Conference noted::equitation

    
    
    Anyone could be forgiven for thinking the newspapers carrying reports
    of Great Britan's top jumping races over the Christmas holiday were
    reprints of 1988 editions.  Each of the three principle events was won
    by the same horse which won the race the year before.  England's
    favorite steeplechaser, Desert Orchid, won the $74,722 King George VI
    Rank Steeplechase for the third time.
    
    Desert Orchid's first victory in the Kempton Park race was as a
    7-year-old in 1986.  He was second behind the good French 'chaser
    Nupsala the following year,then won the race again in 1988.  Only
    Wayward Lass, which won the event in 1982, 1983, and 1985, previously
    had won the King George three times.
    
    The authoritative victory by Desert Orchid (Grey Mirage-Flower Child,
    by Brother) improved his record to 29 victories from 58 starts.  He has
    earned $833,463.  His King George triumphs and his carrer record are
    very fine achivements for the unfashionably bred gray, which was foaled
    at a small farm in Leicestershire by his owners, Television script
    writer Richard Burridge and his father, James.
    
    From The Blood Horse dated Jan. 6, 1990.
    

    
    
    England's star steeplechaser, Desert Orchid, will not take part in the
    1990 Grand National at Aintree on April 7.  Although he had been
    entered for the race and had been allocated top weight of 170 pounds,
    he was scratched at the first acceptance stage in mid-February because
    owner Richard Burridge decided that it would be asking too much of the
    gray champion so soon after his attempt to win a second Cheltenham Gold
    Cup in mid-March.  Trainer David Elsworth still hopes that Desert
    Orchid might take part in the 1991 Grand National, in what probably
    would be his final season.
    
    There were 91 acceptors for the Grand National, which will be sponsored
    by Seagrams and will offer �120,000 in added money.  Topweights in the 
    handicap are now The Thinker and Bonanza Boy, each at 163 pounds.  At
    this stage, they are among the leading candidates in the anti-post
    betting, which is headed by Brown Windsor at 14-1.
    
    From The Blood Horse dated Feb. 24, 1990.
    

    Although Desert Orchid will not run in the Grand National he will run
    in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, any way what I wanted to say was The Sun
    have put a competion in their paper for the readers to pick the first
    three home in a computer run version of the Grand National. It gives
    the horses life history over fences its positions and the weight the
    horses concerned have to carry in this years race. There are 8 horses
    listed. It would be interesting to see what you thought would be the
    first three from these horses
                  Desert Orchid  12st  2lbs
                  Bonanza Boy    11st  7lbs
                  The Thinker    11st  7lbs
                  Brown Windsor  10st 10lbs
                  Durham Editon  10st  4lbs
                  Ten Of Spades  10st  2lbs
                  Zuko           10st  0lbs
                  Polyfemus      10st  0lbs
    In the handicap proper Zuko would carry 9st 7lbs and Polyfemus 9st 6lbs
    but the minimum is 10st.
    All these horses have won on quite a few occasions but only one horse
    has never failed to finish over fences, that is Brown Windsor but he
    has only ran ten times over fences incomparison to Durham Edition who
    has ran 54 times.
                              Mark
                  

    
    How many lbs in a stone?
    
    I've been reading a lot of Dick Francis lately, and these names
    are great!!  Cheltenham, National, 'chasers - I haven't seen one,
    but next time I'm over there, I intend to!
    
    This business of associating computers and horse racing...Dick
    did one of those too...

     RE: 4 How many lbs in a stone
    
      There  are 14lbs to a stone
    
    
    You mean to say you've never heard of Cheltenham Race Course ?
    This is the place where Britains premier jump meeting takes place, this
    year it is from Tues 13th to Thurs 15th.
        On Thursday 15th the Blue Riband of National Hunt Steeplechasing is
    run it called The Gold Cup in which all the cream of the jumps horses
    hope to write their names in the history books. the horse which wins
    this one is the best for that season, as all involved have to carry the
    same weight therefore only the class horses win this race.
        Britains pride and joy Desert Orchid won this last year in a
    thrilling finish with a horse called Yahoo. Both run again this year
    with Dessie being favorite to carry all again, but it will be severly
    tested by Bonanza Boy. I'am not that familliar with what other jump
    races around the world, but it is generally accepted here that the
    winner of the Gold Cup is one of the best around.
         Here is a Couple of the recent past winners.
             Dawn run
             Boughrough Hill Lad
             Fogive n' Forget
             The Thinker
             and last but not least probarbly the best Desert Orchid. The
    only one in my book who might have a look in is that great winner of
    the past Arkle which has a race named after him , this is also ran at
    the Cheltenham Festival.
            
          Well it won't be long till this takes place and I for one can't
    wait. Ten just think ist The Grand National next worth over �100,000 
    the world greatest handicap chase including the famous fences called
    Beechers Brook, Canal Turn, Valentines, and the huge biggest fence in
    the race The Chair, they only have to jump this once the rest have to
    be jumpt twice on the gruelling 4� miles round Aintree. About 40 horses
    will start this race only � will finish it.

    Here is the result of the computer run race 
    			
    			1st Desert Orchid
    			2nd Bonanza Boy
        		3rd Zuko
    That is only the computers verdict!
    							Mark.....

    The biggest shock in the history of the gold cup happend on Thursday
    the 15th march. Britain's favorite race horse Desert Orchid was
    sensationaly beaten into third place dy the largest outsider in the
    history of the race Norton's Coin at 100/1. The Cheltenham Gold Cup has
    never seen such a price winner, but it was no lucky run the horse ran a
    blinder on the day about 20lbs above itself, a worthy winner.
    
      Placing were           1st  NORTON'S COIN     100/1
                             2nd  TOBY TOBIAS         8/1 2nd fav
                             3rd  DESERT ORCHID     10/11 fav
                             4th  CAVVIES CLOWN       9/1

    
    
    In mapping out a schedule for a national hero, English trainer David
    Elsworth said Desert Orchid might have two races in the new year, at
    Ascot and Kempton Park, prior to going for his second Cheltenham Gold
    Cup.  Dessie, which turned twelve on Jan. 1, won his fourth King George
    VI Chase at Kempton on England's Boxing Day (Dec. 26), and
    correspondent Micheal Ross reported that "the cheers that rang out had
    to be heard to be believed."
    
    
    The Blood Horse Jan. 5, 1991
    

    
    
    English bookmakers listed Desert Orchid the 4-1 co favorite with Toby
    Tobias for the March 14 Cheltenham Gold Cup after Desert Orchid won the
    Feb. 2 Afga Diamond Chase at Sandown "jumping effortlessly," according
    to Micheal Ross.  England's most popular jumper will seek a second
    victory in the Gold Cup, which Ross reported likely will be Dessie's
    last race of the year. 
    
    The Blood Horse Feb. 9, 1991.

    "Steeplechasing in England lost one of its most popular jumpers late in
    1991 when it was announced that Desert Orchid would be retired from
    competition. The decision was made public less than 24 hours after the
    gelded son of Grey Mirage fell during the running of the King George VI
    Steeplechase at Kempton Park. An earner of more than $1 million, the
    13-year-old Desert Orchid captured the King George VI four times and
    won the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 1989.
    
    Another of England's steeplechasing heroes, Red Rum, was reported in
    poor health early in 1992 by trainer Ginger McCain. The 27-year-old son
    of Quorum captured the Grand National in 1973, 1974 and 1977. He
    finsihed second in that race in 1975 and 1976."
    
    From The Blood Horse, January 11 1992

    Good grief, I had no idea Red Rum was still alive.  I was wondering
    what had happened to him only about a month ago, as I had just come
    across several photos of him taken by my husband.  Strange.  

    Ain't it nice sometimes? I had a similar experience in the mid 80's.
    I had been thinking about one of my childhood flat racing heroes, 
    Tim Tam(1958 Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner who was injured while 
    finishing second in the Belmont Stakes) and then a couple weeks later, 
    there was a little article in the back of The Chronicle of the Horse 
    which mentioned him and that he was still going strong at age 29. I had 
    presumed him long dead.
    
    About Dessie, a couple days after I posted his retirement, I found a
    longer article (again in the back of The Chronicle!) which said Dessie
    was not injured in the race. He stumbled, got up and finished the race
    without his jockey. He got a great cheer from the crowd. His owners
    said that they decided at the moment he fell to retire him because his
    body could no longer keep up with his ENTHUSIASM for racing.

    Dessie is due to take to the race course again !
    
    Only this time he will be attending as a celebrity and doing parades
    and I'am sure he will be seen at Kempton on King George day leading
    the young pretenders at the pre race parade.

    Leading the parade is an excellent job for him! He belongs in front!
    
    I bet he'll be a bit confused and disappointed when he leaves the
    course for the first time! John Henry, the American flat racing hero who 
    won Gr I stakes until retiring at age 9, was taken to a race course for a 
    ceremonial appearance 2 years after he retired. He got so excited about 
    returning to the track that his people actually put him back in training 
    for a few months! But, John Henry, like Dessie, had an aging body that 
    could no longer keep up with the horse's enthusiasm for competition.
    
    Have any of you seen the video tape about Dessie? I was thinking of
    getting one if it's good. Any comments?
    
    Thanks 
    john

    I found these notices about British National Hunt Racing and 
    American National Hunt Racing in the Oct 30 Chronicle of the Horse
    
    "SPONSOR PUTS MORE CASH INTO ENGLISH GRAND NATIONAL
    Next year's winner of the famed English Grand National at Aintree will
    receive prize money of $158,000, the most ever in the race's 156-year
    history. Sponsor Martell Cognac is putting $553,000 into the 3-day
    steeplechase meeting, some $85,000 more than last year.
    
    This is a significant step forward for national hunt racing in Britain
    at a time when the country's flat racing is undergoing a downturn more
    severe than in the United States. Owners, including the four Maktoum
    brothers, are taking horses out of England because the prize money
    doesn't support their investment and because the 17.5 percent
    value-added-tax on bloodstock is much higher than in Ireland and the
    rest of the European Community.
    
    A spokesman for Martell Cognac said that the additional prize money
    will ensure that the Grand National remains the richest jumping race in
    Europe."
    
    "Colonial Cup Jumps to $100,000
    The purse for the Marion duPont Scott Colonial Cup, the oldest of the
    country's top steeplechases, will increase from $60,000 to $100,000 in
    November of 1993. The increase will come from a new sponsorship from
    NationsBank, the country's fourth largest banking company. NationsBank
    will also be the title sponsor of the $50,000 Carolina Cup in March.
    Both races are held at the Springdale course in Camden S.C.
    ...2 paragraphs omitted...
    The Colonial Cup is the final stakes race of the season and its winner
    is usually named the year's champion steeplechaser."
    

Taken from the Sporting Life, Monday 30 November - without permission
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

DESERT ORCHID recovery from serious illness continued yesterday when he had
his first proper meal since undergoing emergency surgery for a twisted gut.

Britain's favourite horse is making such good recovery that vets at Newmarket 
will consider whether or not to turn him out in the paddock.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

The grey had the operation last week, and at one stage was only given a 50-50
chance. 

He had been scheduled to lead the parade for the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup,
but his place was taken by Red Rum.

Martin

    Thanks for the news about Dessie. Hope he makes a full recovery.
    
    BTW, wasn't Red Rum seriously ill last spring? I think I had read
    somewhere that he had been so ill that he was nearly put down but later
    he recovered.
    
    

The Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup Chase is run on the last Saturday in November at
Newbury racecourse. This handicap steeple chase is open 5-y-o and up, and with
a penalty value of $90,000 is one of the more valuable early season targets.

This years running produced a shock winner in the shape of SIBTON ABBEY (40/1)
a 7-y-o carrying 10 stone (bottom weight) although only allotted 8 stone 7 lb
in the long handicap and was therefore carrying 21lb overweight!

Of the 13 starters only 7 managed to see out the 26 furlong / 21 fence slog 
through the mud.

The field was taken along by last seasons Grand National winner Party Politics.
This strapping 8-y-o led the field until the lack of a previous outing told 
after the 16th fence. Twin Oaks led briefly over the 17th before the eventual 
winner took over four out. At the second last Sibton Abbey was joined by
Jodami, the heavily backed favourite, going ominously well. Approaching the
last Jodami jockey, Mark Dwyer, still had not asked his mount a serious 
question. Both horses jumped the last well Sibton Abbey getting away from the
fence fractionally quicker. At this point Jodami was asked for his effort,
but found disappointingly little. Sibton Abbey stayed on the stronger, 
prevailing by three-quarter of a length.

The best performance is the race was arguably given by the third horse home,
the French trained The Fellow. Giving over 25 lb to the first two, this
high class 7-y-o is already 5/4 favourite for the King George over Christmas
and as low as 5/1 favourite for the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March, a race in
which he finished a close second last year.

Martin

Well it had to happen eventually... On Saturday 12th December at Cheltenham
racecourse, the home of National Hunt racing, Blyth Miller, a 24-year-old 
interior designer from Pennsylvania, rode LONESOME GLORY to become the 
first ever US-based horse to win a race under National Hunt rules in Britain.

The race in question belonged to the Sport of Kings Challenge series, and
in winning both US and UK legs, earned his connections a $75,000 bonus.

Although the race only attracted 4 runners, the short price favourite,
AL MUTAHM, had finished third in the top novice hurdle at last years Cheltenham
Festival, and was obviously fancied to show his rivals a clean pair of heels.
Run on a very soft surface, the field was taken along by the 20/1 outsider
FIGHT TO WIN, who led until the field turned into the straight to face the 
final hurdle. At this point AL MUTAHM took over the lead and quickly went
four length clear, pursued by the American challenger. Over the last, both
runners were face with the daunting climb up the Cheltenham hill. 
Half way up the hill LONESOME GLORY could be seen to be gaining steadily 
on the odds on favourite. With both horses obviously tiring in the
final stages, Blyth Miller conjured a final effort from her mount to
clinch the verdict on the line by a head.

And the winners price, a very rewarding 20/1.

MartinK

The weights for the GRAND NATIONAL, which is to be run on Saturday April 3rd
were published yesterday, 2 February.

The weights are headed by the 1992 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Cool Ground
on 11st 10lb (164lb). 

Last years National winner Party Politics is set to run off a 7lb higher
handicap mark than last year at 11-2. The horse, who has disappointed this
season, broke a blood vessel at Cheltenham last Saturday and his trainer Nick
Gaselee thinks it will be an uphill struggle to run, let alone win this years
contest. 

Romany King, who is the early favourite at 16/1, finished second last year
having jumped the last in front. Having risen only 2lb in the ratings, this
9 year old has an outstanding chance off 10-7 and is a worthy favourite.

Laura's Beau will attempt to give the Irish their first winner since
L'Escargots victory in 1975. Having finish third in last years event, her
chances would be enhanced if the wet weather continues through into April.


MartinK

    Didn't Trainer Toby Balding say he wasn't total sure Romany King would
    get the distance, even though he ran well last year. Or is this a
    Trainer playing down his horses chance?

    
    
    Is there such a thing as a listing of trainers?? If so, where could
    I get hold of a copy?
    
    Thanks in advance,
    Karen
    
    

    	I would suggest looking in one of the national racing papers
    Sporting Life or Racing post these papers are published dailly except
    Sunday. You will find a list of trainers and their prize winnings along
    with the % wins against runs etc.

re .21

I only said that with 10-7, Romany King is a worthy favourite 
(now 12/1 from 16/1), not that he would necessarily win. He came into last
years race having improved considerably during the year. This year there
hasn't been the same sparkle about his performances, although his third behind
Run For Free and Jodami earlier in the year stands up to inspection considering
their subsequent performances (Welsh National winner, and Hennessy second).

MartinK

With a little over 5 week to start of the Cheltenham NH Festival its time to
review some recent events which have a bearing on the Festival makeup.

o Long-time champion hurdle favourite Mighty Mogul has had to be put down.
  "Having successfully undergone surgery to pin the carpal joints with six
  screws, Mighty Mogul suffered a multiple fracture of the adjacent bone
  due to stress and had to be put down".

o Following the defeat of Gold Cup second favourite Rushing Wild on Saturday,
  the Gold Cup favourite The Fellow, shortened in the betting to 6/4. Second 
  in the last two running's of the race, its becoming increasingly difficult to 
  see any of his British rivals troubling his in this years events. The only 
  comfort for the home based contingent is that the horses that have beaten 
  him in the last two running's were themselves only very good handicappers.
  Maybe history can again repeat itself.

MartinK

    I think that with another run under him, the British will have a Gold
    Cup winner. The horses name Blazing Walker. I also prefer Jodami and
    Run For Free to The Fellow, and with Perretts comment that Jodami at
    levels will not beat Run For Free I slightly give this one a better
    chance. The Fellow may be 4th. Only my opinion.
    
    			Mark.

    My main doubts over Blazing Walker's Gold Cup chances concern his lack of
    solid form over 3 Miles. Of his 11 chase victories only one was over
    3 miles (24 furlongs) a modest affair at Market Rasen, most victories 
    being achieved over 20 Furlongs.

    We'll know more about his chances after his participation in Saturdays
    Racing Post Chase at Kempton.

    MartinK

    Well Saturdays Racing Post Chase seems to confirm your assesment of
    Blazing Walker, although I'll still hold fire till he's got another run
    under his belt. His jumping will have to improve also. 
    	What about Docklands Express great race under 12st. Bailley seems
    to be bringing him to a peak at the right time.
        We have a new National favorite in Zeta's lad also he will not
    receive any penelty for his win on Saturday. Looks a solid favorite at
    present.
    					Mark

    Blazing Walker will definitely miss Cheltenham having been badly
    struck into during last Saturdays Racing Post handicap Chase.
    
    I actually included Docklands Express in a Yankee bet, so you can
    understand my disappointment when I saw Zeta's Lad ranging effortlessly
    upsides at the second last. Docklands Express actually made a slight
    mistake at the third or forth from home, which cost him a length or
    so, but if he makes a similar error at Cheltenham he'll suffer the
    same fate as last year and end up on the floor.

    I hope they stick with their original plan for Zeta's Lad and go for 
    the Ritz Handicap at Cheltenham, I always need at least one banker 
    for the meeting.
    Talking about bankers, Young Hustler will take a great deal of beating
    in any of the novice events at the Festival.

    On the Gold Cup front I'm inclined to look towards Sibton Abbey as an
    E/W possibility, although I'll need to carefully study his last run at
    Cheltenham before committing good money. Considering he won the Hennessy
    in November carrying 21lb overweight, he still need to have improved a 
    further 24lb to be considered for the Gold Cup.

    THE FELLOW is still my fancy as the winner.

    Just a few thoughts
    MartinK

    Young Hustler beaten by The Illywhacker. You may be right about him in
    novice events but remember he was always receiving weight when he ran
    and won his races. I am not totally convinved he is such a banker.
    Sybillin however if running in the Arkle looks unstoppable. If taking
    on the older horses in the Queen Mother then we are in for a classic
    between Waterloo Boy, Katabatic, Sybillin, and for sentiment only I
    still feel Young Snugfit is still to show his true self. 

  I don't think that being beaten a half length by The Illywhacker was
  such a bad performance by Young Hustler. Both horses were carrying
  11-10 and they finished 30l infront of the other novice Fighting Words 
  who was receiving 7lbs. 

  It must be remembered that Young Hustler is a first season chaser, 
  whereas The Illywhacker is a very useful second season chaser who 
  happens to have finished third beaten 13L in this years King George
  behind The Fellow, who as you know is favourite for the Gold Cup.

  In their last meeting, at level weights, Young Hustler beat Fighting Words 
  by 5 lengths. Even though he was 7lbs WORSE OFF he has extended that 
  winning distance by OVER 20 LENGTHS. Either Young Hustler is still
  improving or Fighting Words ran well below par.

  I still rate Young Hustler as a Cheltenham Banker in Novice company,
  probably the Sun Alliance Chase over 3 Miles. I don't think his price
  will be anything spectacular, and selecting a banker in Novice company
  is possibly certifiable, but his jumping has so far been outstanding.

  There, I've set myself up to be shot down by the passing of events.
  Look in this space for an exercise in "excuse management" after the
  Festival.

  MartinK

I'm off to Cheltenham next week, so have decided to put my head on 
the proverbial block with a few hopeful selections. 

Tuesday
-------
With the unseasonal dry weather the clerk of the course has decided to
"Turn on the taps" in an attempt to ease the ground. I think that Good to
firm ground can be expected which means that Zeta's Lad will probably miss
the Ritz Club National Hunt Handicap Chase. In his absence I think COUNTRY
MEMBER (3/1 with Corals) could land the spoils. Andy Turnells charge has 
run well when fresh, so his six week vacation should be in his favour. 

I agree that SYBILLIAN has that bankers look in the Arkle. Only the 
price (4/5 with Corals) puts me off.

The Champion Hurdle is so open this year that I'm tempted to give MORLEY
STREET one last chance. At 16/1, a return to anywhere near his true form
would see this previous winner with a great chance. Being so open
the sensible thing is to leave the race alone.

Wednesday
---------
Sun Alliance Hurdle
-------------------
I've never backed the winner of this race, so it's time to get your pens
out and cross LORD RELIC from your lists. Having won eight of its races
in New Zealand, he's looked very impressive in his three wins this season. 

Sun Alliance Chase
------------------
After the Ritz Club Chase this is my next favourite race. In earlier notes 
I've nailed my colours to the probable favourite YOUNG HUSTLER. He was
actually beaten here at Cheltenham by Barton Bank back in December. I believe
that Young Hustler has improved significantly since then, but if I'm wrong
then Barton Bank is the obvious danger.

Coral Cup Handicap
------------------
If FitzGerald allow TRAIGLOT to compete here rather that in the Sun Alliance
Hurdle, then this good stayer on the flat should show his rivals a clean pair 
of hoofs. It should be remembered that in 1991 this horse ran a close 4th in
the Ascot Gold Cup.

Queens Mothers Champion Chase
-----------------------------
With the absence of last years champion Remittance Man those old rivals 
KATABATIC and Waterloo Boy should fight out the finish.
The current score is 7 - 2 in the formers favour and I expect him to prevail
again on his favourite course.

Thursday
--------
Triumph Hurdle
--------------
Another Bogey race. Leave the money in you pocket for richer pickings
later on.

Gold Cup
--------
THE FELLOW is still my NAP for the meeting. I expect him to win, although we can
expect an exciting finish since once this fellow hit the front he thinks he's
done enough. I don't want to see him take the lead until after the last.

Nuff said.

MartinK

                Cheltenham 93 Review
                --------------------

Tuesday
-------
Traditionally the opening race "The Supreme Novice Hurdle" throws up a 
leading contender for the following years "Champion Hurdle". This year
winner is no exception having already been quoted as low as 6/1 for next
years premier event. The Irish trained MONTELADO simply slaughtered the 
opposition and in doing so broke the course record. Having backed him 
at 11/2 I was is serious danger of finishing the first day in profit !

If only Jimmy FitzGerald had shared his fears concerning the results of
SYBILLIN blood test with the assembled masses. His 20 length defeat by
TRAVADO and WONDER MAN in the Arkle Chase could not possible be his
true running and is best forgotten. The only good new is that at 4/5
his price was too short, and I left the race alone.

In the Champion Hurdle I split my bet between last years third RULING and
previous champion winner MORLEY STREET. RULING was pulled up and MORLEY 
STREET finished well down the field leaving his full brother GRANVILLE
AGAIN to land the spoils. Having toppled over the previous year at the
second last when well in contention he made no such mistake this year.

The Good-Firm ground caused Zeta's Lad to miss the Ritz Chase. My strong
fancy COUNTRY MEMBER started a well backed 5/4 Favourite but failed by
the shortest of short heads to catch GIVUS A BUCK in a thrilling finish
where the third home was only a neck behind.


The final two events were won by STRONG BEAU and the Irish FISSURE SEAL.

Having managed to pick the first winner I ended first day with a small  
bet welcome profit - something unknown for years, but soon to be remedied....

    
    With less then 6 weeks to go before the start of the Cheltenham
    Festival, is there anyone out there who would like to discuss the
    merits of the various contenders ?
    
    MartinK

    On 19 October, one of the lads posted this message to the racing list 
    I subscribe to:
    
Subj:	Red Rum dead at 30

Just read the BBC CeeFax kindly provided by MartinK, and was very saddened 
by the following news, which I quote and attribute in its entirety:

Three-times Grand National winner Red Rum has died at the age of 30.     
The (British) national hero was found in a distressed state on Wednesday 
morning and was put to sleep.                  

He has been buried on the finishing line at Aintree.                       
                                        
Trainer Ginger McCain said: "We are all very sad. The old lad has had a      
wonderful life."                       
                                        
Red Rum won the National in 1973, 1974 and 1977 and was second in the two    
intervening years.                     
                                        
Red Rum's trainer Ginger McCain explained why it was decided to put the 
triple Grand National winner to sleep on Wednesday. We said: "He just hadn't 
been himself for the last two weeks and we found him unable to get on his 
feet this morning. "He was very, very shaky and the decision was made for us 
really. It was the kindest thing to do.           
                                        
"It wasn't totally unexpected although that does not make it any less sad. he 
was a very, very brave old horse."     
                                        
"He was a very remarkable horse," said trainer Ginger McCain of racing legend 
Red Rum, who died on Wednesday. It was not only the three national wins - he 
was also second in the race twice, he won the Scottish equivalent and was 
second in the Hennessy.        
                                        
"He has done so many things since and has been with us for 23 years. he was  
very well loved in this household and there are tears all over the place.    
                                        
"It was always the intention to bury him on the winning line at Aintree.    
That is where he should be, it is very appropriate," added McCain.            
Red Rum's domination of the Grand National during the 1970s captured the 
imagination of the public and made him a household name.                      
He began his career on the flat when he dead-heated for first place in a    
selling race at Liverpool in 1967.     
                                        
He won two more races on the level, three over hurdles and five over fences
before being sent to the sales in 1972.
                                        
He fetched 6,000 guineas and travelled to Ginger McCain's Southport stables.  
Racing for new owner Noel le Mare, he showed much improved form and won his  
first Grand National in 1973.          

Red Rum's first Grand National win came in 1973 when he produced a storming  
finish to catch crisp in one of the most exciting of all Aintree climaxes. 
                                        
12 months later, and again partnered by Brian Fletcher, he carried 12 stones
to victory over l'Escargot.            
                                        
l'Escargot turned the tables in 1975, and Rag Trade beat him in 1976, but the
following year Red Rum - at the age of 12 - made an emotional return to the  
Liverpool winner's enclosure.          
                                        
He earned his place in the record books as the first horse to win three 
Grand Nationals when he beat Churchtown Boy. 
                                        
Tommy Stack, the jockey who rode Red Rum to the third of his Grand National 
victories, was among the first to pay tribute to the 30-year-old gelding who 
died on Wednesday.                     
                                        
He said: "I am sad to hear the news and feel particularly sorry for Ginger 
McCain. it will be a big loss for him. The National win was a great day for  
me but he was already an Aintree legend when I rode him."                      
Lester Piggott, who rode Red Rum on the flat in 1967, added his tribute,   
saying: "he was a racing institution and it is a very, very sad loss."  


My note: I lived in England during the time Red Rum was dominating Aintree, 
and can attest to his status as a national hero and household word, such as 
perhaps cannot be understood in the US. His win in 1977 was during the 
Queen's Jubilee year, and it was a very popular victory, and a memory I 
shall always cherish. Gallop on, old boy, and thanks for the memories.

Regards,
Neil    
                                        
Neil Stilwell

    Dateline: London, Mar 27, 1997
    
    Aldaniti, the horse that carried jockey Bob Champion (who had just fought
    off cancer) to victory in the 1981 Aintree Grand National, diedat the
    age of 27.
    
    Aldaniti had himself recovered from a series of injuries to win that
    day. His story was detailed in a biography titled (Strange as it may
    seem) "Aldaniti." After retirement, Aldaniti made many appearances 
    for cancer charities.
    
    Bob Champion is now a trainer. His biography was titled "Champion's
    Story" and was the basis of the film "Champions" (A real tear-jerker).
    
    It seems the only time this topic gets any attention is when an old 
    horse moves on to greener pastures.