Comply or Die: A Cinderella Story

Every sport has its own Cinderella story, and for horse racing the story is about Comply or Die. This British trained horse won the 2008 Grand National and took home £450,640. The victory was more than just shocking, because — despite the fact that he was indeed a potential candidate for winning the championship — he wasn’t really a favorite among bookmakers.

Ridden by Timmy Murphy and trained by David Pipe, Comply or Die shook the world of British horse racing by winning the 2008 Grand National at the very last fence. He won the race after defeating King John’s Castle at that last fence.

Before winning the Grand National, Comply or Die won the Bristol Novices’ Hurdle in 2003 and the Rising Stars Novices’ Chase in 2004. Later on, he won the Eider Chase in 2008, pocketing £606,640 career-total amount of winnings to date.

As with other Cinderella stories, the story of Comply or Die was filled with controversies as well. At the 2009 Grand National, he nearly won the race before Mon Mome took his place as the champion. His 2008 victory was also surrounded by controversies, including William Hill’s claim that his victory had cost the famous bookmaker £7 million.

Comply or Die is definitely one of the best rising stars in the history of British horse racing. This Thoroughbred definitely has all the needed characters to win some more big races in the future. Owner David Johnson and trainer David Pipe are also naming this horse one of their best.