The 1977 Grand National marked the crowning moment of Red Rum’s extraordinary career, as the veteran chaser became the only three-time winner of Aintree’s greatest race. Trained by Ginger McCain and ridden by Tommy Stack, the twelve-year-old arrived carrying not just weight, but history.
The race unfolded at a searching gallop, with Red Rum jumping with the accuracy and economy that had defined his career. Always well placed, Stack rode with quiet confidence, avoiding the early carnage that thinned the 42-strong field considerably. As the field set out on the second circuit, Red Rum’s experience came to the fore, his safe jumping keeping him out of trouble as chaos unfolded ahead. The long time leader, Boom Docker, dug his heels in at the 17th, leaving Andy Pandy in a clear lead, but he capsized on landing at Becher’s Brook when looking the likely winner, leaving Red Rum in front of the Topham winner, Churchtown Boy, who appeared to be the only threat.
As the 12-year-old Red Rum, ridden by Tommy Stack, approached the finish line clear of the field, Peter O’Sullevan delivered the immortal lines:
“There’s a furlong between Red Rum and his third Grand National triumph… He’s coming up to the line to win it like a fresh horse, in great style. It’s hats off and a tremendous reception… You’ve never heard one like it at Liverpool. Red Rum wins the National.”
Turning for home, the familiar sight emerged: Red Rum still travelling, still responding. When Stack asked him to quicken after the last, the old warrior found more than enough, pulling clear to beat Churchtown Boy by 25 lengths amid a tumultous reception from the Liverpool crowd.
It was a triumph that transcended sport. Four years after his first win, Red Rum entered the realms of steeplechasing immortality.Here was a horse of courage, resilience and unmatched longevity. Simply the greatest steeplechaser Aintree has ever known.
