Grand National, Racing & Betting Stories
Over the years the Grand National and the sport of horse racing has thrown up some amazing stories. From the ship wreaked horse that swim ashore and raced at Aintree to the hero jockeys who risk life and limb to ride in the worlds greatest steeplechase, we have complied some of the most amazing stories about the Grand National, horse racing and betting ever told.
The Frankie Detorri Story
Frankie Detorri is easily recognised as the world’s most famous jockey – even people with no interest in horseracing know who he is – ask a random member of the public the name of a jockey and it is more than likely guaranteed that they will name Detorri, as his is the only jockey name they will know.
The 100-1 Shot Who Won The National
Liam Treadwell was the jockey who steered 100-1 rank outsider Mon Mome to Grand National victory in 2009. The race was Treadwells first Grand National ride and until the success at Aintree his career had no notable wins.
Red Rum ~ The Greatest Ever Grand National Horse
Red Rum had a flat racing pedigree, making him more genetically suited to racing short, straight distances. However, Rummy's true talent came out in steeplechases. His power, speed and jumping ability carried him to his first Grand National title in 1973.
The Bob Champion Story
In 1979, Bob Champion was diagnosed with testicular cancer. In true Champion fashion, Bob refused to believe that his doctors were correct. He stubbornly insisted that there was a mistake in the diagnosis.
The diagnosis wasn't wrong. Doctors gave Champion a maximum of eight months to live, with only a 40 percent chance of survival. Things looked grim, but he was given a second chance.
Trainer Sir Michael Stoute
Stoute was born in Barbados and it was there that he developed his love for horses, and was regularly found at his local racecourse Garrison Savannah. He moved to England at the age of nineteen and started off as an apprentice to the trainer Pat Rohan in Malton.
Broadcast History Of The Grand National
1948 saw the first televised coverage from the Grand National, since then an average 12 million britons tune in each year to watch the BBC's coverage of the Grand National live from Aintree.
Read all about the history of televised coverage of the National in this new article.
