Rag Trade (1966–1978) was a British-bred

Thoroughbred The Thoroughbred is a list of horse breeds, horse breed developed for Thoroughbred racing, horse racing. Although the word ''thoroughbred'' is sometimes used to refer to any breed of purebred horse, it technically refers only to the Thorough ...

racehorse Horse racing is an equestrian performance activity, typically involving two or more horses ridden by jockeys (or sometimes driven without riders) over a set distance for competition. It is one of the most ancient of all sports, as its bas ...

who competed in

National Hunt racing National Hunt Racing, also known as Jump Racing, is a form of horse racing particular to many European countries, including, but not limited to: France, horse racing in Great Britain, Great Britain and horse racing in Ireland, Ireland. Jump Racin ...

. He is best known for winning the

1976 Grand National The 1976 Grand National (officially known as the ''News of the World'' Grand National for sponsorship reasons) was the 130th renewal of the Grand National horse race that took place at Aintree near Liverpool, England, on 3 April 1976. The ...

, denying

Red Rum Red Rum (3 May 1965 – 18 October 1995) was an Irish champion Thoroughbred steeplechaser. He achieved an unmatched historic treble when he won the Grand National in 1973, 1974 and 1977, and also came second in the two intervening years, 1 ...

a third victory.

Background

Sired in Ireland by Menelek out of The Rage, Rag Trade was bred by Ian Williams, the son of Evan Williams who had won the 1937 Grand National on Royal Mail.

Racing career

Rag Trade's first trainer was George Fairbairn but by the time he was nine years old his racing record was poor, having only won two races. Due to this he was put up for sale in 1975 and was bought by Pierre Raymond Bessone for 18,000 guineas, in a public auction at Doncaster. Bessone later sold two 25% shares in the horse to businessmen William Lawrie and Herbert Keane. With trainer Arthur Pitt the horse ran the

1975 Grand National The 1975 Grand National (officially known as the ''News of the World'' Grand National for sponsorship reasons) was the 129th renewal of the Grand National horse race that took place at Aintree near Liverpool, England, on 5 April 1975. The ...

under up-and-coming jockey

John Francome John Francome (born 13 December 1952) is a retired seven-time British Champion jump jockey. He was previously a racing trainer and broadcaster with Channel 4, and is an author. Racing career Francome first rode a pony called Black Beauty at ...

. However, the lack of preparation was evident and Rag Trade could only finish in tenth place. However, following the National Rag Trade quickly improved and three weeks later he won the Midlands Grand National at Uttoexeter before he was sent to trainer

Fred Rimell Thomas Frederic Rimell (24 June 1913 – 12 July 1981), better known as Fred Rimell, was a British champion National Hunt racing jockey and horse trainer. He was champion jockey three times and leading trainer five times. Rimell was the f ...

at his Kinnersley stables. With Rimell as trainer and under stable jockey John Burke, Rag Trade had a successful 1976 with five wins including the

Welsh Grand National The Coral Welsh Grand National is a Premier Handicap National Hunt steeplechase in Great Britain which is open to horses aged four years or older. It is run at Chepstow, Wales, over a distance of ...

at Chepstow. This good start to the year saw Rag Trade start the

in great form with odds of 14-1 but a huge challenge of stopping the formidable

. Rag Trade started the race well but was in contention for the lead with four other horses approaching the last fence. Red Rum was leading with Rag Trade close behind but Rag Trade accelerated to gain a four-length advantage over the heavier Red Rum. Rag Trade held this lead to the finish to win the race. Rag Trade ran in the 1978 Grand National under new trainer George Fairbairn and jockey Jonjo O'Neill. He started the race as 8/1 favourite but pulled up lame during the second circuit before fence 22, after which he was euthanised.

Grand National record

Pedigree

References

{{reflist 1966 racehorse births Racehorses bred in the United Kingdom Racehorses trained in the United Kingdom Grand National winners 1978 racehorse deaths