Carlisle is set to welcome steeplechasing royalty on Thursday as the Cumbrian racecourse pays tribute to the world famous feats of Red Rum.
No fewer than six trainers with Grand National winners to their name have entered runners for the seven-race jumps meeting.
Thursday October 13th has been declared Red Rum Day as Carlisle Racecourse celebrates the 40th anniversary of the legendary steeplechaser’s final victory in Cumbria in 1976.
Red Rum prepared for each of his famous Grand National victories by winning at Carlisle’s first autumn meeting of the season.
Donald McCain – whose father Ginger trained the great Red Rum and was himself a National winner with Ballabriggs in 2011 – leads the way with 11 entries.
Fellow National winners Nigel Twiston Davies (Earth Summit in 1998 and Bindaree in 2002), Kim Bailey (Mr. Frisk 1990), Jonjo O’Neill (Don’t Push It 2010), David Pipe (Comply or Die 2008) and Sue Smith (Auroras Encore 2013) also have entries at Carlisle.
Geraldine McKay, Carlisle Racecourse’s General Manager, said: “It is incredibly fitting to have so many Grand National connections here at Carlisle on Red Rum Day – our opening National Hunt meeting of the season.
“Rummy raced here so often in the 1970s because the course is a real test and that is why it is a favourite with so many trainers who have gone on to claim the National. That is reflected in the fact so many have entered runners here on Thursday.
“We are delighted to welcome the McCain family as our guests of honour on the day and the fact they have entered so many horses is testament to their long association and continued love of Carlisle racecourse.
“We also have a number of trainers bringing horses from the south, which again shows the high regard they have for Carlisle. This is shaping up to be a cracking day of jumps racing and we cannot wait for the first race!”
Among David Pipe’s entries is seven-year-old For ‘n’ Against (4.25) who has won three times since May, together with Red Square Revival (2.40) – winner last time out at Worcester.
The five-year-old faces a near-700-mile round-trip, and travelling a similar distance will be Philip Hobbs’ I’m A Game Changer (2.40) and Three Faces West (5.00).
Among Donald McCain’s rides are Move To The Groove (3.15) – a three-time winner in 2016 – together with Kilronan Castle (3.15) and Perfect Poison (5.30) both winners last time out in Cumbria.
Kim Bailey has two entries – AliAndy (2.10) and Jimmy The Jetplane (5.00) who has won or placed in nine of his 13 career races.
Among Jonjo O’Neill’s entries are Above Board (3.50), a winner last time out at Chepstow, and Bronco Billy (4.25) who triumphed in his last race at Huntingdon.
The highlight of the day should be the 5.00 News & Star Windermere Handicap Chase – the very same three-mile chase Red Rum won in 1972, 1973 and 1976. Carlisle has decided to resurrect the race especially for the day.
As part of the #RedRumDay fun anyone born in 1976, and celebrating their 40th birthday this year, will gain FREE entry. And there will also be a free red fizz cocktail for anyone who wears red on the day!
Tickets for #RedRumDay at Carlisle Racecourse – Thursday October 13th – are £14.00 (in advance) or £17.00 (on the day). 40-year-olds wanting to take advantage of the free entry offer simply need to bring photo ID with them on the day which shows their date of birth.
