The Fox and Duck pub is celebrating 100 years since a Therfield-trained horse won the 1924 Grand National.

Cast-off horse Master Robert overcame rejection and injury to win the world's biggest steeplechase in a surprising victory, ridden by stand-in jockey Bob Trudgill.

Master Robert's victory at Aintree came after time spent at Park Farm, Therfield Manor in 1921 and 1922, with his then-owner HJ Fordham.

Royston Crow: Bob Trudgill on Master RobertBob Trudgill on Master Robert (Image: Strand PR)

This year's Grand National will be held at Aintree on Saturday (April 13), and Fox and Duck landlord Ivan Titmuss is celebrating Therfield's connection to racing history.

Ivan said: "For a rural community like ours, this kind of achievement is something to be celebrated. An underdog story like this is something everyone can relate to.

"We’ll be proud to mark the centenary at the pub, and anyone who wants to join us is more than welcome."

Royston Crow: Fox and Duck landlord Ivan TitmussFox and Duck landlord Ivan Titmuss (Image: Strand PR)

New York-based author Francis X Murray has written a book about Master Robert, who was once owned by Francis' great-grand-uncle Patrick Murray in Ireland.

He described the horse's victory as "the consummate Grand National story".

More information about the book is available at https://www.masterrobert.horse/.

Francis said: "Master Robert battled lameness in the weeks leading up to the Grand National, and faced three past winners of the event, as well as the hottest favourite on record, Conjuror II. And several of the most famous jockeys of the day had mounts.

"Master Robert’s regular jockey refused to ride because of Master Robert’s lameness. No fashionable rider would take the ride.

Royston Crow: Author Francis X MurrayAuthor Francis X Murray (Image: Strand PR)

"Bob Trudgill was a journeyman jockey, unattached to a stable, who was never in position to turn down a ride.

"The day before the Grand National, in a race at Aintree, Trudgill was thrown from his mount, Charlie Wise, and injured.

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"Despite doctor's orders not to ride, Trudgill would not be denied his opportunity."

Trudgill's winning saddle is on display at Aintree to this day.

At the time of the 1924 Grand National, Master Robert was owned by Scottish peer Lord Airlie and Major Sidney Green.

His win marked a record fourth Grand National victory for his trainer Aubrey Hastings, maternal great-grandfather of TV presenter Clare Balding.