Grand National Winners of the 1970s
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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 17th century, Lottery. He tasted victory in 1839. While the 21st 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.
Like many of his peers growing up in Ireland, David Russell got a taste for riding his pony.
Thinking about Tiger Roll. I can’t help but feel a touch of sadness. I’m sure this pocket-sized gelding wouldn’t want an ounce of my regret. Instead, ‘rejoice in my triumphs of many because I won the greatest steeplechase in the world…’
What’s the most famous horse race in the world?
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.