The Unusual Is Commonplace on Aintree’s Course

LIVERPOOL, England —  No other event in British horse racing has produced as much drama and controversy as the Grand National Steeplechase.

Saturday’s debacle at Aintree, when the 4 1/2-mile race was declared void after jockeys failed to hear a false start call, is the latest memorable moment in a race that dates to 1836.

Since then, there have been stories of heroism, tragedy and even treachery.

In 1885, former winner Zoedone was poisoned shortly before the race.

In 1924, a former plow horse, Master Robert, won the race. Two years later, the one-eyed Glenside was the only horse in the field not to fall.

In 1938, 17-year-old English jockey Bruce Hobbs guided the American-bred Battleship to victory. Hobbs still is the youngest winning jockey.

In 1948, winner Sheila’s Cottage celebrated by biting off the finger of her jockey, Arthur Thompson.

The most dramatic finish occurred in 1957.

Devon Loch, owned by Queen Elizabeth and ridden by Dick Francis, was in front when he jumped and lost his footing only 50 yards from the finish.

E.S.B. overtook the spread-eagled Devon Loch to win. Although the beaten horse faded into obscurity, Francis went on to become a successful mystery writer. His novels have racing themes, usually involving British steeplechase courses.

In 1967, 100-1 shot Foinavon took advantage of a pile-up involving 20 other horses at the 23rd fence and won.

In 1981, Bob Champion, who fought and beat cancer, rode Aldaniti to victory. The victory later became the theme of a movie, “Champion.”

In 1986, West Tip won 14 months after he nearly died in a collision with a truck.

The race also has been a target for animal rights protesters, who claim it is too grueling for the horses.

The race lasts about 10 minutes and the horses must clear 30 fences, some with a deep drop on the other side. In the last 25 years, 13 horses have died, although there have been no fatalities since the most feared jump, Becher’s Brook, was modified in 1989.