Grandfather Dies One Hour After Fulfilling His Life-Long Wish

A dying man fulfilled his last wish by backing the winning horse at the Grand National, his namesake, One for Arthur.

Arthur Bowering, 85, died surrounded by family at home just an hour after One for Arthur raced over the finish line in first place, reports the Mirror.

Despite enjoying a weekly flutter on the horses, this would be Arthur’s first ever winning bet. His family were so moved by the horses’ win they even reached out the One for Arthur’s trainer.

His daughter, Debbie Blick, 51, from Banwell, Somerset, said:

It was just the most perfect send-off for him. He was very sick by the Saturday but we found his betting slip and decided to bet for him just one last time.

We obviously went for One For Arthur and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house when he won.

We just felt we had to tell the trainer how perfect it was and she got back right away to say how touched she was by what happened.

One for Arthur’s trainer, Lucinda Russell immediately called the family to offer her condolences. Debbie said of her concern, ‘It was a lovely for thing for her to do and I know dad would have loved it.’

Riding high from One for Arthur’s performance, Russell said:

I think this story is absolutely brilliant. I know the Grand National is a huge global event watched as far afield as Cambodia, but what really touches you is when you realise what racing means to people like Arthur.

I am so very happy that if, at least in some small way, we brought some lightness to such a terrible, dark time for Debbie and her family.

Following the race the grandad of five and great-grandad of one, who was suffering from heart failure, deteriorated rapidly and died at his home in Weston-super-Mare, surrounded by his family.

Our thoughts are with them at this sad time.