Champions (1984 film) Champions (1984 film) Champions is a 1984 film based on the true story of jockey Bob Champion. It is directed by John Irvin, produced by Peter Shaw, written by Evan Jones, and stars John Hurt, Edward Woodward and Jan Francis. The film is based on the true story of Bob Champion (portrayed by John Hurt), who was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 1979. After treatment with an operation to remove the diseased testicle and chemotherapy, Champion recovered and went on to win the 1981 Grand National on Aldaniti. In 1984, John Irvin was nominated for a Golden Bear Award at
David Mullins (jockey) Grand National at only his first attempt, giving a patient ride to Rule The World, a horse which had never previously won a steeplechase. He became one of the youngest jockeys ever to win the race and declared: →"It's a weird feeling, you don't really believe it" →"I beat Faugheen on Nichols Canyon but I think this tops that". The only younger jockey to claim the Grand National was the 17-year-old Bruce Hobbs back in 1938. David Mullins (jockey) David James Mullins (born 6 June 1996) is a National Hunt jockey. He is the son of Tom Mullins and grandson