Covert Hack, who was determined apparently to show his prowess, unsteered though he was. The second time round, at the first fence in the straight, Covert Hack cannoned into Hidden Mystery and shot Mr. Nugent out of the saddle, or, as the latest turf phraseology has it, “he left the plate” – expressive, perhaps, but a trifle enigmatical. Meanwhile, Breemount’s Pride and Ambush II were going great guns, and Manifesto was rapidly joining the leaders. Along the canal bank, Ambush II, Manifesto and Barsac were “all of a heap” and then began that low murmur of pent-up enthusiasm foreshadowing a great popular victory. Over the last fence Ambush II just led, and was followed into the straight by Manifesto and Barsac. The the Royal horse drawing out, won by four lengths, Manifesto being passed in the last few yards by Barsac, who finished second.
One has heard of Irish yells, but yesterday the combination of Hibernian enthusiasm and patriotic loyalty roused a very roar of delight, electrifying even the most phlegmatic of men. Shout upon shout greeted the smiling Prince as he led his champion into the weighing enclosure, the demonstration being renewed when the “All right” rang out. Winners and losers alike were unfeignedly glad, and the Prince now holds the record of having won both the Derby and the National, an honour that has never before befallen an owner.
Manchester Courier and Lancashire General Advertiser, 31 March 1900.
Video Footage:
While there is no known surviving footage of the 1900 Grand National, this video from 1902 includes Ambush II at Eyrefield Lodge, Athgarvan in County Kildare, Ireland. It is perhaps best known as the birthplace of Pretty Polly.
Images:
Main image: W.A. Roach, from Grand Nationals Past and Present by Paul Brown,. Additional images: Adrian Jones (1845-1938), Emil Adam (1843-1924), Finch Mason (1850-1915).