40 years ago today

One of my earliest memories, Truncheon, and you're right about the best moment in racing. The sunny day; the commentary; the drama of Andy Pandy coming down at Bechers; the way Red Rum inevitably wore down the field to win very easily in the end. It was fate in the end.
 
I'll never tire of watching that. My Dad put my first bet on for me on Crisp. My Grandfather being a point to point trainer started my interest in horses, and this National, and the drama of the race was the day I fell in love with the sport.
 
As brilliant a race as it was [Red Rum's third National], I have to say Ben Nevis's edges it for me as I had so much riding on it.
 
The Captain's riding instructions to Charlie Fenwick, 'Keep remounting'. Charlie (and Graham Thorner) once helped free my car from the mud-heap that was the Towcester car park. Given that Andy Pandy would have won the 77 National by almost as far as Ten Plus would have won Dessie's Gold Cup, I'd have Aldaniti as my best National story. Recovery from illness and injury in the winning combination, John Thorne on Spartan Missile and, in as late an after-time as you'll see, my backing the first three home in combination dual forecasts.
 
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Seems fairly safe as half the people on here weren't born then. On reflection, Forster might have been advising Hywel Davies aboard Last Suspect but, as a creature of habit, he probably said it before every National.
 
Didn't Graham Thorner say he was prepared to come out of retirement to ride Ben Nevis if Charlie Fenwick couldn't make it?
 
edgt said:
What about the previous race when Night Nurse and Monksfield duelled to a dead heat ?As a racing spectacle that race had it all.
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That Templegate Hurdle was epic. And before that Skymas, dual Champion Chase winner from Northern Ireland, won the 2m chase.It was one of the greatest days of racing ever seen.
 
No matter how many times I see this, it always gives me goose bumps and makes me cry. A phenomenal, phenomenal horse. One of the greatest sporting achievements ever.
Lovely to hear the names of Andy Pandy, Churchtown Boy, The Pilgarlic et all also.
 
Im one of those in the camp who believe Spartan Missile would have won to the elbow with a proper jockey that year.
 
Have said it before on here, but cannot see any way in which Night Nurse dead-heated in that race. Up close to a head as they cross the line with the angle favouring Monksfield's side.
Apparently there was controversy after the race and photo finish equipment was added the next year. (Both details coming from youtube videos)
Not being old enough to remember it, but interested to hear if there was any hubbub on the day from those who were.

Crisp/Red Rum grand national, but L'Escargot hacking all over Red Rum in 75 is the classiest National performance I've seen (on video).
 
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