Against All Odds His Potential Would Be Realised

Red Rum's association with Liverpool began long before his reign as arguably the most famous racehorse in Britain. As previously mentioned, as a two-year-old he made his debut at Aintree, ending in a dead-heat with Curlicue. This was however on the flat course at Aintree and not the famous National Hunt course we all know and love.

Interestingly, watching the race that day was none other than Ginger McCain, who’s name would be forever associated with the famous Red Rum.

Although Red Rum suffered with a debilitating bone disease in his foot, Ginger McCain saw the potential of the horse and felt it was a minor obstacle that could be overcome. For many horses and their trainers, this would mean the end of a racing career before it even began, but not Red Rum.

Ginger McCain trained Red Rum in the sand and shallow waters at Southport in Merseyside, not far from Liverpool. It is believed by many experts that this is the reason that Rummy was able to overcome his disability and race at an unprecedented world-class level.

History In The Making

Ginger McCain now believed that Red Rum was in his prime, and in 1973 the racing public saw Red Rum, benefiting from the training on the local Southport sands, winning what is considered the most exciting Grand National race of all time.

Having been at one stage more than 20 lengths adrift of the giant Australian horse Crisp, ridden by Richard Pitman, the great horse kept going, running the race to absolute perfection. With Crisp showing signs of tiring, Red Rum would steadily eat into his lead, and push on as they reached the famous elbow at Aintree.

Crisp was exhausted at this point, having lead the race from the start, but could only watch as Red Rum pipped him at the post to win a memorable race. This is perhaps the moment that signified Red Rum's destiny to become the famous race horse that he became.

And Rummy would repeat the feat the following year. In 1974's race, Red Rum was listed as third favourite at 11-1, however he secured his second Grand National with a near perfect run. By the Canal Turn second time round he was right up with the leaders and yet still on the bridle! With four fences left he had the lead and never lost it.

Winning the 1973 and 1974 meant that Red Rum was the first horse since Reynolds Town back in the 1930’s to win successive Grand Nationals, and at this stage the experts were predicting he was a famous race horse in the making.

In fact 1974 was arguably Red Rum’s best season, as in addition to winning his second Grand National at Aintree he landed the Scottish National as well, and only narrowly lost out to Red Candle in the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury.

Part Three of the story of Red Rum is here >

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