Bill Ryan
William (Bill) Ryan achieved his greatest success when winning the 1874 Irish Grand National on 8-1 chance Sailor, trained by Dan Broderick at Mountjoy Lodge, the Curragh.
William (Bill) Ryan achieved his greatest success when winning the 1874 Irish Grand National on 8-1 chance Sailor, trained by Dan Broderick at Mountjoy Lodge, the Curragh.
The previous year’s first and second, The Torrent and Scots Grey, turned out again. The latter started favourite to avenge last year’s unlucky defeat caused by a broken saddle, but could only finish third, while The Torrent stumbled and fell at the third last fence when looking to be going best of all, leaving Sailor and Albert well clear of Scots Grey.
The previous year’s first and second, The Torrent and Scots Grey, turned out again. The latter started favourite to avenge last year’s unlucky defeat caused by a broken saddle, but could only finish third, while The Torrent stumbled and fell at the third last fence when looking to be going best of all, leaving Sailor and Albert well clear of Scots Grey.
Sailor beat Albert by a length in an exciting finish but Albert’s rider, Mr Appleton, lodged an objection for crossing. He alleged that Sailor had crossed Albert not once but twice and was furious when the stewards dismissed his objection.
Sailor beat Albert by a length in an exciting finish but Albert’s rider, Mr Appleton, lodged an objection for crossing. He alleged that Sailor had crossed Albert not once but twice and was furious when the stewards dismissed his objection.
Sadly, Bill Ryan died suddenly at noon on Tuesday 20 March 1877 while entering the Geraldstown Course at the Bellinter Hunt Meeting in Co. Meath. He had been suffering from heart disease.
Sadly, Bill Ryan died suddenly at noon on Tuesday 20 March 1877 while entering the Geraldstown Course at the Bellinter Hunt Meeting in Co. Meath. He had been suffering from heart disease.
His death left his widow and children in impoverished financial circumstances.
His death left his widow and children in impoverished financial circumstances.
