1981 Grand National In second place was the 8/1 favourite, Spartan Missile, ridden by 54-year-old amateur jockey and grandfather John Thorne. The story of Bob Champion and Aldaniti was made into a film "Champions", with John Hurt portraying Champion. The film is based on Champion's book "Champion's Story", which he co-wrote with close friend and racing journalist and broadcaster Jonathan Powell. 1981 Grand National The 1981 Grand National was the 135th renewal of the Grand National horse race that took place at Aintree Racecourse near Liverpool, England, on 4 April 1981. It is remembered for the winning horse Aldaniti, who had recovered from
1925 Grand National fell on him. 1925 was the first year a tape, known then as a 'gate', was used at the start line. 1925 Grand National The 1925 Grand National was the 84th renewal of the world-famous Grand National horse race that took place at Aintree Racecourse near Liverpool, England, on 27 March 1925. The race was won by Double Chance, a 100/9 shot ridden by jockey Major John Wilson and trained by Fred Archer, Jr. for owner David Goold. Old Tay Bridge finished in second place, Fly Mask was third and future winner Sprig completed the course in fourth position. Thirty-three