It is a sad fact that although most people can remember the names of horses which win the Grand National, the identities of the men who rode them to their greatest victories are so often forgotten. Like the stories of the brave animals who conquer the mighty Aintree fences, those behind the jockeys who share their moments of glory are equally intriguing, involving many joyous occasions but often subsequently tinged with sadness. The outbreak of the Second World War brought the careers of many top-flight jockeys to an abrupt end in mainland Britain and, like millions of others, their lives would never be the same again. By the time peace was restored, a new generation of would-be champions were competing for prominence on the turf and those returning from the war had to struggle to find rides.Captain Bobby Petre celebrated his demobilisation in the best possible manner in bringing home Lovely Cottage in 1946. He was soon followed by another ex-soldier, Arthur Thompson, who had spent three years as a prisoner of war.
Then ex-paratrooper John Bullock, a veteran of Arnhem, guided Nickel Coin through the chaos of the 'all fall down' National to succeed - and for the first time the genius of Pat Taaffe was perfectly displayed on a day when the rain almost caused the race to be abandoned. Bobby Beasley emulates his grandfather's Grand National win 70 years on; Willie Robinson makes up for the disappointment of finishing second in the Derby by getting Team Spirit up in the final strides to win; an unheard-of John Buckingham and no-hoper Foinavon register the greatest shock success in the event; Brian Fletcher becomes only the second rider in the twentieth century to pilot three winners home, and 17 years after his father came close to winning the race, Maurice Barnes gained success with the only Scottish-trained victor to triumph. Who can forget that emotional occasion when Bob Champion and Aldaniti defied all the odds and inspired the world? Kings for a Day is an inspiring collection of the trials, tribulations and triumphs that have made up the history of the Grand National.
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Transworld Publishers Ltd
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ISBN-13
978-1-84018-679-6 (9781840186796)
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Schweitzer Klassifikation
Reg Green is the official historian and researcher for Aintree race course. He has published a selection of books on horse racing A Race Apart, History of The Grand National, Red Rum, National Heroes and Aintree's Official Illustrated History of the Grand National. He has also contributed articles to the Liverpool Echo, Irish Field, Radio Times and the Racing Post. He lives in Merseyside.
