When you think of the Grand National, Red Rum is normally the first name that springs to mind.
The three-time winner has cemented his place amongst the Pantheon horse racing greats since his first win in 1973. Red Rum went on to win two more titles before retiring in 1978.
Trained by former car salesman Ginger McCain, Red Rum would often be seen galloping along the beaches of Southport. Even after his last race, Red Rum was a familiar figure around Merseyside, whether it be back at Aintree enjoying the attention, or just playing the celebrity guest at local events.
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His name is synonymous with the history of the world's greatest race but how did he come to have one of the most well-known monikers in sporting history?
Why was Red Rum called Red Rum?
There have been many theories about how Red Rum was given his name. One of the most popular is that it spells murder backwards. However, the answer lies a little closer to home.
Born at 6pm on May 3 1965 at the Rossenarra Stud in County Kilkenny in Ireland, his pedigree was more about speed than stamina. His sire, Quorum, had been a decent horse and won six races as well as finishing second in the 2,000 Guineas. But his mare Mared had been quirky and troublesome on the track.
It was hardly a union of racing royalty but their colt was to rise to the top from humble beginnings. Breeder Martyn McEnery used the last three letters of the sire and dam’s name to make up Red Rum and one of the most famous names in sporting history was born.
Red Rum’s last title at the Grand National came in 1977 and was now 12 years old, quite possibly too old in the eyes of many. But Ginger McCain had other ideas.
Red Rum was on top form, his training honed to perfection, and once he had taken the lead at Becher’s Brook he romped ahead under jockey Tommy Stack to win by a convincing 25 lengths.
He was to remain an honoured guest at Aintree for years to come, leading the parade every year right up to the 1990s. The end came after a stroke at the ripe old age of 30 in 1995. He is buried where belongs, at Aintree racecourse, with his head facing the winning post.
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