Updates - Grand National Winners

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.

Jockeys

Derek Fox Wins the Aintree Grand National

admin January 7, 2025

Irishman, Derek Fox was born in Sligo on the 14^th May 1992.

Known for his horsemanship, calm demeanour and composure under pressure, Fox has risen through the ranks to hit the headline in 2017.

One For Arthur, trained by Lucinda Russell, wins the Aintree Grand National.

Fox won the race in style.

On the 19^th May 2010, Fox rode his first winner under racing rules at his home town of Sligo, for trainer Noel C Kelly, based in County Derry, Northern Ireland. Fox, a 7lb apprentice, rode Mighty Whitey (25/1) to win the Cleveragh INH Flat Race over 2m.

It was an enterprising ride from the apprentice on a green horse to hold off a late challenge with his mount struggled to negotiate the bend past the stand both times.

It would be the first of over 4500 rides, featuring over 400 wins and a strike rate of 9%.

In the last 4 years (2020 – 2024) Fox has achieved total earnings of almost £3M.

In 2016, Fox he transitioned to Scotland to be stable jockey for Lucinda Russell OBE, at Arlary House, Milnathort, Kinross, Perthshire, United Kingdom.

Fox has ridden over 200 winners for the stable with almost £4M in prize money. In fact, only Peter Buchanan has ridden more winners. He achieved 277 winners before retiring on the 23^rd April 2016, after being stable jockey for 13 years.

Buchanan never won a race at the Cheltenham Festival or Grand National, an accolade Derek Fox must cherish with not only one but two Aintree Grand National victories.

Aintree Racecourse has been a lucky track for Fox, especially with Ahoy Senor winning the Sefton Novices’ Hurdle (2021) & Mildmay Novices’ Chase (2022).

To ride a winner at Aintree’s Grand National is the pinnacle of every jockeys career.

Let’s take a look at Derek Fox’s National Wins:

2017 Aintree Grand National –

Often timing is everything and that was the case for Fox. Just under a year of being stable jockey for the Russell team (a loss Peter Buchanan must have felt) One For Arthur won the National at odds of 14/1, for owners, Deborah Thomson & Belinda McClung.

One For Arthur won well that day. Russell said: ‘For other horses it was a test but for him it was easy!’

This son of Milan out of a winning mare named Nonnetia, won by four and a half lengths from Cause Of Causes, with Saint Are in third.

What made the occasion so special is the fact it was Fox’s debut ride in the Grand National. In addition, he was returning less than a month after breaking his wrist and collarbone.

Lightning does strike twice.

2023 Aintree Grand National –

Corach Rambler, owned by The Ramblers, proved a perfect day for Lucinda Russell and their hard working team. The 8/1f gave Derek Fox his second win, and it was very much like a re-run of the first. He led at the last, going clear, and then idled in front but won with some authority by two and a quarter lengths from Vanillier (Gavin Cromwell) and third placed Gaillard Du Mesnil (Willie Mullins).

Fox said: ‘Corach Rambler is a phenomenal horse. Today he just jumped out and travelled everywhere, so I just let him bowl along. He is so intelligent. He won so easily, all I do is the steering.’

Let’s take a look at Derek Fox’s Aintree Grand National rides:

2017 – One For Arthur 14/1 1^st

2018 – No ride

2019 – One For Arthur 20/1 6^th

2020 – Cancelled due to COVID 19

2021 – No ride

2022 – Mighty Thunder 40/1 PU (25^th fence, Valentine’s Brook)

2023 – Corach Rambler 8/1f 1^st

2024 – Corach Rmabler 15/2 UR (Unseated Rider, 1^st fence)

Derek Fox, was blessed when he become stable jockey for Lucinda Russell. The achievement of two wins in the Grand National from five runs is quite astounding. Every ride being for the stable of Lucinda Russell.

The Irish man has come along way since that first win on Mighty Whitey, back in Sligo.

Owners

J. P. McManus Wins the Aintree Grand National

admin January 6, 2025

Most people have to die before reaching legendary status.

Not John Patrick McManus, the pint-sizes professional gambler, whose monster bets rang in the ears of fearless Freddie Williams bookmaker. A Celtic battle of money and mind, which saw ‘The Sundance Kid’ walk away from the Cheltenham betting ring with almost *£1M. That covered just two bets on a single day.

* 2006 Cheltenham Festival: Reveillez 6/1 & Kadoun at 50/1. Bets tottaled: £925,000 (Freddie Williams).

Would you fancy taking a bet from this man?

McManus was born in 1951, Limerick, Ireland.

At the age of 21 he became a licenced bookmaker, standing at Limerick Greyhound track.

It was the start of a business empire trading in currency markets, property investments, goldfields, nursing homes, pubs and restaurants, hotels, bookmakers and once a major shareholder in Manchester United FC.

With a net worth over 2 billion, the ‘Richest Man in Limerick!’ has invested heavily in his passion of horse racing, predominently the National Hunt. In fact, it is said he is the National Hunt’s largest owner with 550 horses.

No wonder he still enjoys a bet.

The J. P. McManus racing silks are a staple for race meeting across the UK. And his list of top-class horses in training and yesteryear detail an enviable selection of Grade 1 winners including the Cheltenham Festival and Grand National.

Having been crowned champion jumps owner 8 times and at the time of writing he has had 74 winners at Prestbury Park.

Quite incredible.

J. P. McManus loves the Aintree Grand National. With such a powerful string of horses, spread across trainers, he often has multiple horses heading to Aintree. The green and yellow silk a familiar sight in the winner’s enclosure.

For all of his successes, winning the Grand National, the most famous horse race in the world, is no easy feat. However, the Irishman has won this race three times.

2010 Aintree Grand National:

Don’t Push It, trained by Jonjo O’Neill, ridden by Tony McCoy. This was a memorable victory for the noted jockey and his only success in the race. Don’t Push It, returned 10/1jf. He beat Black Apalachi by five lengths, with State Of Play a gallant third. J.P. McManus had other runners including: Can’t Buy Time I (F), King John’s Castle (RR) & Arbor Supreme (UR).

2021 Aintree Grand National:

Minella Times, won the National at odds of 11/1, trained by Henry de Bromhead, ridden by Rachel Blackmore, the first female jockey to win this race. This was the 173^rd running of the Grand National. McManus owned the third horse in this race, Any Second Now, was the more fancied in the betting (15/2). Blako Des Flos (100/1) finished runner-up. J. P. McManus had other runners including: Canelo (F), Anibale Fly (PU), Ok Corral (PU), Camberlite Candy (PU) & The Long Mile (PU).

2024 Aintree Grand National:

I Am Maximus is the third winner of the Grand National for J.P McManus, trained by Willie Mullins, ridden by Paul Townsend. The 7/1jf ran out a comfortable winner by seven and half lengths. McManus had four other horses in the race: Meetingofthewaters (7^th), Limerick Lace (10^th), Capodonna (16^th) & Janidil (PU).

From 2004, McManus has had horses placed in the first four of the Grand National including:

2004 Clan Royale 2^nd

2008 King John’s Castle 2^nd

2010 Don’t Push It 1^st

2011 Don’t Push It 3^rd

2012 Sunny Hill Boy 2^nd

2014 Double Seven 3^rd

2016 Gilgamboa 4^th

2017 Cause Of Causes 2^nd

2018 Anibale Fly 4^th

2021 Minella Times 1^st

2022 Any Second Now 2^nd

2024 I Am Maximus 1^st

*Denotes: (F) Fell, (UR) Unseated Rider, (PU) Pulled Up & (RR) Refused to Race

Years

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.

Jockeys

Davy Russell Two Time Grand National Winner

admin January 4, 2025

Like many of his peers growing up in Ireland, David Russell got a taste for riding his pony.

Born on 27^th June in 1979, in County Cork, Youghal, to parents Jerry and Phyllis, farmers who owned a few racehorses.

Davy may have got the racing bug from looking after his father’s horses.

At the age of 20 (1999), he won his first point-to-point race, which he took part for over four years. He also rode for the local hunt and wasn’t afraid of hard work making ends meet in a fish factory.

Russell held ambitions to become a professional National Hunt jockey and this led him to move to North Yorkshire, England. In 2002, he rode for Irish trainer Ferdy Murphy at Middleham. Later that year, he tasted victory in a Novices’ Hurdle at Sedgefield when Inn Antique won comfortably at odds of 5/2 for owner W J Gott.

After 14 months with Murphy, his successes included Truckers Tavern who was second in the Cheltenham Gold Cup (2003) behind the exceptional Best Mate.

Returning to Ireland, he spent a year with Edward O’Grady before two year stint as a freelance jockey. Once again, he had a winner at the Cheltenham Festival aboard Philip Rothwell’s Native Jack in the Cross Country Chase (2006).

In fact, he would continue to have many high-profile winners at Prestbury Park until 2020. Much to his credit, 2019 was the only year he draw blank.

This had much to do with his connection with Michael O’Leary, CEO of Ryanair. He was made stable jockey for Gigginstown House Stud in September, 2007.

Among his greatest achievements came in 2014 when he partnered Lord Windermere to win the 2014 Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase by a short-head on the 20/1 shot for trainer Jim Culloty.

For many, Davy Russell is best known for riding Tiger Roll to two memorable victories in the Aintree Grand National (2018, 2019). His partnership with Gigginstown House Stud and horse trainer Gordon Elliott would illustrate not only his talents as a jockey but detail a story that would be a fitting legacy.

Davy Russell Grand National Rides:

2003 – Ballinclay King 50/1 PU (pulled-up 15^th fence, The Chair)

2004 – Takagi 25/1 UR (unseated rider 15^th fence, The Chair)

2005 – Arctic Copper 200/1 19^th

2006 – Joe’s Edge 20/1 7^th

2007 – Livingstone Bramble 100/1 UR (unseated ride at 6^th fence, Becher’s Brook)

2008 – Chelsea Harbour 14/1 9^th

2009 – Hear The Echo 33/1 (Non-finisher, collapsed on run-in)

2010 – Cerium 50/1 11^th

2011 – Becauseicouldntsee 16/1 Fell (2^nd fence)

2012 – Alfa Beat 50/1 Fell (7^th fence, Foinavon)

2013 – No ride

2014 – Lion Na Bearnai 33/1 PU (27^th fence, open ditch)

2015 – No ride

2016 – Morning Assembly 16/1 8^th

2017 – Saint Are 25/1 3^rd

2018 – Tiger Roll 10/1 1^st

2019 – Tiger Roll 4/1f 1^st

2020 – Race cancelled due to COVID 19 pandemic

2021 – No ride

2022 – Retired from racing 18^th December

In 2003, Davy Russell had his first ride in the Grand National for Ferdy Murphy on 50/1 shot Ballinclay King who pulled-up on the first circuit at The Chair.

From 15 rides in the Aintree Grand National spanning 2003 – 2019. He completed the course 8 times. Placed in chronological order:

1^st (2019) Tiger Roll 4/1f

1^st (2018) Tiger Roll 10/1

3^rd (2017) Saint Are 25/1

6^th (2006) Joe’s Edge 20/1

8^th (2016) Morning Assembly 16/1

9^th (2008) Chelsea Harbour 14/1

10^th (2010) Cerium 50/1

19^th (2005) Arctic Copper 200/1

Without doubt, two of the best moments in Davy Russell’s career came with the Aintree Grand National. Victories on the pint-sized Tiger Roll, who first showed his class as a four-year-old winning the JCB Triumph Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in 2014. He was ridden by Davy Russell.

Who would have imagined some four years later that the oldest rider (38) and the smallest horse (15.2 hands) would prove victorious in the most famous steeplechase in the world?

Tiger Roll (10/1) looked to be cruising to an easy victory. However, horse and jockey needed to dig deep as Willie Mullin’s Pleasant Company flew home. Tiger Roll held on to win by a head. It was a bold effort from such a tiny horse.

Davy Russell and Tiger Roll caught the imagination of the National.

In 2019, he would make his return and take on all challengers, this time he was 4/1 favourite. On slightly faster ground (good to soft), this son of Authorize ran out a tidy winner, beating Magic Of Light by two-and-three-quarter lengths.

The world went crazy with thoughts of an impossible feat.

Could Tiger Roll and Davy Russell go one step beyond the greatest National winner of them all.

Red Rum, trained by Ginger McCain, who won the Aintree Grand National in 1973, 1974 and 1977.

You wouldn’t have bet against the Gigginstown House Stud combo from taking the spoils.

They had already pocket £1M in prize money.

However, it wasn’t meant to be.

With fears of COVID 19 spreading across the globe, literally days before the big race, the Grand National was cancelled. And with it the opportunity for horse and jockey to make history.

Time would tell that that intervening period would take its toll on both horse and jockey. Tiger Roll didn’t make it to the 2021 Grand National.

Suffering many problems, he was retired after a gallant second place at Cheltenham in the Glenfarclas Chase (2022) which he had won on 3 occasions (2018, 2019, 2021).

For Davy Russell a 20-year racing career as a professional jockey come to an end on the 18^th December (2022).

He was Irish Jump Racing Champion Jockey (2011-12), (2012-13) & (2017-18). And runner up on five previous seasons.

However, his greatest achievements will live long in the memory of all who witnesses his two Grand National victories on a little horse called Tiger Roll.

They could have been the most famous winners of the most famous race in the world.

Two talents.

They lost nothing in defeat in a race that could never be.