Aintree to honour eight Grand National legends
|
Eight Grand National greats are to be honoured in new awards launched by Aintree racecourse.
Five were selected by a public vote via the official Aintree website and three were nominated to be included in the Hall of Fame-style initiative. The eight legends are: Ginger McCain and Red Rum - Won the Grand National for a record three times in the 1970s and was second twice. Manifesto - Ran in the National eight times, finishing third on three occasions and fourth once, in addition to two victories. He was 16 when he last ran in the race, finishing unplaced in 1904. John Buckingham and Foinavon - Buckingham won the National on his first ride in the race when he guided 100-1 shot past fallen horses in famous pile-up at 23rd fence which now bears horse`s name. Jenny Pitman - First woman to train a Grand National winner when Corbiere won in 1983 and triumphed again with Royal Athlete 12 years later. Sir Peter O`Sullevan - The `Voice of Racing`, who is now aged 92, commentated on 50 Grand Nationals for the BBC. His charitable trust raises money for the protection of horses. PANEL NOMINATIONS Edward Topham - Took over the management of Aintree racecourse in the mid-19th century and his family dynasty remained in control through three generations for 125 years. George Stevens - Jockey won the race five times from 1856 to 1870. His final dramatic victory was on The Colonel who gunned down The Doctor by a neck in a thrilling finish. Captain Martin Becher - A leading 19th century jockey, he was famous for once falling into the brook, with which is name is now associated as the famous Becher`s Brook. |
|