Grand National: An Introduction To Some Aintree Legends
The Grand National is just a matter of days away and with no Tiger Roll amongst the entries, there will be a new winner etched into the record books for the first time since 2017. The two-time National victor was denied the chance to make it three victories on the spin. However, there’s no doubt that he has become an Aintree great and will be one of the first names from the modern era that pops to mind when you think of the prestigious race or the Merseyside course for years to come.
So, with history waiting to be made on April 10th, whether that’s another victory for a certain owner or trainer or a maiden triumph from a female jockey, let’s take a look back at some of the legends who have already made a name for themselves in the Grand National. Read on to find out more!
Horse – Red Rum
Household names are few and far between in the sport of horse racing. However, Red Rum is perhaps the most famous of all. The Noel Le Mare-owned horse was prominent throughout the 1970s, winning the race in 1973, 1974, and 1977, as well as finishing second in 1975 and 1976. Red Rum’s maiden victory in 1973, when he came back from 15 lengths down to beat Crisp, is a clip that is shown time and again. Still to this day, Red Rum is the only horse to have won the race three times and when he died in 1995, he was buried at the winning post at Aintree Racecourse.
Jockey – George Stevens
Whilst some top jockeys spend their careers trying to land a win in the National, like AP McCoy, who finally won aboard Don’t Push It in 2010, and Tom Scudamore, who hasn’t finished in the top three in 18 attempts, a certain George Stevens has had unrivaled success. Between 1856 and 1870, Stevens won the marathon race an impressive five times. The first of which was in the saddle of Freetrader (1856) followed by Emblem (1863), Emblematic (1864), and dual success with The Colonel in 1869 and 1870.
Trainer – Ginger McCain
There are a couple of trainers who deserve an honorary mention here, and they are George Dockeray and Fred Rimmell, who both trained four separate horses to victories in the National. However, we’re going to zone in on Ginger McCain. The English trainer is the man behind Red Rum’s incredible three triumphs in the National and he didn’t stop there either, as he was victorious again 17 years after Rummy’s third victory with Amberleigh House in 2004. Sadly, he passed away in September 2011, just months after Ballabriggs, who is trained by his son Donald McCain Jr, landed a victory in the National.
Owner – Trevor Hemmings
Again, there are a few owners who deserve recognition, like James Octavius Machell, Le Mare, and Gigginstown House Stud. However, our focus is going to be on Trevor Hemmings. Three horses owned by the British billionaire won the race between 2005 and 2015 (Hedgehunter (2005), Ballabriggs (2011) and Many Clouds (2015)) and Hemmings is hoping for a record fourth victory this year with Cloth Cap, who is the heavy favorite in the horse racing betting exchange.
