Jockey Dick Francis retrieving his whip after dismounting Devon Loch

Photo copyright: ALLSPORT

Devon Loch - 1956 Grand National

After appearing to be a certain winner, the Queen Mother's horse Devon Loch inexplicably collapsed on his stomach fifty yards from the winning post.

Cheered on by the crowd the horse, with jockey Dick Francis on board, led the field at the time.

Some believe that the horse was 'spooked' by the roar of the crowd, others noticed a dark patch of damp grass, while many, including trainer Peter Cazalet, thought that 'jumping a shadow' may be the explanation of the Royal mystery.

The horse did though win races for the Queen Mother and, after hanging up his hard hat and jodhpurs, Dick Francis became a successful thriller writer. Ironically his book titles include 'Shattered', 'Flying Finish' and 'In the Frame'.