Summary: In 1981, the Grand National was won by a horse named Aldaniti and his rider Bob Champion, who had both overcome incredible odds to even compete. The victory was a heartwarming moment and a testament to the power of perseverance. However, the race also had its share of controversy and tragedy, as several horses fell and were injured or killed on the treacherous Aintree course.

1. The Comeback of Aldaniti and Bob Champion

Aldaniti was a talented horse with a bright future ahead of him, but in 1979, he suffered a serious leg injury that threatened to end his career. His trainer, Josh Gifford, believed that there was a chance Aldaniti could recover and return to racing, and he enlisted jockey Bob Champion to help with the horse’s rehabilitation.

Champion was facing a challenge of his own: he had been diagnosed with testicular cancer and was undergoing grueling treatment that left him weak and exhausted. But he was determined to ride Aldaniti in the Grand National, and the prospect of the race gave him something to focus on besides his illness.

Together, Aldaniti and Champion worked their way back to health and fitness. They faced setbacks and hurdles, but they persevered, and in 1981, they lined up at Aintree for the biggest race of their lives.

2. The Tragedy of the Felled Horses

The Grand National is known for being one of the toughest races in the world, with a grueling course that requires horses to jump over 30 obstacles over a distance of more than four miles. Inevitably, accidents can happen, and in 1981, several horses took falls that would ultimately prove fatal.

One of the early casualties was The Tsarevich, who fell at the ninth fence and was put down due to a broken pelvis. Later in the race, three more horses would suffer fatal injuries: Ebony Jane, whose leg was broken at the 20th fence; Zongalero, who broke a hind leg at the 25th fence; and Brown Chamberlain, who fell fatally at the 26th fence.

The deaths of these horses cast a shadow over the 1981 Grand National and highlighted the risks involved in horse racing. In response, changes were made to the course to make it safer for both horses and riders.

3. The Controversy of John Francome’s Withdrawal

Another incident that overshadowed the 1981 Grand National was the controversial withdrawal of jockey John Francome from the race. Francome had been due to ride the highly-fancied mare, Rymplee, but he pulled out at the last minute, citing health concerns.

The decision was met with suspicion by some, who believed that Francome had been pressured into withdrawing by the mare’s owner, who had put a large bet on another horse. However, there was no evidence of any wrongdoing, and Francome himself denied any impropriety.

The incident highlighted the high-stakes world of horse racing and the potential for conflicts of interest to arise.

4. The Thrilling Finish of Aldaniti’s Victory

Despite the controversies and tragedies surrounding the 1981 Grand National, the race will always be remembered for one triumphant moment: Aldaniti and Bob Champion crossing the finish line in first place.

It was a thrilling finish, with Aldaniti holding off a late challenge from Spartan Missile to win by four lengths. The victory was a testament to the incredible teamwork and determination of horse and rider, and it was greeted with joy by the crowd at Aintree and millions watching around the world.

For Champion, the victory was an emotional moment, as it symbolized his own personal triumph over cancer. Together, he and Aldaniti had proved that anything is possible with hard work and perseverance.

Conclusion:

The 1981 Grand National was a race that encapsulated both the highs and lows of horse racing. It was a triumph for Aldaniti, Bob Champion, and everyone involved in their comeback story, but it was also a reminder of the risks and tragedies that can occur on the course. The controversies surrounding the race added another layer of drama to the proceedings, underscoring the high stakes involved in the sport. Ultimately, though, it was the exhilarating finish of Aldaniti’s victory that will always be remembered as one of the most heartwarming moments in the history of the Grand National.