1981 Grand National 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 chronic leg problems, and his jockey Bob Champion, who had recovered from cancer. Aldaniti's injuries dated back to 1976, while Champion had been diagnosed with testicular cancer in 1979. However, Aldaniti was nursed back to optimum form ahead of the race, and Champion overcame lengthy hospitalisation and chemotherapy to win the National by a distance of four lengths.
Graham Lee (jockey) with a daughter and a son, and lives in Bedale, North Yorkshire. <br>Grand National – WON : Amberleigh House, 2004. <br>Scottish Grand National – WON: Grey Abbey, 2004 <br> Cheltenham Festival Top Jockey – WON: 3 wins, 2005 <br>Cheltenham World Hurdle – WON: Inglis Drever, 2005 <br>Cheltenham Supreme Novices Hurdle – WON: Arcalis, 2005 <br>Steward's Cup – WON: Hawkeyethenoo, 2012 <br>Charlie Hall Chase – WON: Ballybough Rasher, 2003 <br>Irish Grand National – 2nd: Nine De Sivola, 2007 <br>Ryanair Chase – 2nd: Kalahari King, 2011 <br>Totesport Bowl – 4th: Calgary Bay, 2010 <br>Cheltenham Gold Cup – 5th: Grey Abbey, 2005 NH