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COMING SOON

A Novel

"Master Robert has an exceptionally romantic history"
-Daily Racing Form, April 1, 1924

- Francis X. Murray

@francisxmurray

A nonfiction novel is coming soon! A romantic, inspirational and thrilling tale of a cast-off Donegal-bred horse - Master Robert - who overcomes incorrigibility, rejection and injury, to win the biggest steeplechase race in the world. At his lowest point, a small-town Ulster publican serendipitously intercedes, lifting our hero with tough love, dedication and vision and propelling him on a journey from the throes of Irish rebellion to roaring 1920's England and Peerage connections, earning the opportunity to compete with the best jumpers in the National Hunt Steeplechase during the golden age of British horseracing.

The dramatic conclusion comes on the biggest stage, in front of 250,000 spectators, including King George V, at the 1924 Grand National, Aintree, Liverpool - where the commitment and desperation of his legendary trainer, Aubrey Hastings, is met with the sheer determination of our injured star and his last resort, audacious, stitched-up journeyman jockey, Bob Trudgill.

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GRAND NATL

A Test of SKILL AND Endurance

THE GRAND NATIONAL

The Grand National is an illustrious National Hunt horse race steeped in tradition and held annually at the iconic Aintree Racecourse in Merseyside, Liverpool, England. With its inaugural run dating back to 1839, the Grand National stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of horse racing. This prestigious handicap steeplechase spans two laps over thirty formidable fences, covering a distance of 4 miles and 514 yards. It's a thrilling, often unpredictable, showcase of equine athleticism and the bond between horse and rider.

“There is no race, not even the Derby, with which romance is so interwoven as it is with the Grand National.”
-Edward Moorhouse, The Bloodstock Breeders Review, 1924

“The Grand National is the world’s most sporting race.”
-Time Magazine, April 7, 1924

“(N)o other horse race calls for such pluck and stamina on the part of horse and rider.”
-Edward Wood, T.P.'s Weekly, The Grand National Thrill, March 31, 1928

CONNECTIONS

Collaborations in Grand National Glory

Connections, as a horse racing term, represents the owners, trainers, jockeys, and stable staff supporting the horse. Getting to the start, and winning a horse race, is a team effort. The commitment and actions of Connections in support of the development and wellness of their horse is fundamentally important in its journey. Horses are intuitive animals and respond to the care provided by their human partners. Master Robert benefitted from the decisions, commitment and actions of several key Connections, over many years, on his journey to a National Hunt career. Master Robert's moment of Grand National triumph was due, in part, to the support of four key Connections.