AlliedEquine

One in a while a horse comes along that captures the public imagination, and makes the hair stand up on the back of your neck. One of these legends was Red Rum.  Red Rum is the only horse in the history of the Grand National to win the race three times and on the two occasions that he ran and did not win he came second. 

Like all amazing horses, Red Rum had a sheer will and determination to win, and he also had exceptional longevity, winning the Grand National in 1977 at age 12.   He was so good, connections even entered him in the Grand National at age 14 and 15, but on both occasions, he was withdrawn ust prior to the race due to lameness. However it just shows how remarkable he was to be fit enough and strong enough even to compete at this age. Most racehorses have been retired for 7 or 8 years by the time they turn 15.

“Rummy” became a national celebrity, opening supermarkets and annually leading the Grand National parade. His likeness graced playing cards, mugs, posters, models, paintings, plates, and jigsaw puzzles. Several books have been written about Red Rum by his trainer, sculptor, jockeys, and the author Ivor Herbert.

 Red Rum died on October 18, 1995. He was buried at the winning post of the Aintree Racecourse which is still a destination for his fans today. The epitaph reads “Respect this place, this hallowed ground, a legend here, his rest has found, his feet would fly, our spirits soar, he earned our love for evermore”.

 SystemLays.co.uk will be following the 2008 closely. For form guides and free tips, visit the SystemLays.co.uk website.

You can also get Grand National Free Bets worth £25 at SystemLays.co.uk