Years

Grand National Winners of the 1950s

admin January 13, 2025

After the finish of the Second World War, the country was recovering and although times were hard and rations didn’t officially end until 1954 the future was one of optimism. With no Aintree Grand National from 1941 – 1945, race fans were triuphant to see Lovely Cottage win the following year for trainer Tommy Rayson, ridden by Captain Bobby Petre in the ownership of John Morant. The nine-year-old won at odds of 25/1 by four lengths.

The 1950s saw a decade of Aintree Grand Nationals.

Let’s take a look at the winners:

1950 – Freebooter 10/1f, Trainer Bobby Renton

1951 – Nickel Coin 40/1, Trainer Jack O’Donoghue

1952 – Teal 100/7, Trainer Neville Crump

1953 – Early Mist 20/1, Trainer Vincent O’Brien

1954 – Royal Tan 8/1, Trainer Vincent O’Brien

1955 – Quare Times 100/9, Trainer Vincent O’Brien

1956 – E.S.B 100/7, Trainer Fred Rimell

1957 – Sundew 20/1, Trainer Fred Hudson

1958 – Mr. What 18/1, Trainer Tom Taafe, Sr

1959 – Oxo 8/1, Trainer Willie Stephenson

If there was one trainer who lifted horse racing out of the doldrums it was Vincent O’Brien, from Curchtown, County Cork, Ireland. A career that lasted 50 years (1944 – 1994), it is easier to detail races he didn’t win. Whether National Hunt or Flat racing, his accolades were many.

However, it is worth knowing that O’Brien turned his attention to the Flat turf after his three Grand National successes, training at Ballydoyle (1951).

After immense success from 1948 – 50 with Cottage Rake wining the Cheltenham Gold Cup three times on the trot. And later Knock Hard in 1953, he was taking all before him.

O’Brien fielded his first National runner in 1951. Royal Tan finished 2^nd at odds of 40/1, ridden by his brother, Phonsie. The partnership took their chance the following year when Royal Tan fell at the 30^th fence.

However, the successes would come thick and fast from 1953 – 1955 with three very talented thoroughbreds.

1953 Aintree Grand National

Eight-year-old gelding Early Mist ran out an easy 20-length victor in the 107^th running of this famous steeplechase. The 20/1 shot was ridden by Bryan Marhsall for owner Joe H. Griffin. Of the 31 starters, only five horses completed the course.

1954 Aintree Grand National

After finishing runner-up in 1951 and falling the following year it was third time lucky for the ten-year-old Royal Tan who held the late charge of the much larger Tudor Line winning by a neck. Irish Lizard finished third. Bryan Marshall enjoyed back to back victories. Sadly four horses were fatally injured, the worst record for any National.

1955 Aintree Grand National

Vincent O’Brien made it three consecutive wins with Quare Times. The nine-year-old gelding won at odds of 100/9, ridden by Tom Taaffe, for owner Cecily Welman. Stablemate and previous winner, and favourite, Early Mist, finished a creditable nineth. They also fielded Royal Tan who returned twelth. The heavy going taking its toll on both horses who carried over 12 stone. Quare Times won well by 12-lengths carrying 11 stone. Tudor Line ran superbly in second place while Carey’s Cottage finished third.

After outcry over fatallities in 1954, the severity of many fences was reduce and the water jump omitted.

The Queen Mother’s M’as Tu Vu fell at the open ditch, fence 27.

Other noted races in the 1950s include the win of E.S.B. (1956). This was the year when the Queen Mother’s Devon Loch looked a racing certainty before half-jumping and bellyflopped on the run-in, just yards from the winning line.

In 1959 Oxo, trained by Willie Stephenson won, ridden by Michael Scudamore. Remarkably from the 32 runners only 4 horses finished. Sadly, two horse were fatally injured (Henry Purcell & Slippery Serpent). A debate was held in Parliament and Home Secretary, Rab Butler, met the National Hunt Committee in response to safety concerns raised by The League Against Cruel Sports.

The 1950s Aintree Grand Nationals saw a number of outstanding performances from horses, trainers and jockeys. Vincent O’Brien was a noted performer as were his runners, especially the ultra tough Royal Tan. Many of these gallant horses ran exceptional races and showed great consistency. Horse welfare was a keynote for cause and consideration.

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?

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.

Grand National Winners of the 1970s

admin January 6, 2025

The Aintree Grand National, Liverpool.

In many ways, the National needs little introduction. A race with a vast history, including all forms of media. Dating back to 1839, it’s a steeplechase like no other steeplechase; a race like no other race. In fact, at times, it really should have come with a health warning. Something along the lines: ‘Enter at your own risk!’

That went for both horse and jockey.

It was a race which tested the mettle.

Even back in the day it was billed as the: ‘Ultimate test of horse and jockey…’

It is true that times changes all.

Grand Nationals have come and gone. The first winner back in the 17^th century, Lottery. He tasted victory in 1839. While the 21^st century saw I A Maximus take the spoils in 2024.

Every race has its story to tell. In truth, the good, the bad and the ugly. Every, horse, jockey, trainer, owner and punter.

Each generation looking back with nostalgia convincing themselves it was a better time.

Let’s face it, at the time of writing this article we have 174 Grand National winners to pick from. Generations of winners. How can we possibly pick between them? In fairness we can’t. The Grand National is about the subjective and personal. The individual. The horse that never won but never forgotten by someone.

To transcend life.

For a small child to ask: ‘Who was Red Rum?’

A budding fan of the sport of kings.

Personally, if I had to choose a decade which marked a defining moment in the history of the Grand National it would be the 1970s.

Now, I know you will be saying: ‘That’s so predictable. There’s only one reason. The Mighty Red Rum.’

You bet!

If there is a trivia question about the Grand National, just remember these dates 1973, 1974 & 1977. Red Rum showed himself to be an exceptional horse. To think in those intervening years he finished runner-up (1975, 1976). He could have won for half a decade with a twist and turn. The pride of Ginger McCain, Brian Fletcher, Tommy Stack, Noel Le Mare and millions of adoring fans. The housewives favourite.

Let’s take a look at the 1970s Grand National Winners:

1970 – Gay Trip – Trainer, Fred Rimell 15/1

1971 – Specify – Trainer, John Sutcliffe 28/1

1972 – Well To Do – Trainer, Tim Forster 14/1

1973 – Red Rum – Trainer, Ginger McCain 9/1jf

1974 – Red Rum – Trainer, Ginger McCain 11/1

1975 – L’Escargot – Trainer, Dan Moore 13/2

1976 – Rag Trade – Trainer, Fred Rimell 14/1

1977 – Red Rum – Trainer, Ginger McCain 9/1

1978 – Lucius – Trainer, Gordon W. Richards 14/1

1979 – Rubstic – Trainer, John Leadbetter 25/1

I’m sure if you are a man or woman of a certain age, you have extra special memories of these wonder years. A couple of big priced winners in Specify 28/1 (1971) and Rubstic 25/1 (1979), but a wealth of half-fancied horses winning in style.

In truth, the 1970s Grand Nationals detailed the best of horse racing.

If you get a chance to watch Red Rum win his three races, you will be pleased you did. Because those were the halcyon days which somehow merged into an unforgettable decade we will never forget.

Grand National Winners of the 1980s

admin December 31, 2024

When you consider the Grand National horse race, I guess we all have our favourite horses. Perhaps you have a certain decade which stands out.

Within psychology there is a well-documented phenomenon called the reminiscence bump where people tend to recall more memories from their adolescence or early adulthood than other periods of their life. I guess it explains my interest in the 1980s. Ten glorious years of Grand National winners. A decade of remembrance.

I know what you are saying: ‘What about Rubstic in 1979 and who could forget Mr Frisk in 1990?’

They bookended the 1980s like a delicious club sandwich.

Even though it sounds corny, I just love being part of the 1980s Grand National Club. And somewhere on a book shelf in my mind is the 1928 publication: Seven Hundred Sandwiches. And in my dreams Aldaniti is tucking into a BLT.

It’s a fact, that you always remember the winners. I think my Dad placed a small bet for me on Aldaniti who won the 1981 Grand National. I would have been eleven years old. As it happened the win of Aldaniti and his jockey Bob Champion was a fairytale come true. A horse with fragile legs and a jockey stricken with cancer. Both triumphed over adversity. Champion went on to raise millions of pounds for cancer research.

There story was so poignant that it was made into a feature film: Champions, starring John Hurt.

I’ve watched that film many times. The introduction with the music score by Karl Davis is enough to fill the heart with joy and put tears in your eyes.

What a moment in time…

Let’s take a look at a decade of Grand National winners from the 1980s.

1980 – Ben Nevis 40/1

1981 – Aldaniti 10/1

1982 – Grittar 7/1f

1983 – Corbiere 13/1

1984 – Hello Dandy 13/1

1985 – Last Suspect 50/1

1986 – West Tip 15/2

1987 – Moari Venture 28/1

1988 – Rhyme ‘n’ Reason 10/1

1989 – Little Polveir 28/1

Many will have fond memories of these horses. As Nellie Mae Cox (horse breeder) once said: ‘Every horse has its story to tell…’

The Grand National is a race which seems primed for a story like no other.

Corbiere’s victory in 1983, with Jenny Pitman being the first woman to train a National winner.

West Tip was a noted winner for many punters, trained by Michael Oliver and ridden by Richard Dunwoody, in the ownership of Peter Luff. The 1986 winner returned odds of 15/2.

West Tip ran in every Grand National from 1985 – 1990.

A remarkably consistent horse:

1985 – Fell at Bechers’ Brook 13/2jf

1986 – 1^st 15/2

1987 – 4^th 5/1f

1988 – 4^th 11/1

1989 – 2^nd 12/1

1990 – 10^th 20/1

I always remember the 1986 Grand National, as my brother loved the horse which came third, Classified (22/1), ridden by Steve Smith-Eccles.

Lovely memories.

Which decade is your favourite for Grand National winners?

For all those who loved the 70s I know you have a special place in your heart for Red Rum.