The Leader racing correspondent Andrew Atkinson turns the clock back a century and delves into the Grand National archives.

Lester Piggott’s grandfather Ernie wins Aintree Grand National in 1919 – it being his third success in the world’s most famous race.

A CENTURY ago Ernie Piggott – grandfather to the legendary Lester Piggott – won the 1919 Aintree Grand National on 11-4 favourite Poethlyn.

The victory gave back-to-back wins for both Piggott and Poethlyn, having been successful in the National in 1918.

The Grand National in 1918 was held at Gatwick, due to Aintree being commandeered by the War Office.

Piggott, who retired from the saddle in 1920, taking up a trainers licence for 20 years, died in 1967, aged 88.

Piggott was a legend having ridden his first Grand National victory in 1912 on 4-1 joint favourite, Jerry M.

At Aintree in 1919 Poethyln was the shortest priced winner in the history of the race, with Piggott becoming the first jockey to win three Grand Nationals since Arthur Nightingall in 1901.

Piggott also rode 14-year-old Manifesto into third place in the 1902 National – carrying 12st 8lb – the oldest horse ever to have been placed in the National at that time, remaining the only horse ever to have been placed carrying such a big weight.

Flat racing jockey Lester Piggott, who rode his first race at Haydock Park, aged 12, went on to win a plethora of Derby victories during an illustrious career on the Turf.

The photo shows Ernie Piggott on board the 1919 Aintree Grand National winner Poethlyn.