Carina Evans Makes History as First Female Grand National Winner in Over a Century
Carina Evans has etched her name in the history books as she became the first female Grand National winner in more than 100 years. In a thrilling race, Evans clocked a time of 57.76 seconds, reaching a top speed of 71.35mph, to claim victory in the prestigious event.
The last female winner before the ban on female racers was Mrs. Baguley in 1921, who finished the race in 64.9 seconds. Reflecting on her historic win, Evans shared, “It’s the best thing I’ve ever done. I will remember that feeling for the rest of my life.”
The Grand National, held on the iconic Cresta Run, has a rich history dating back to 1884 when it was built. The St. Moritz Tobogganing Club (SMTC) was founded in 1887 by British military officers, and both men and women competed equally in the annual event until the 1920s.
The ban on female racers in 1921 was controversial, with concerns about the potential health risks cited as the reason for the exclusion. However, in December 2018, the ban was overturned, and Evans was the first woman to ride the track when the ban was lifted.
Since the ban was lifted, only 13 women, including four Britons, have qualified to ride from ‘Top,’ the head of the run, where they can take on the full course. Secretary Martin Greenland explained, “The full course is so extreme that riders must qualify by posting consistently fast times and passing a ‘raking exam.'”
In a separate event, Lord Clifton Wrottesley, a former Olympic skeleton rider, won the men’s Grand National with a time of 51.90 seconds, securing his record 17th consecutive win on the Cresta Run.
The history and legacy of the Cresta Run run deep in Evans’ family, with her late father, Lieutenant-Colonel Digby Willoughby, being a former bobsledder and chief executive of the SMTC. Evans reminisced, “The Cresta is in my DNA. I grew up with it, watching dad. I lived and breathed it.”
In a heartwarming moment, Evans’ 18-year-old daughter, Isabella, also competed in this year’s Grand National, making them the second mother and daughter duo to participate in the event. Club secretary Martin Greenland praised the return of female racers, noting that Evans could not be a more fitting winner.
Carina Evans’ historic win marks a new chapter in the storied history of the Cresta Run, highlighting the perseverance and talent of female athletes in the sport of tobogganing.
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