Betting
AINTREE REWIND – Richard Guest and Red Marauder win the 2001 Grand National
On Richard Guest’s 56th Birthday, we take a look back on one of his finest hours at Aintree.
To celebrate Richard Guest turning 56, we take a look back at one of his biggest successes in the saddle – on board Red Marauder in the 2001 Grand National at Aintree.
The 2001 renewal of the world’s greatest steeplechase is considered to be quite infamous – due to the tough conditions and the fact that only four of the 40 runners made it home.
Trained by Norman Mason, the gelding made several mistakes in the opening stages but he composed himself and joined the leaders at the 16th fence.
He found himself in the lead when Beau unseated his rider at the 20th fence, with only Mark Pitman’s Smarty in touching distance of the leader.
His rival pushed in front with four fences remaining, but Red Marauder kept pushing on and he took the lead on the home bend.
The 11-year-old cruised away from his opponent and charged through the Elbow to claim a 30-length success in the 4m4f contest.
Smarty claimed second, while Martin Pipe’s Blowing Wind and Ted Walsh’s Papillon claimed a distance third and fourth.
Red Marauder would only run once more after the contest, competing in a 3m Handicap Chase at Newcastle almost two years later before being retired.
