Legendary racehorse Red Rum’s achievements over the jumps at Carlisle are to be celebrated with a special 40th anniversary race day in his honour.
Rummy – the nation’s favourite steeplechaser and three-time Grand National winner – was not only a legend at Aintree but also at the much-loved Cumbrian racecourse.
Red Rum famously prepared for each of his National wins (1973, 1974 and 1977) by riding a winner at Carlisle’s first autumn meeting. A win in Cumbria – in 1972, 1973 and 1976 – was certainly a good omen as when Rummy failed to triumph over the jumps at Carlisle the previous autumn he then failed to win at Aintree.
To mark the 40th anniversary of Red Rum’s last Carlisle win Cumbria’s premier racecourse has named Thursday October 13th – the opening meeting of its 2016 national hunt season – Red Rum Day.
And in a move sure to please racegoers, anyone celebrating their 40th birthday this year will gain FREE entry to #RedRumDay at Carlisle.
Geraldine McKay, Carlisle Racecourse’s General Manager, said: “We are proud of our connection to the world’s most famous racehorse and so we are delighted to name a race meeting in his honour.
“Rummy’s Grand National legend is well known, the fact he prepared for each of his famous wins by riding a winner at Carlisle is fondly remembered by racegoers here in Cumbria. This racecourse was certainly a lucky omen!
“The connection continues to this day as the McCain family, who famously trained Rummy, continue to race horses in Cumbria and we are delighted to be able to invite them to Carlisle on October 13th – the start of our jumps seasons, as guests of honour.”
The highlight of #RedRumDay will be the 4.25 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.
Donald McCain, son of Red Rum’s trainer Ginger McCain and himself a Grand National winning trainer with Ballabriggs in 2011, said: “Carlisle was certainly a good course for both my father and Red Rum ahead of their national wins.
“It is one of the best national hunt courses in the country especially for novice chasers.
“The uphill track provides a real test, particularly for chasers looking to find an extra gear.
“We’re delighted Carlisle is marking the 40th anniversary of Red Rum’s last victory there and I’m sure it will be a great day of racing in Cumbria.”
It is not only the McCain family who will be treated on #RedRumDay.
The racecourse is giving free entry on October 13th to anyone who was born in 1976 and celebrates their 40th birthday this year.
There will also be live music and plenty of fun to be had in the racecourse’s aptly named Red Rum bar, together with food and drinks offers in its sumptuous Main Stand.
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.
