Tale of the workhorse that won the National
THE RACING silks of a Northampton jockey who rode a workhorse to victory in the Grand National are set to be auctioned by Sotheby's.
Denton resident Henry Bletsoe rode Rubio past the winning post in the 1908 National after the horse was retired from its job pulling busloads of drinkers to the Prospect Arms Hotel in Towcester.
The horse was made to carry passengers after falling during one of its early races.
But trainer Brian Bletsoe realised the hard work of pulling the bus would repair the race horse's damaged legs.
The silks worn by Henry Bletsoe, as well as his boots and cap will be auctioned at Sotheby's on Wednesday, November 19.
A photograph of Rubio will also be among the lots up for grabs.
The collection is expected to make between 600 and 1,000.
As well as the Rubio memorabilia a blanket worn by the Bletsoe family's other National winner Grudon will also go under the hammer.
Grudon won the 1901 Grand National after the race was almost cancelled because the course was covered in snow.
But the horse managed to win the race thanks to Bernard Bletsoe's ingenious idea of smearing two pounds of butter onto its hooves.
The slippery covering meant the animal's hooves did not clog with snow and he could easily outrun his rivals.
A set of four prints showing Grudon's win will be auctioned along with the black and red racing silks of Bernard Bletsoe.
The collection of pictures and artefacts are expected to make between 4,000 and 6,000 at auction.
wayne.bontoft@northantsnews.co.uk
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