7/24/13 - After three wins in the race and two runner-up finishes, Red Rum stills holds the record as the most successful horse in the history of the Grand National.

Ginger’s McCain’s runner has a statue at Aintree in his honour and is buried near the finish line of his memorable successes that led him to inherit the crown as the people’s champion and as one of the most famous horses of all time.

It all started for ‘Rummy’ in 1974 when he lined up in the Grand National for the opening time over the bigger obstacles. He managed to overcome Australian star chaser, Crisp, to win the first of his three crowns.

At the time, it was the fastest time in the record of the race as he took advantage of the weight to beat the overseas contender up the run in at Aintree at odds of 9/1 joint favourite in the betting.

His victory 12 months later in 1974 was arguably more impressive as he did so carrying 12 stone. That year was also historic as just a couple of weeks later he lined up at Ayr to complete the double of nationals by winning the Scottish equivalent.

Two second place finishes in the Grand National in 1975 and 1976 followed as he kept up his tremendous record in the race, despite having to carry a huge amount of weight.

It looked as though his hat-trick of wins was going to elude him but he did get it in his final attempt in 1977 when Tommy Stack this time rode him to victory over 4m4f at Aintree. That proved to be his last appearance, as he delighted punters who had backed him at odds of 9/1 for the Grand National.