Ben Nevis II (ENG)

Named for a mountain in Scotland, Ben Nevis II became the third American-based horse — joining Hall of Famers Battleship and Jay Trump — to win the historic Grand National Steeplechase at Aintree, England, accomplishing the feat at odds of 40-1 in 1980.

Inducted

2009

Foaled

1968

Sire

Casmiri

Dam

Ben Trumiss

Damsire

Hop Bridge

Breeder

A. S. Pattenden

Owner

R. C. Stewart, Jr.

Trainer

Ann Stewart
Charles Fenwick, Jr.
Capt. Tim Forster

Career

1976-1980

Earnings

$124,199

Racing Record

21

Starts

Year	Starts	First	Second	Third	Earnings
Year	Sts	1	2	3	$
1976	3	3	0	0	$2475 $2,475
1977	2	2	0	0	$7150 $7,150
1978	4	2	0	0	$7150 $7,150
1979	8	0	3	1	$3702 $3,702
1980	4	2	0	1	$103722 $103,722

Biography

Named for a mountain in Scotland, Ben Nevis II became the third American-based horse — joining Hall of Famers Battleship and Jay Trump — to win the historic Grand National Steeplechase at Aintree, England, accomplishing the feat at odds of 40-1 in 1980.

Bred in England by A. S. Pattenden, Ben Nevis II came to the United States as somewhat of a project after being purchased by Maryland sportsman Redmond Stewart, Jr., for $6,900. Stewart turned the horse over to his son-in-law, Charlie Fenwick, Jr.

Ben Nevis II made his first official start in the United States in 1976 and went undefeated in seven races in America. His victories included two editions of the Maryland Hunt Cup and five point-to-point events. After winning the Maryland Hunt Cup in 1977, Ben Nevis II repeated in 1978, setting a course record in the process. He also won Maryland’s Grand National Point-to-Point Purse twice, setting a course record in 1977.

Sent to England for the 1979 Grand National, Ben Nevis II was among the many who failed to complete the daunting course. The following year, with Fenwick up, Ben Nevis II broke clear on the second circuit of the Aintree course and pulled off the 40-1 upset with a 20-length victory. It was the only victory in 12 starts for Ben Nevis II in England.

Ben Nevis II was retired following his victory at Aintree with a record of 9-3-2 from 21 starts and earnings of $124,199. He lived the remainder of his life on Fenwick's farm in Maryland, where he died in 1995 at the age of 27.