Red Rum

For murder spelt backwards, see Redrum.

Red Rum (bay gelding, May 3, 1965–October 18, 1995. Sire: Quorum, dam: Mared) was a racehorse who achieved an unmatched historic treble when he won the Grand National in 1973, 1974 and 1977. He came second in 1975 and 1976. In his first two victories, he was ridden by Brian Fletcher. However in 1975, when L'Escargot was victorious, Fletcher was blamed for costing him victory by holding him back. In 1976 Tommy Stack replaced Fletcher, but was held off by Rag Trade. The following year Stack rode him to his triumphant third Grand National, considered one of the greatest moments in British sporting history. Not surprisingly, Red Rum became the country's best known and most loved racehorse.

"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. A memorable children's story about his life was penned by Christine Pemberton. He also helped open the 'Steeplechase' ride at Blackpool Pleasure Beach in 1977.

Red Rum was bred at Rossenarra Stud in Kells, County Kilkenny, Ireland by Martyn Molony and started off in life running in cheap races as a sprinter. After being passed from training yard to training yard, he found his footing when Liverpool car dealer Ginger McCain bought him for his client Noel Le Mare and famously trained the horse on the sands at Southport, Lancashire.

McCain, who also won the Grand National in 2004 with Amberleigh House, took Red Rum for a therapeutic swim in the sea off Southport before every Grand National. Red Rum suffered most of his life from a debilitating, incurable bone disease in his foot but it could not defeat his courage.

Fittingly, Rummy is buried at the finishing line of the Aintree race course which is still a destination for his fans today.

External links

[Red Rum's pedigree]

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