1987 Grand National Tip's challenge faded. The Tsarevich briefly looked the more likely but never headed Maori venture who gradually opened up a winning lead, The Tsarevich was second, Leanar Aghaidh third and West Tip fourth. For the first time since 1978, three time Champion, Red Rum did not lead the parade of runners. Owner, Ginger McCain explained that the twenty-two-year-old horse had a problem with his off hind leg that could result in injury if the horse was risked on the course 1981 Grand National winner Aldaniti and his rider in victory Bob Champion instead galloped in front of the stands before
Grand National was passed fit to ride in the Grand National. He rode Aldaniti, a horse deprived in its youth and which had only recently recovered from chronic leg problems. Despite a poor start, the pair went on to win four-and-a-half lengths ahead of the much-fancied Spartan Missile, ridden by amateur jockey and 54-year-old grandfather John Thorne. Champion and Aldaniti were instantly propelled to celebrity status, and within two years, their story had been re-created in the film "Champions", starring John Hurt. From 1984 to 1991, Seagram sponsored the Grand National. The Canadian distiller provided a solid foundation on which the race's