Grand National Greats Reunited

Fifty years on from Devon Loch's sensational defeat, in the 1956 Grand National, jockeys past and present will be gathering to discuss the famous race at the William Hill Grand National Preview evening on Tuesday 4th April. John Buckingham, the rider of Foinavon, will be one of an illustrious panel of guests on hand to talk about his experiences of the Worlds most famous steeplechase, in particular the 23rd fence pileup that saw him and his mount skip clear of the field and take victory in 1967. Other jockeys from that famous year include John Leech, rider of Rutherfords, Stan Hayhurst (Castle Falls) and Roy Edwards (Princeful) who will all give their insight and views about the dramatic race.

On the 50th anniversary of ESB's famous victory, following Devon Loch's slip just 40 yards from the line, George Milburn, the rider of runner-up Gentle Moya, will also be in attendance to give his, thus unreported, account of precisely what happened to deny the Queen Mother's horse. Tim Norman, rider of the 1966 winner Anglo and John Kenneally, Steve Davenport and Peter Jones who were second, fourth and fifth respectively in 1964 are just four of the 20 former jockeys from the 1940's, 50's and 60's who will be in the audience.

Chris Pitt, of the West Midlands Racing Club, said: "We are delighted that we have been able to assemble such a prestigious panel of guests for this year's William Hill Grand National Preview. Every year we strive to bring together a mixture of racing figures but wanted to go that extra mile this year and on the 50th anniversary of ESB's Grand National victory we have brought together some great jockeys for what is set to be a unique and unparalleled evening."

The William Hill Grand National Preview takes place at the Stirchley United Working Men's Club, Hazelwell Lane, Stirchley at 7:45pm. Tickets can be paid for on the door and cost £5 per head.