admin

Who Is Noel Le Mare?

admin January 12, 2025

Horse racing fans will need little prompting to know the answer to this question, and they may well have a few quotes of their own.

I first saw Le Mare, being interviewed on the BBC after Red Rum won his second Aintree Grand National. I’m not sure if the presenter was David Coleman, but I was struck by Le Mare, an elegant gentleman wearing a bowler hat, brown overcoat, white shirt and patterned aqua-blue tie. Large spectacles framed his eyes. Next to him a lady dressed in shocking pink with a white hat. Before the interview was over, Noel Le Mare was holding the Grand National trophy.

Red Rum would make history winning the Aintree Grand National for a third time in 1977.

I couldn’t help but see at Le Mare as a wise, old owl. In 1974, he was in his 80s but if there was ever a man with a story to tell it was him.

His conntection with horse trainer Donald ‘Ginger’ McCain come about as an unlikely partnership. McCain was a second-hand car dealer who trained racehorses, at a former brewer’s yard. In fact, the stables were behind the car showroom near Southport, on the Lancashire coast.

In the 1970s, McCain was a small trainer, and his relationship with Noel Le Mare was more about finding a regular taxi driver than racehorses. In fact, he use to drive the elderly local businessman to the Prince of Wales hotel for the dinner-dance every Saturday night.

McCain said: The ride cost three or four shillings each way but he always gave me a pound tip.’

They struck up an unlikely friendship and their passion was horseracing, specifically winning the Grand National.

Le Mare, the founder of the Norwest Construction Company, had horses in training with McCain and they planned to run Glenkiln in the 1972 National. However, he mistakenly withdrew the horse. This led to McCain going to the Doncaster Sales and purchasing a seven-year-old gelding called Red Rum for 6,000 guineas. A horse that had been with four other trainers with leg problems after a busy racing career starting at two and even ridden by Lester Piggott. In fact, he arrived at the stables lame.

Training on the Southport beach, which he prepared with a harrow attached to the rear of his van, and galloping in the sea transformed Red Rum to a history-making horse.

It was a techinique he’d observed from old shrimpers buying horses destined for the knacker’s yard.

Le Mare said: ‘Red Rum was half Liverpool and half Southport.’

He won the 1973, 1974 & 1977 Grand National.

Who can forget the commentary from Sir Peter O’Sullevan: ‘It’s hats off and tremedous reception – you’ve never heard one like it at Liverpool Red Rum wins the National.’

Not only did Red Rum win the National three times but he was runner-up in 1975 & 1976.

In fact, he beat L’Escargot twice and runner-up once against a horse who had twice won the Cheltnhan Gold Cup (1970, 1971).

Red Rum’s victory over Crisp in 1973 is considered one of the greatest performances in the history of the race.

The romantic tale of Noel Le Mare, Donald ‘Ginger’ McCain and Red Rum transcends life.

Noel Le Mare fullfilled his lifelong dream. He passed away on the 25^th June 1977, at the age of 88.

Red Rum was retired days before the 1978 Grand National after sustaining an injury. Many fancied his chances of winning his fourth National at the age of 13. He passed away at the age of 30 on the 18^th October 1995. He was buried near the finish of the winning post at Aintree Racecourse.

Donald ‘Ginger’ McCain passed away at the age of 80 on the 19^th September 2011.

In a fitting quote Le Mare said:

‘I’ve had three ambitions in life. To marry a beautiful woman, to be a millionaire and to win the National. Now my life’s complete.’

Trainers

Willie Mullins

admin January 12, 2025

Willie Mullins is one of those horse trainers which garners respect. It has been earned by consistent performances. In 2023-24 Mullins became the first Irish-based trainer to win the British jump racing trainers’ championship. This was the first time in 70 years. Previously, this had been won by Vincent O’Brien in 1952-1953.

Mullins has been Irish champion trainer on 17 occasions with over 4,300 victories.

He’s the most successful trainer at the Cheltenham Festival with over 100 winners.

A powerhouse of a stable.

The key word for Mullins is respect.

Since starting his training career in 1988, after being assistant trainer to his father Paddy, and Jim Bolger, he has excelled at the highest level.

However, if there has been one race which has been something of a nemesis for the Carlow trainer it has been the Aintree Grand National. This isn’t to say Mullins hasn’t shown his class in the most famous steeplechase of them all. In fact, he has trained the winner of two races and had plenty of others run well.

His performance shows how difficult a race it is to win.

Let’s take a look at his performance in the Grand National.

Willie Mullins Grand National List Of Runners:

2000 – Micko’s Dream 14/1, Jason Titley Fell (1^st fence)

2002 – Alexander Banquet 22/1, Barry Geraghty UR (6^th fence)

2004 – Alexander Banquet 18/1, James Barry Fell (18^th fence)

2004 – Hedgehunter 11/1, David Casey Fell (30^th fence)

2005 – Hedgehunter 7/1, Ruby Walsh 1^st

2006 – Hedgehunter 5/1jf, 2^nd

2007 – Hedgehunter 9/1, Ruby Walsh 9^th

2007 – Livingston Bramble, Davy Russell UR (6^th fence)

2007 – Homer Wells, David Condon PU (27^th fence)

2007 – Botha Na, David Casey PU (29^th fence)

2008 – Snowy Morning 16/1 Tom Taaffe 3^rd

2008 – Hedgehunter 10/1 Ruby Walsh 13^th

2009 – Snowy Morning 33/1 Andrew McNamara 9^th

2009 – Irish Invader 16/1 Paul Townsend 11^th

2010 – Snowy Morning 14/1 David Casey 6^th

2010 – Abor Supreme 16/1 Paul Townend UR (15^th fence)

2011 – The Midnight Club 15/2F Ruby Walsh 6^th

2011 – Dooney’s Gate 50/1 Mr Ryan Mahon Fell (6^th fence)

2011 – Arbor Supreme 20/1 David Casey Fell (28^th fence)

2012 – The Midnight Club 40/1 Andrew Tinkler 11^th

2012 – Quiscover Fontaine 50/1 David Casey Fell (17^th fence)

2012 – On His Own 14/1 Paul Townend Fell (22^nd fence)

2013 – Quiscover Fontaine 40/1 David Casey 16^th

2013 – Quel Esprit 40/1 Paul Townend PU (23^rd fence)

2013 – On His Own 8/1 Ruby Wash Fell (25^th fence)

2014 – Vesper Bell 40/1 Katie Walsh 13^th

2014 – Prince De Beauchene 20/1 Paul Townend 16^th

2015 – Ballycasey 25/1 Ruby Walsh BD (8^th fence)

2016 – On His Own 33/1 Mr Patrick Mullins Fell (15^th fence)

2016 – Sir Des Champs 20/1 Miss Nina Carberry Fell (15^th fence)

2016 – Boston Bob 25/1 Paul Townend PU (22^nd fence)

2016 – Ballycasey 5/1 Katie Walsh UR (29^th fence)

2017 – Pleasant Company 11/1 Ruby Walsh 9^th

2018 – Pleasant Company 25/1 David Mullins 2^nd

2018 – Total Recall 7/1 Paul Townend PU (29^th fence)

2018 – Children’s List 66/1 Jonathan Burke PU (run-in)

2019 – Rathvinden 8/1 Ruby Walsh 3^rd

2019 – Livelovelaugh 25/1 David Mullins 11^th

2019 – Up For Review 25/1 Danny Mullins BD (1^st fence)

2019 – Pleasant Company 12/1 Paul Townend UR (26^th fence)

2021 – Burrows Saint 9/1 Patrick Mullins 4^th

2021 – Cabaret Queen 80/1 Sean O’Keefe 9^th

2021 – Acapella Bourgeois 20/1 Danny Mullins 13^th

2021 – Class Conti 66/1 Brian Haynes 15^th

2022 – Class Conti 100/1 Sam Twiston-Davies 13^th

2022 – Augusta Gold 66/1 Danny Mullins Fell (9^th fence)

2022 – Burrows Saint 33/1 Paul Townend UR (15^th fence)

2022 – Brahma Bull 80/1 Brian Hayes PU (27^th fence)

2023 – Gaillard Du Mesnil 10/1 Paul Towend 3^rd

2023 – Carefully Selected 50/1 Michael O’Sullivan 14^th

2023 – Capodanno 22/1 Danny Mullins PU (29^th fence)

2023 – Recite A Prayer 80/1 Jack Foley UR (1^st fence)

2023 – Mr Incredible 14/1 Brian Hayes UR (24^th fence)

2024 – I Am Maximus 7/1jf Paul Townend 1^st

2024 – Meetingofthewaters 11/1 Danny Mullins 7^th

2024 – Capodanno 28/1 Keith Donoghue 16^th

2024 – Adamantly Chosen 33/1 Sean O’Keefe 21^st

2024 – Stattler 40/1 Paddy Mullins PU (9^th fence)

2024 – Mr Incredible 10/1 Brian Hayes UR (15^th fence)

2024 – Janidil 125/1 Jody McGarvey PU (30^th fence)

Key: UR – Unseated Rider, PU – Pulled up, BD – Brought Down, F – Fell

2/63 Runners (2000 – 2024) 3% Win rate

8/63 Win/Placed (2000 – 2024) 13%

To be fair, I had no idea how many runners Willie Mullins had sent to the Aintree Grand National but as you can see from this list it is a race he has fired a lot of arrows with limited success. Certainly, in recent years he has sent larger strings.

2005 Grand National Winner – Hedgehunter 7/1f

Sponsored by John Smith’s. This was the 158^th running. This was a very popular winner for owner Trevor Hemmings. A gentleman. It was an easy win for Ruby Walsh as the nine-year-old gelding ran out a tidy winner carrying 11-1. He beat Royal Auclair (40/1) trained by Paul Nicholls and ridden by Christian Williams, third place going to Simply Gifted (66/1) trained by Jonjo O’Neill, ridden by Brian Harding.

2024 Grand National Winner – I Am Maximus 7/1jf

Sponsored by Randox Health. The 176^th Grand National. The number of entrants was reduced from 40 to 34 with regard to safety concerns and animal welfare. Two horses were found to be lame on the morning of the race reducing the number to 32. This was the smallest field since 1999. There were 21 horse who finished the race. All horses returned home safely. The Mullins team had to wait a long time between drifts for their second national winner in the ownership of J.P. McManus, ridden by Paul Townend. The joint-favourite won well by seven and a half lengths from Delta Work (28/1) trained by Gordon Elliott, ridden by Jack Kennady. Third place went to *Minella Indo (28/1) trained by henry De Bromhead and ridden by Rachael Blackmore.

*Won the Grand National 2021, in the ownership of J.P.McManus.

J. P. McManus has won the race three times: 2010 Don’t Push It 10/1, 2021 Minella Times 11/1 & 2024 I Am Maximus 7/1.

Years

The Aintree Grand National – The War Years

admin January 10, 2025

The Grand National is steeped in history.

Over 180 years of winners and losers. Stories so wild they are stranger than fiction. In the early years, the ‘National’ was called The Grand Liverpool Steeplechase (1839-46).

In fact, the first Grand National Steeplechase, as we know today, was run on the 3^rd March 1847. Mathew, trained by John Murphy, ridden by Denny Wynne at the odds of 10/1. He raced in the colours of County Cork landowner, John Courtenay.

In those days the start of the race was describe as a ploughed field…

Throughout the years, the Aintree Grand National has detailed many poignant times.

Here are a few which stick in the mind:

1839 – The first winner of the National, Lottery.

1928 – Tipping Tim wins at 100/1. Only two horses completed the course after a mass pile-up at the Canal turn.

1934 – Golden Miller became the only horse to win the Gold Cup and Grand National in the same year.

1956 – Devon Loch looked a certain winner for the Queen Mother when collapsing just before the finishing line.

1967 – Foinavon won at odds of 100/1 after avoiding the melee at the 23^rd fence. In 1984 the fence was name Foinavon.

1973 – 77 Red Rum, the most famous horse in the world won the Grand National 3 times for trainer Ginger McCain & owner Noel Le Mare.

1981 – Bob Champion & Aldaniti captured the heart and mind of race fans across the globe with the story of triumph over tragedy.

1993 – The Grand National was void after a false start. The only time this has ever happens.

2010 – Tony McCoy won his first Grand National on Don’t Push It after 15 attempts.

2019 – Tiger Roll is the first horse since Red Rum to win back to back victories and only denied a chance for three successes then the 2020 race was cancelled due to the COVID 19 pandemic.

However, there have been years which are seldom talked about. Truly difficult times which saw nations lose millions of men, women and children. A time when horses went forward to help in the efforts of King and country.

The War Years.

The assignation of Archduke Franz Ferdinand on the 28^th June, 1914 lead to truly terrible times.

The conflict of World War I started on the 28^th July 1914 and ended on the 11^th November 1918 with the signing of the Armistice of Compiegne which took place at 11am (the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month). A period of 4 years, 3 months and 14 days of conflict. There were over 20M military and civilian deaths.

An estimated 8 million horses, donkeys and mules were killed during World War I. Horses bore a significant loss in the conflict with mounted charges, transport, communication and agricultural work.

It is important to remember the Grand National with regard to the war effort.

In 1915, Ally Soper won the 77^th Grand National by 2 lengths for trainer Aubrey Hastings, ridden by Jack Anthony, in the ownership of Lady Margaret Nelson.

This would be the last race to be held at Aintree, Liverpool. The course was taken over by The War Office, for the administration of the British Army.

However, the Grand National would find a new home from 1916 – 1918 held at Gatwick Racecourse (presently the site of Gatwick Airport, London). The course was modified and similar to Aintree: the same distance but one fewer fence.

The 1916 – The Racecourse Association Steeplechase:

Six-year-old, Vermouth won at odds of 100/8 for trainer James Bell, ridden by Jack Reardon for owner P. F. Heybourne.

The 1917 – 1918 The War Nationals:

Both held at Gatwick Racecourse. It should be noted that these three races are often not include in the Grand National record book.

It should never be forgotten.

1917 – Ballymacad wins for Trainer Aubrey Hastings, ridden by Edmund Discroll, in the ownership of Sir George Bullough, known as a Victorian playboy.

1918 – Poethlyn, and eight-year-old gelding, was trained by Harry Escott, ridden by Ernie Piggott in the ownership of Gwladys peel.

It is important that we appreciate that many horses which participated in Grand Nationals were used for military purposes, including cavalry. The Grand National was seen as a key sporting tradition which maintained continuity even during wartime. It was important for morale in a time of crisis. There was a reduced field and fewer spectators but it still went ahead.

In 2014, Warrior, known as ‘the horse the German’s couldn’t kill’ was awarded an honorary Dickin Medal (animal Victoria Cross) for gallantry in World War I. Dogs, pigeons and even a cat have been awarded medals for bravery and their contribution to the war effort.

The bronze medal reads: ‘For Gallantry’ and ‘We Also Serve’. It is held by a ribbon of green, brown and blue to symbolize water, land and air services.

Remember Steven Spielberg’s film War Horse (2011) based on Michael Morpurgo’s 1982 novel which explore the bond between a young man and his horse devastated by the impact of war. A story of hope and resilience.

1919 – Saw the resumption of The Aintree Grand National, Liverpool. Poethyln went on to win for connections this time 11/4f, the shortest odds of any winner in the history of the race.

The conflict of World War II began from the 1^st September 1939 – 2^nd September 1945.

A period of 6 years and 1 day.

The Grand National 1941 – 1945. No races were held due to the World War II.

Who says the Grand National doesn’t have a story to tell?

Years

Grand National Winners of the 1960s

admin January 9, 2025

The Grand National Steeplechase. One of the most famous horse races in the world. With its inauguration back in 1839, it was said the be the ultimate test for horse and jockey. There’s little doubt it was that and more.

When you think back to those early years, communication had been limited but the 1960 was different with the introduction of TV.

If you went back to the 17^th century, sports results would often reach the wider public by carrier pigeon!

Thankfully, 1960s punters had TV, and the latter part of the decade the advancement of black and white to colour.

TV viewers must have been on the edge of their seat for the 1967 Aintree Grand National. In fact, this was one of the most famous Nationals of them all for a very good reason if not a rather unfortunate incident.

This was the moment Foinavon won at odds of 100/1.

So convinced was his owner that Foinavon couldn’t win, he went to a different track to ride another horse.

The 1967 Grand National made the headlines for all the wrong reasons. Foinavon avoided the melee at the 23^rd fence when loose horse Popham Down veered dramatically to his right at the fence, unseating Rutherford’s jockey Johnny Leech in what can only be described as a mass pile-up. It just about brought the race to a halt. With some horse running the wrong way!

However…

Foinavon’s jockey John Buckingham, had time to steer his horse wide of the melee and jump the fence.

Amazingly, Foinavon had a 30+ length lead.

The duo went on to win the race by 15 lengths from the favourite Honey End who was remounted and making up ground.

In 1984, the 23^rd fence was named Foinavon. Sometimes the smallest fence on the course can cause the biggest problem.

If there is one thing to say about the Grand National in the 1960s, there were plenty of big-priced winners:

1960S Grand National Winners:

1960 Merryman II 13/2 (Trainer, Neville Crump)

1961 Nicolause Silver 28/1 (Trainer, Fred Rimell)

1962 Kilmore 28/1 (Trainer, Ryan Price)

1963 Ayala 66/1 (Trainer, Keith Piggott)

1964 Team Spirit 18/1 (Trainer, Fulke Walwyn)

1965 Jay Trump 100/6 (Trainer, Fred Winter)

1966 Anglo 50/1 (Trainer, Fred Winter)

1967 Foinavon 100/1 (Trainer, John Kempton)

1968 Red Alligator 100/7 (Trainer, Denys Smith)

1969 Highland Wedding 100/9 (Trainer, Toby Balding)

The first winner of the Swinging Sixties was seen with Merryman II (1960). The 13/2f was the first Scottish horse to win the Grand National. The nine-year-old gelding was ridden by Gerry Scot and trained by Neville Crump.

The first televised Grand National was 1960.

Titbits about the 1960s Aintree Grand National Winners:

1960 Merryman II: First televised winner.

1961 Nicolaus Silver: First grey horse to win in 90 years.

1962 Kilmore: All 32 runners returned safely to their stables.

1963 Ayala: All 42 horses returned safely to their stables.

1964 Team Spirit: American-owned by John Goodman.

1965 Jay Trump: Ridden by American amateur jockey Tommy Smith.

1966 Anglo: Won easily ridden by Tim Norman who has been injured in a car crash days earlier.

1967 Foinavon: Unlikely 100/1 who in 1984 had the 23^rd fence named after him.

1968 Red Alligator: Tim Durant, riding Highlandie, oldest jockey to complete the course aged 68.

1969 Highland Wedding: Was one of three 12 year old horses to win in the 60s.

The 1960s Aintree Grand Nationals heralded a new time with the onset of TV coverage which added to the popularity of the race. Perhaps the most noted horse, familiar to this day, is Foinavon who triumphed at odds of 100/1.

Only five horses have won at such big odds since its inauguration in 1839.

Jockeys

Brian Fletcher Aintree Grand National Winner

admin January 9, 2025

Back in the day, professional horse racing jockeys started young.

It was a similar story for Brian Fletcher, he was just 16 when he started his career with Denys Smith located in Bishop Aukland in County Durham. In his first season he had 20 rides and achieved 3 wins.

Fletcher started riding in 1964.

It was a changing time. The Labour Party led by Harold Wilson had won the general election ending 13 years of Conservative rule, trade deficits and Beatlemania swept the world.

It wasn’t just Fletcher having a Hard Day’s Night.

Now, I know many readers won’t have first-hand experience of the 1960s but sports fans and Fletcher have a connection with one horse race which needs little introduction.

The Aintree Grand National.

In many respects these were the halcyon days. One horse, the astounding Red Rum, trained by Ginger McCain. However, Fletcher story in the Grand National started in 1967 when riding Red Alligator (30/1) who finished a gallant third behind another very famous winner in Foinavon who won at 100/1.

Fletcher wouldn’t have to wait long for his first success in the Aintree Grand National.

1968 – Red Alligator Wins The Grand National:

Red Alligator, a son of Magic Red, out of the mare Miss Alligator, made it second time lucky for him and Fletcher with a 20-length victory over Moidore’s Token, while Different Class finished third.

The nine-year-old gelding won the 122^nd Grand National at odds of 100/7. In the ownership of John Manners. A local pub near to trainer Denys Smith was named Red Alligator to celebrate his victory.

Brian Fletcher was just 19 years of age, although not the youngest winner of the National which is noted by Bruce Hobbs (1938) who was just 17.

Fletcher and Red Alligator would defend their title in 1969 but to no avail when the 13/2f (carrying 10lb extra for his win) fell at the 19^th fence.

In 1970, the partnership returned for a third try but this time they fell at the 11^th fence.

Brian Fletcher was gaining valuable experience in the most famous steeplechase of them all but he would have to wait for his next, most illustrious partnership.

In 1971, he rode ten-year-old The Inventor a 20/1 shot who refused at the 27 fence.

With no ride the following year, he was waiting for a horse to put him back in the limelight, and little did he know at this time it would change his life.

Red Rum: 1973, 1974 & 1977.

If you needed a reminder, those were the years Red Rum won the Aintree Grand National. No other horse has won the National three times and ‘Rummy’ would transform the lives of trainer Ginger McCain, Brian Fletcher & owner Noel Le Mare.

Not forgetting Tommy Stack (1977).

1973 –

The first win for the partnership and probably the most spectacular of all Red Rum’s victories beating the mighty Crisp, an epic contest, which saw Fletcher finish well to catch the Australia horse by three quarters of a length. Known as ‘The Black Kangeroo’ Richard Pitman’s mount carried 12 stones, while Red Rum 10 stone 5lbs. At one point, Crisp was leading by a distance (30+ lengths). With a 30-length lead at the last fence, it seemed impossible Red Rum could catch the Australian super star. He won in the last few strides for a very unlikely victory. The third placed, L’Escargot, went on to win the 1975 Grand National.

Crisp is known as the unluckiest horse in the race’s history.

The time of 9m 1.9s was a course record until 1990 (Mr Frisk).

It is considered among the ‘Greatest Nationals’ of all time.

Red Rum 9/1 1^st

Crisp 9/1 2^nd

L’Escargot 11/1 3^rd

Dist: 3/4, 25,

1974 –

After his first win, Red Rum would contest his National title under a weight of 12 stone. It proved an easy success for the nine-year-old gelding who won at odds of 11/1 by seven lengths ridden by Brian Fletcher who stood up in his irons and saluted the crowd. The commentary given so elegantly by Sir Peter O’Sullevan CBE (The Voice of Racing).

Noel Le Mare, dressed elegantly in bowler hat and brown overcoat standing next to him his wife dressed in pink with a white hat said: ‘[Red Rum] he made up his mind before the canal turn, it’s time for me to go…’

‘All this is due to the trainer, jockey and horse…’

Fletcher said: ‘Anyone can ride a horse like that. He’s a great horse.’

Red Rum 11/1 1^st

L’Escagot 17/2 2^nd

Charles Dickens 50/1 3^rd

Dist: 7, hd,

1977 –

A record breaker!

Red Rum, after finishing a gallant runner-up in 1975 and 1976, won the News of the World Grand National in 1977. The 131^st renewal would be a memorable day for Red Rum, but this time ridden by Tommy Stack at odds of 9/1jf.

At the age of 12 many thought ‘Rummy’ was too old to win!

However, it should be noted that while Brian Fletcher was jockey for Red Rum in 1975 he was replaced in 1976/1977 by Irish man Tommy Stack.

1976 Grand National, Brian Fletcher finished third place on Eyecatcher (28/1).

Take a look at Brian Fletcher’s Aintree Grand National rides:

1967 Red Alligator (30/1) 3^rd

1968 Red Alligator (100/7) 1^st

1969 Red Alligator (13/2) Fell (19^th fence)

1970 Red Alligator (13/1) Fell (13^th fence)

1971 The Inventor (20/1) Refused (27^th fence)

1972 No ride

1973 Red Rum (9/1) 1^st

1974 Red Rum (11/1) 1^st

1975 Red Rum (7/2) 2^nd

1976 Eyecatcher (28/1) 3^rd

Brian Fletcher retired from race riding in 1976. For a professional jockey he had a relatively short career of ten years. However, his performance in the Aintree Grand National is one which exemplifies a true talent. In nine races he achieved 3 wins, 1 second and 2 third places. It is unlikely any jockey will contest such performances. His association with Red Alligator, Red Rum and trainers Denys Smith, Ginger McCain, owners Noel Le Mare and John Manners saw him well.

Fletcher passed away in 2017 at the age of 69.