How a kind official saved Grand National jockeys from a 'huge embarrassment'

Jamie Osborne has described how a delegation of jockeys managed to persuade the clerk of the scales at the 1997 Grand National to overlook the amount of overweight being put up in order to prevent what would have been a "huge embarrassment" to the riders.

Osborne was talking to the Racing Post as part of a major article in Sunday's newspaper talking to many of the key players during the extraordinary events of that year's National, which saw a bomb threat force the race to be run on Monday, although only after an intervention from home secretary Michael Howard.

Following the postponement of the race on Saturday, many jockeys – still in their silks – had been welcomed into the home of local resident Edie Roche for drinks, before later heading into Liverpool.

"My house was party central," Roche said.

"All the jockeys were there in their silks – and once they knew the race definitely wouldn't be taking place that day it really did become a party. Luckily, we're a large family, so we were well stocked, especially with alcohol."

Osborne added: "I had always wanted an excuse to go to a nightclub in a pair of breeches and boots. That night underneath the Adelphi I finally did – and I wasn't the only one! Everyone just let themselves go. Nobody gave a toss about their weight or anything else. We were just a group of boys having a nice time.

"Unfortunately, we all got hammered, which wasn't an ideal preparation for riding in the Grand National, particularly as some of the lads became 10lb heavier through the Saturday night."

That inevitably caused issues come the rescheduled race on Monday, but Osborne revealed the jockeys managed to find a solution.

"Now time has passed I think it's okay to say a delegation of jockeys went to the clerk of the scales," he said. "It had become apparent the amount of overweight was going to be a huge embarrassment. As a result, a little bit of cheating took place.

"In the modern era heads would roll, but on that particular occasion an agreement was reached with the clerk of the scales that we wouldn't sit on the scales for too long. There just might have been a couple of cases of extreme overweight that weren't recorded.

"I know that almost amounts to deception but given the strange circumstances I hope people feel it was okay for a bit of leniency to be shown."

Read the amazing tale with contributions from Jamie Osborne, Michael Howard, Des Lynam, Tony Dobbin, Charles Barnett and many more in The Big Read, available online for Members' Club Ultimate subscribers from 6pm on Saturday or in Sunday's Racing Post newspaper. Click here to sign up.

Subscribe to read more Members' Club stories . . .

'I'd have hated my dad to see my career now - it would have hurt him'

'We got them for £14,000 and turned them into two of the best in the country'

'We'd love it' - Sandy Thomson daring to dream of huge Scottish National triumph

Over 50% off Racing Post Members' Club!Members' Club is the only subscription racing fans and punters need in order to stay informed and make smarter betting decisions. Features include early access to the Racing Post digital newspaper, exclusive news and interviews, premium tips and form study tools to assist with betting. Select 'Get Ultimate Monthly' and enter code TRYME to get your first month for just £14.99* – that's better than half price!

Subscribe now

If you decide that Members' Club is not for you, then you can cancel at anytime by contacting us.

*Members' Club Ultimate Monthly first month will be charged at £14.99, renews at full price thereafter