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Advent Calendar #24 – 1981 Grand National
My advent countdown of the favourite races of my life reaches the end with possibly the greatest story of all. I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy…
Merry Christmas – Sea Pigeon 1981 Champion Hurdle
Here’s a bonus race, simply because I couldn’t decide what the last advent calendar post should be. You can choose from this and tomorrow’s option. The 1981 Champion Hurdle confirmed…
Advent Calendar #23 – 1986 King George VI Chase
The 1986 King George VI Chase at Kempton marked the moment Desert Orchid truly announced himself as a champion of the highest class. Already adored for his flamboyant white-grey appearance…
Advent Calendar #22 – 1990 Breeders Cup Mile
The 1990 Breeders’ Cup Mile provided one of the most stirring moments in international racing when Royal Academy, ridden by the legendary Lester Piggott, stormed to victory at Belmont Park.…
Advent Calendar #21 – 1983 Cheltenham Gold Cup
The 1983 Cheltenham Gold Cup remains one of the most extraordinary and poignant chapters in National Hunt history, remembered forever as “Dickinson’s Famous Five.” Trained by the meticulous and visionary…
Advent Calendar #20 – 1984 Whitbread Gold Cup
The 1984 Whitbread Gold Cup at Sandown produced one of the most dramatic finishes in steeplechase history, won with immense courage by Special Cargo. Trained by the legendary Fulke Walwyn,…
Advent Calendar #19 – 1977 Grand National
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…
Advent Calendar #18 – 1977 Templegate Hurdle
The 1977 Templegate Hurdle at Aintree produced one of the most memorable finishes ever seen over timber when Monksfield and Night Nurse couldn’t be separated in a dramatic dead heat.…
Advent Calendar #17 – 1991 Welsh Grand National
The 1991 Coral Welsh Grand National at Chepstow on Saturday 21 December 1991 was run in attritional winter ground and demanded stamina above all else. It produced a commanding winner…
Advent Calendar #16 – 1989 Victor Chandler Chase
The 1989 Victor Chandler Chase at Ascot showcased Desert Orchid at his electrifying, untouchable best. Already a folk hero for his white-grey flamboyance and fearless jumping, “Dessie” had spent most…
Advent Calendar #15 – 1977 Derby
The 1977 Derby Stakes at Epsom delivered a gripping, almost chaotic renewal that crowned The Minstrel as a colt of outstanding courage. Trained by Vincent O’Brien and ridden by Lester…
Advent Calendar #14 – 1973 Grand National
The 1973 Grand National is remembered not just as a great race, but as a defining moment in the legend of Red Rum. Trained by Ginger McCain, the bay gelding…
Advent Calendar #13 – 1993 Cheltenham Gold Cup
The 1993 Cheltenham Gold Cup produced a hugely popular winner in Jodami, the big, powerful chaser trained in the north by Peter Beaumont at his tiny North Yorkshire yard. A…
Advent Calendar #12 – 1986 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe
The 1986 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe delivered a gripping thriller that crowned Dancing Brave as one of the greatest racehorses of the modern era. Trained by Guy Harwood and…
Advent Calendar #11 – 1984 2000 Guineas
The 1984 2000 Guineas produced a classic in every sense when El Gran Senor announced himself as a superstar with a performance of rare elegance and authority. Trained by Vincent…
Advent Calendar #10 – 1994 Champion Chase
The 1994 Queen Mother Champion Chase showcased the explosive brilliance of Viking Flagship, a horse whose raw pace, aggression and iron will made him one of the outstanding chasers of…
Advent Calendar #9 – 1975 King George and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes
The 1975 King George & Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes is widely remembered as the race of the century, a titanic duel between two outstanding middle-distance horses: Grundy, the brilliant Derby…
Advent Calendar #8 – 1985 Derby
Slip Anchor produced one of the most devastating Epsom Derby performances of the modern era when he stormed to victory in 1985. Trained by Sir Henry Cecil for Lord Howard…
Advent Calendar #7 – 1983 Grand National
The 1983 Grand National delivered one of Aintree’s great milestones when Corbiere, trained by Jenny Pitman, powered through the rain and mud to give the race its first winning female…