National Heroes: Aintree Legend - Softcover

Green, Reg

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1840181338 ISBN 13: 9781840181333

Publisher: Mainstream Publishing, 1999

Synopsis

All the magic and excitement of the world's greatest steeplechase are vividly portrayed in Reg Green's stories of the stars - both human and equine - who have done so much to give the Grand National its huge appeal. From Lottery's win in the first race in 1839 to the present day, there have been great stories associated with the Grand National. Who was Captain Becher whose name lives on in Becher's Brook? Just what happened to Dick Francis and Devon Loch in the closing stages of the 1956 race? What was the secret behind Red Rum and Ginger McCain's incredible three National wins? And how did Bob Champion and Aldaniti bring off one of the most emotional finishes in the history of the race?

About this title

Review:

In National Heroes, acknowledged Grand National authority Reg Green takes a look at the world's greatest steeplechase, from its beginnings in1839 to the present day.

From the first winner Lottery, who took the title when Queen Victoria had been on the throne only two years, through Red Rum's three famous victories, to the dramatic scenes in 1997 when coded telephone calls from IRA brought the biggest meeting of the year to a premature halt, every moment of Grand National history until 1998 is recorded.

More than a race, the Grand National is a truly national event, when even the most cautious among us can be persuaded to wager a bet. With detailed information on all the favourites, odds and winnings of many of the races, this may at first seem one for the true enthusiast, but Green's accessible style and obvious enthusiasm for his subject open it to anyone who has ever had a flutter.

Champion jockey Richard Dunwoody's foreword is all the recommendation the book needs:

In this splendid book Reg Green has perfectly captured the anguish and joy which is inseperable from the race's colourful and unpredictable history.

A great reference book, but above all, an enjoyable read.

Synopsis:

This is an account of the stars - both equine and human - who have given the world's greatest steeplechase, the Grand National, its huge appeal. From Lottery's win in the first race in 1839 to the present day there have been great stories associated with the race. Who was Captain Becher whose name lives on in Becher's Brook? Just what happened to Dick Francis and Devon Loch in the closing stages of the 1956 race? What was the secret behind Red Rum and Ginger McCain's incredible three National wins? How did Bob Champion and Aldaniti bring off one of the most emotional finishes in the history of the race? These are just a few of the stories from Reg Green's book. He recalls the three successive wins of Vincent O'Brien, the achievement of Jenny Pitman in training winners Corbiere and Royal Athlete and the late Fred Rimmel who trained an incredible four National winners. The redoubtable Mrs Topham whose family were associated with the race for over a century is recalled and so is the eccentric Dorothy Paget, owner of the great Golden Miller.

The dramatic events of 1997 when a bomb scare led to the postponement of the race and which brought the Aintree spirit to the fore are portrayed in this tribute to a unique sporting event.

About this edition

• Publisher: Mainstream Publishing
• Publication date: 1999
• ISBN 10: 1840181338
• ISBN 13: 9781840181333
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 224