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Grudon won thirteen steeplechases, including the Champion Chase for his owner, trainer and breeder, B. Bletsoe, whose daughter also hunted Grudon. He was ridden by Arthur Nightingall, the top professional steeplechase jockey of his era, when he won what came to be called the "snow storm race," the Grand National of 1901. Despite the jockeys' protests, the stewards ruled the race must be held in what was a blinding snowstorm--little of the race could be seen by the spectators. Grudon led most of the way in this race, each of his hoofs greased with a half-pound of butter to prevent the snow from balling in them. He broke down running in the Lancashire Chase and was retired to stud, where he got nothing of particular note. Grudon's dam, Avis, and her dam, both won over fences. |
