Aintree race course is one of the most legendary racecourses in the country and is sited on the A59 at Ormskirk Road, Aintree (Liverpool) in the northern outer edge of Liverpool, just six miles from the metropolitan centre. The race course occupies 250 acres and has two left-handed racing tracks. The first, the Mildmay Course is rectangular and opened in 1953. It is nearly one and a half miles in length, with sharp turns and chase jumps. The John Smiths Grand National race isn’t as sharp as the Mildmay course but is much more severe which is why it is known as one of the hardest races in the world – one which all horse trainers would wish to secure entry to. The
John Smiths Grand National course is far longer than the Mildmay at more or less two and a quarter miles, and is completely flat, with jumps that have a decline on the landing side lesser than the take-off side.

William Lynn is the chap accountable for bringing racing to the community of Aintree. Lynn was the landholder of the Waterloo Lodge, and created racing on the land which he leased from the Earl of Sefton. The main stand started being built in 1829 and after five months the first appointment for Flat races was held. They didn’t start hurdle steeple chase racing until 1836, when the first Liverpool Grand Steeplechase was held at Aintree on February 29th. This race was recognised by some as being the first ever John Smiths Grand National and was won by The Duke, ridden by Captain Martin Becher. However, the more renowned Liverpool Grand Steeplechase of 1839 is celebrated as the first, and was won by Lottery, ridden by Jem Mason. The steeplechase of 1839 was a four miler, across country, and the directive was that no rider to open a gate or ride through a opening, or more than 100 yards along any road, causeway or driftway.

The race course was handed over to the War Office in 1915, and after the 1940 National it was again taken over by the war office. Steeple chase racing resumed in 1946 and in 1949 the race course was bought by Messrs Topham Ltd; who had leased the property for almost a century; from the Earl of Sefton for 275,000. Mirabel Topham, an innovative soul, went on to create the Mildmay course and a racing car circuit which held the European Grand Prix and five British Grand Prix.

Bill Davies bought the race course in 1973 for 3 million and in 1975 Ladbrokes saved the John Smiths Grand National, which was in jeopardy of disappearing, by running and administering it for 7 years at a yearly rent of 250,000. In 1983 the race course was deemed secure when the Jockey Club bought it.

Aintree is now more fit for purpose with transport links greatly improved. In the start it had been accessed by rail and paddleboat, but now it is reached by car, coach or air. There is a 6 acre field for landing by copter or the John Lennon airfield 20 minutes drive away, meaning that those both home and abroad can share in the celebrations.

Red Rum had a flat racing pedigree, making him more genetically suited to racing short, straight distances. However, Rummy’s true talent came out in steeplechases. His power, speed and jumping ability carried him to his first Grand National title in 1973.

The very next year, Red Rum returned to take his second title. He was the first horse to take consecutive firsts since Reynoldstown in 1935-1936. Red Rum’s spirit and grace had already begun to charm the leagues of Grand National fans.
In the following two years, Red Rum lost out on the title, coming in second both times. When he returned in 1977 to try again, he was largely regarded as past his prime. He was 12 years old and not expected to place highly.

He surprised sporting fans around the world when he came in a remarkable 25 lengths ahead of the nearest horse, taking his third Grand National win. To this day, Red Rum’s third win is known as one of the greatest moments in horse racing history.

Red Rum’s career included many wins other than his Grand National Victories. Most notably, he won the Scottish Grand National just three weeks after his 1973 Grand National win. To date, he is the only horse to have taken first in both races consecutively.

Red Rum was headed for the Grand National once again in 1978 but suffered a hairline fracture in one of his heels shortly before the race. He was retired soon after, but his public life and fame by no means diminished with the end of his career. Red Rum was a national celebrity by this time and traveled all over the country for various engagements. He often led pre-race parades at Aintree and was a popular guest at charity benefits and public events.

When Red Rum died on October 18, 1995, his remains were lovingly buried at the winning post at Aintree Racecourse. Ginger McCain, the trainer who led this remarkable horse to his life of victory, said that the burial place was perfect. He reported that he was comforted by the thought of all future winning horses racing over Red Rum on the way to their own victories.