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| Dead-heat!
Red Rum and Curlicue in 1967, Rummy's first outing at Aintree. |
An
Aintree legend, Red Rum is the only horse to win the race three
times.
Red Rum began his association with Aintree on April 7th 1967 - his
debut race in the Thursby Plate where he finished in a dead heat
with 'Curlicue'. Red Rum, a local lad at heart, trained on Southport
sands, first won the race in 1973 coming from behind to beat Australian
horse Crisp with whom he had been joint favourite.
He followed this in 1974 with his second Grand National win leading
the field for the final stages, even though he was as third favourite
at 11-1.
He became the first horse since 'Reynoldstown' in the 1930's to
win successive Grand Nationals.
He raced again in 1975 and 1976.
In
1975 as 7-2 favourite he was beaten into second place by the twice
Gold cup winner 'L'Escargot'.
In 1976 Red rum was 10-1 second favourite but this time it was Rag
Trade who ended the dream of triple wins, Red Rum again coming second.
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| Buried
in the shadow of the winning post |
At
12 years old in 1977 Red Rum was again entered in the National.
His trainer, Ginger McCain, prepared him especially for the race
planning the whole season to give him the best opportunity of being
in perfect form for the race. Soon after Becher's, Red Rum took
the lead and won the race to tumultuous cheering.
After
his retirement Red Rum returned to Aintree many times to lead the
parade of horses before the race.
He died on October 18th 1995 at the age of 30 and is buried at the
finishing line with his head facing the winning post.
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