My love letter to Red Rum

His true significance

Growing up, long before I was an avid racing fan, Red Rum was one of those horses that it felt like the entire world had heard of. I remember my Dad telling me at an early age “There will never be another Rummy”. However, it wasn’t until I was a bit older and I started to have a real interest in the sport, that I realised the true significance of what Red Rum had achieved and what my Dad really meant.

You see, without sounding too cheesy or cliché, Red Rum really was more than just a race horse. Ultimately, he was the saviour that put a stop to the demise of one of the most spectated sporting events in the world: The Grand National. He prevented Aintree Racecourse from permanently closing, which ensured that future generations could not only continue to enjoy their Grand Nationals, but every other race meeting held throughout Aintree’s calendar year. This is without mentioning the array of other equine, entertainment and corporate events held at the venue annually. My younger sister even had her school prom at the course. And, lest we forget, in 1988, 11 years after Red Rum’s final triumph, and at the height of his fame, a 29-year-old Michael Jackson stepped out on stage and played to a jam-packed Aintree crowd – I’m not sure it gets much cooler than that?

All of this because of one, single horse.

So, how did Red Rum save The Grand National and Aintree? In the 1960’s and early 70’s the course was on its uppers and was facing imminent closure. The course needed a miracle, a hero. Well, it got one. Red Rum captured the heart of the nation and propelled people back through Aintree’s doors. He took The Grand National to new heights and put National Hunt racing back on the UK’s map. His popularity and success grew, and grew and by the time he had won his final race, his face was on playing cards, mugs, posters, paintings, whisky bottles, plates and jigsaw puzzles. Several books had been written about him, and he even had his own song.

Red Rum had become somewhat of a national celebrity and The Grand National and Aintree Racecourse had been rescued.

Facts and stats

• He won 3 Grand Nationals in 1973, 1974 & 1977.
• He came 2nd in the two intervening years in 1975 & 1976.
• He also won the Scottish Grand National in 1974 – making him the only ever horse to win both The Grand National and The Scottish National in the same season.
• He raced 100 times in total, he won 24 races and was placed 15 times.
• He didn’t fall once, in his entire career. Quite astonishing.
• He was originally aimed at being a sprinter – until he was purchased and went to Donald “Ginger” McCain’s yard, who dreamt of training a Grand National-winning horse.
• He was healed by the Irish Sea – Red Rum suffered from pedal osteitis, a crippling bone disease that was thought to be incurable. McCain noticed that many of his horses recovered from similar conditions when toiling on the soft Southport sands. Therefore, Red Rum was run frequently (quite often the morning before a race) in the beach’s shallow waters.
• He made numerous public appearances, opening supermarkets, bookmakers and annually lead the Grand National parade for many years.
• He was very busy in 1977 – not only did he win his third Grand National, but he also helped to open the Steeplechase rollercoaster at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, and partook in switching on the Blackpool Illuminations later that year. On top of this he appeared on the BBC Sports Personality of the Year and calmly walked out on stage after pricking his ears when he heard the voice of Tommy Stack. I’m not making this up, I promise!
• He is buried by the winning post at Aintree Racecourse (see image below).

On a personal note

Being raised in the town of Formby, almost equal distance from both Aintree Racecourse and the Southport suburb of Birkdale, where Ginger McCain historically trained Red Rum behind the back of his second-hand car showroom, Red Rum will always hold an extra special place in my heart.

The horse has ensured that my Dad and I have enjoyed and will continue to enjoy many pleasant afternoons at Aintree together and for that I will be eternally grateful.

To me and for many others in the area, he is Sefton’s (the Merseyside borough) greatest ever success story. This can be seen with the various tributes scattered around the area. He even once had a fire engine named after him at Southport Fire Station. Personally, I still smile to myself every time I see the “Red Rum” plaque on a certain Merseyrail train.

Note: Select an image to view a larger version.

Will his Grand National feat ever be matched?

The short answer is no, or at least it’s incredibly unlikely. What Red Rum achieved was deemed beyond the realms of the possible. Even with the recent success of Tiger Roll winning back-to-back Grand Nationals, it still falls a long way short of Rummy’s triumph.

Will another horse have such an impact by saving not only an iconic race, but an iconic racecourse? Again, it’s unlikely.

In the words of the most successful champion jump jockey of all-time, Tony McCoy:

“Red Rum’s feats, of three Nationals and two seconds, are legendary. They will never be equalled, let alone surpassed. They say records are there to be broken, but Red Rum’s at Aintree is one which will stand the test of time.”

“They’re willing him home now!”

I will leave you with this piece of Peter O’Sullevan’s famous commentary from the 1977 Grand National – and Red Rum’s third victory, at the grand old age of 12. I feel like it really captures the essence of the crowd that day and what Red Rum meant (and still means) to racing fans and the people of Merseyside.

“They’re willing him home now! The 12-year-old Red Rum, being preceded only by loose horses, being chased by Churchtown Boy… They’re coming to the elbow, just a furlong now between Red Rum and his third Grand National triumph! It’s hats off and a tremendous reception, you’ve never heard one like it at Liverpool… and Red Rum wins the National!”

Final thought

Thank you Rummy. What you achieved, propelled, saved and rescued will never, ever be forgotten. You truly were one of a kind.