On Thursday, 18 March 1897, the 1,000 sovs. National Hunt Steeplechase at Newmarket was won for the first time in its history by a foreign owner, the Franco-Belgian Vicomte de Buisseret, with a foreign-bred horse, the 4-y-o Nord Quest, ridden by a foreign gentleman jockey, Monsieur Morand.
The result surprised no one. Morand, who was top of the tree back in France, could hold his own against any amateur rider, English or French. Also, the fame of Nord Quest had preceded him, and many good judges aware of his exploits in France and Belgium had marked him down as the likely winner.
Under the circumstances, it was slightly surprising that another horse, Miss Battle, ridden by Grand National-winning jockey Joe Widger (which hailed from the same stable as Wild Man from Borneo) was made favourite at 5-2 instead.
Nord Quest always led with Miss Battle dropping tamely away as the runners entered the straight. Only Goldfish (18-1) could get anywhere near, Nord Quest winning by two lengths at the extraordinary odds of 8-1.
Mr M. B. Bletsoe, rider of Goldfish, was so astonished at the result that he immediately lodged a frivolous objection for crossing. This was quickly overruled, but the Stewards must have had some sympathy for they returned his deposit money.
On his return to Auteuil, Monsieur Morand was warmly felicitated. He continued to ride in France until becoming a trainer there in the early 1900s.