The 1979 Grand National saw a memorable victory for Scotland, but the race was marred by the tragic death of Gold Cup winner Alverton. Ayr and Alverton were the two support cards.
Daily Mirror – Saturday 31 March 1979 – Grand National Day
BySteve
31 March 2026
Racing Mirror 31-03-79
BySteve
Steve Bradley is the man behind this project, an unashamedly nostalgic website dedicated to horse racing’s golden days of the past. On this site he shares vintage racecards, clippings and news stories plucked from the newspapers of the day. He is a devotee of horse racing’s halcyon days from the 1960s to the 1990s. Steve caught the racing bug as a small boy living near Catterick racecourse, where he was lucky enough to see the great Red Rum in action in the 1970s. He has undertaken private research commissions for various figures within the racing industry. Away from racing he enjoys watching sport, real ale, photography, books, music, films and vintage TV – particularly British. Comments are very welcome but please do not use this facility to criticise any jockeys or trainers - either living or deceased. This site is for pure nostalgia.