The 1905 Grand National took place on Friday 31 March at Aintree racecourse. It was the 67th renewal of the event.
The race this year would see renewed rivalry between Kirkland and Moifaa, the first two home in 1904. Since that race in which he was the winner, Moifaa had been sold and was now in the ownership of King Edward VII. Despite being 10lbs worse off in the weights, Moifaa started the race a strong 4/1 favourite.
On the day of the race, Moifaa’s regular jockey George Williamson was kicked by a horse at morning exercise and he was unable to take the ride. Arthur Birch, the jockey who had ridden Moifaa to victory last year was wired but could not get to the course in time for the race. In his absence, Bill Dollery was given the mount and was considered a very able deputy. Unfortunately however, the partnership only got as far as Becher’s.
Kirkland on the other hand put in a clear round despite the attention of riderless horses and scored readily by three lengths from Napper Tandy and Buckaway II.
Another horse to note in the field this year was Ascetic’s Silver. He fell early but was one of those to harry the winner to the finish. He would go on to win the following year.
Full Race Result:
| 01 | Kirkland | Frank Mason | 9 | 11-5 | 6/1 | 3 lengths |
| 02 | Napper Tandy | Percy Woodland | 8 | 10-0 | 25/1 | 4 lengths |
| 03 | Buckaway II | Alfred Newey | 7 | 9-11 | 100/1 | Neck |
| 04 | Ranunculus | C Hollebone | ? | 9-12 | 7/1 | |
| 05 | Hercules II | Joe Dillon | 9 | 9-10 | 33/1 | |
| 06 | Band Of Hope | W Dowelly | 9 | 9-11 | 100/1 | |
| 07 | Cottenshope | Dennis Morris | 9 | 9-11 | 66/1 |
Also ran: Phil May, Moifaa, The Actuary, Aunt May, Mathew, Deerslayer, Longthorpe, Seahorse II, Detail, Bucheron, Timothy Titus, Ascetic’s Silver, Royal Drake, Biology, What Next, Miss Clifden II, Saxilby, Kiora, Nereus, Hallgate.
Post-race Report:
If yesterday’s race for the Grand National Steeplechase failed to produce anything excepcional in the way of equine super-excellence, it will, nevertheless, remain on record as one of the most brilliant celebrations of modern times. There was no Cloister, no Manifesto, in the field; nor did the King’s horse, Moifaa, fulfil the desires of every loyal and sport-loving Britisher, by emulating the example of The Colonel in proving successful on two consecutive occasions. But, apart from this phase of the subject this anniversary of the greatest steeplechase in the world was worthy in all other respects to rank with its most glorious traditions.
The competitors all looked well. Moifaa presented a most polished appearance as did his erstwhile stable companion Seahorse II, and Ranunculus was much admired. Kirkland, quite the most powerful horse in the field, had evidently had a thorough preparation for the race, whilst the stable companions Phil May and Napper Tandy each looked uncommonly well. The run upon Moifaa in the market was well sustained to the finish, and he ended a 4 to 1 chance, with Kirkland next in request at “sixes” whilst at a point longer odds Ranunculus had a tremendous following. Of the remainder Detail, Aunt May, and Timothy Titus came in for most support, a lot of money going on the latter.
The horses were at the post in such good time that Mr. Coventry, seizing a favourable opportunity, actually dispatched them on their journey a minute before the period agreed for the start to take place. As usual, disasters soon commenced, as at the second fence Royal Drake fell, and at the next Ascetic’s Silver, Hallgate and Longthorpe came down, and Nereus refused. Moifaa then drew out with the lead, in company with Timothy Titus. At Valentine’s the first time Biology and Detail placed themselves out of court, and at the first fence in the country the second time Dearslayer fell. The Actuary and Mathew were pulled up hereabouts, while two fences further on What Next fell. Beecher’s Brook the second time proved fatal to Moifaa, who however, was well beaten at the time. The French candidate, Bucheron, fell at the fence before Valentine’s, at which obstacle Aunt May and Timothy Titus came down. Phil May was going well when he fell two fences from home, at which point his stable companion, Napper Tandy, took second place to Kirkland, who had been left close up to Ranunculus when Timothy Titus “came it.” Napper Tandy, though, could never reach Kirkland, who most decisively atoned for last year, and gained a highly popular victory by three lengths. Buckway II, perhaps the meanest looking horse in the field, was third, and Ranunculus fourth. The latter ran a very good horse, and with a jockey on his back who knew the course might have won. Mason, who rode the winner, scored his first victory in the race. Mr Bibby, the owner, was heartily congratulated. Throughout the wagering Kirkland has always figured prominently, and was taken with Sansovino in a lot of double event wagers. Despite the many falls, it is pleasing to be able to record that only in one instance, that of Morgan, the rider of Timothy Titus, was a jockey hurt.
Images:
Main image: W.A. Roach from Aintree: Grand Nationals Past and Present by Paul Brown. Additional images: Heroes and Heroines of the Grand National by Finch Mason, W.A. Roach from Country Life v17, 1905 via Wikimedia Commons.