Ben Nevis(1968 – 26 February 1995) was a British-bredracehorsewho became the third American-ownedsteeplechaserto win theGrand NationalatAintreeand was inducted into theNational Museum of Racing and Hall of Famein 2009. In the United States he was known asBen Nevis II.
| Ben Nevis | |
|---|---|
| Sire | Casmiri |
| Grandsire | Bright News |
| Dam | Ben Trumiss |
| Damsire | Hop Bridge |
| Sex | Gelding |
| Foaled | 1968 |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Colour | Chestnut |
| Breeder | A. S. Pattenden |
| Owner | Redmond C. Stewart Jr. |
| Trainer | Tim Forster |
| Record | 21-9-3-2 |
| Major wins | |
| Maryland Hunt Cup(1977, 1978) Grand National(1980) | |
| Honours | |
| United States Racing Hall of Fameinductee (2009) | |
The racing colours of Ben Nevis were as follows - emerald green and white halved, striped sleeves, white cap.
Early career
editBen Nevis was a chestnut gelding with a whiteblazebred in England by A S Pattenden. Ben Nevis was named aftera mountain in Scotland.He began his career on the amateurPoint-to-pointcircuit but had little success and was exported to race in the United States.[1]
American career
editIn America, Ben Nevis was unbeatable, winning eight times while setting two course records. He was a repeat champion of theMaryland Hunt Cup.His other major victories were repeat wins in Maryland's Grand National point to point purse. In 1979, he was taken back to England to attempt to win the prestigiousGrand National,[2]and was sent to be trained byCaptain Tim ForsteratLetcombe BassettinOxfordshire.[1]
Return to England
editIn the1979 Grand National,Ben Nevis was strongly fancied and started fourth choice in the betting but fell atThe Chairobstacle.[1]In the1980 edition of the race,he went off anoddsof 40/1 outsider in a race run on heavygoing.He was ridden by the American amateur Charlie Fenwick, amerchant banker.[1]By the second circuit, he had taken the lead. At the last jump, he was in front by 10lengths,and at the end of the race he won by 20. Ben Nevis became the third American-owned jumps racehorse to win the Grand National. He died ofcolicin early 1995 at the age of 27,[3]and was buried alongside the 13th fence at the Grand National course in Butler, Maryland.[4]
Hall of fame
editIn 2009 Ben Nevis was inducted into theNational Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame.[5]
Grand National record
edit| Grand National | Position | Jockey | Age | Weight | SP | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1979 | DNF | Charlie Fenwick | 11 | 11-2 | 14/1 | Brought Down at fence 15, Remounted, Pulled Up at fence 16 |
| 1980 | 1st | Charlie Fenwick | 12 | 10-12 | 40/1 | Won by 20 lengths |
See also
editReferences
edit- ^abcdGreen, Reg (1993).The History of the Grand National: A Race Apart.Hodder & Stoughton.ISBN0-340-58515-3.
- ^"2009 Hall of Fame: Big Ben".The Blood-Horse.
- ^"Racing Hall of Fame: Ben Nevis II gets the call".The Saratogian.
- ^"Ben Nevis II gets colic, is put down".The Baltimore Sun.
- ^"Ben Nevis II".National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame.