Henry Potts
The following article is by Brian Lee, author of the book Welsh Steeplechase Jockeys, published in 1993
The following article is by Brian Lee, author of the book Welsh Steeplechase Jockeys, published in 1993
Henry Potts
Henry Potts
1810 - 1884
1810 - 1884
The Liverpool Steeplechase of 1837 is recognised by some racing historians as the very first Grand National; indeed, when the Liverpool Racecourse Executive announced the conditions for the 1837 race, they described it incorrectly as 'The Centenary of the Grand National Steeplechase'.
The Liverpool Steeplechase of 1837 is recognised by some racing historians as the very first Grand National; indeed, when the Liverpool Racecourse Executive announced the conditions for the 1837 race, they described it incorrectly as 'The Centenary of the Grand National Steeplechase'.
How appropriate, then, that it was won by a Welshman, Henry Potts, who hailed from wealthy, landowning gentry. Born in 1810 at the ancestral home of his family, Glan-yr-Afon, near Mold in Denbighshire, Mr Potts - an ardent huntsman - rode as a last minute replacement for Captain Martin Becher who could not reach Aintree in time having rode at St Albans the previous day.
How appropriate, then, that it was won by a Welshman, Henry Potts, who hailed from wealthy, landowning gentry. Born in 1810 at the ancestral home of his family, Glan-yr-Afon, near Mold in Denbighshire, Mr Potts - an ardent huntsman - rode as a last minute replacement for Captain Martin Becher who could not reach Aintree in time having rode at St Albans the previous day.
Riding the 6-1 shot The Duke to victory over three other rivals, Mr Potts was a bit ashamed of himself as he had ridden unknown to his parents.
Riding the 6-1 shot The Duke to victory over three other rivals, Mr Potts was a bit ashamed of himself as he had ridden unknown to his parents.
Although steeplechasing was beginning to capture the imagination of the public for the first time, it must be remembered that in the early days, the sport did give the unscrupulous the opportunity to pull a flanker or two.
Although steeplechasing was beginning to capture the imagination of the public for the first time, it must be remembered that in the early days, the sport did give the unscrupulous the opportunity to pull a flanker or two.
Hence Mr Potts' reluctance to be associated with the world of steeplechasing.
Hence Mr Potts' reluctance to be associated with the world of steeplechasing.
Henry Potts gave up steeplechasing following his marriage and moved to Chester, thereafter regularly riding with the Cheshire hounds
Henry Potts gave up steeplechasing following his marriage and moved to Chester, thereafter regularly riding with the Cheshire hounds
He died on March 22, 1884, six days before the running of that year's National.
He died on March 22, 1884, six days before the running of that year's National.