Ultimate Rag to riches tale
In the first of a series on his favourite Grand Nationals, CHRIS GOULDING recalls riding out 1976 winner Rag Trade
WHEN trained by Toby Balding, nobody ever suggested that Rag Trade would win a Grand National.
Such was his size he was often referred to as “jumbo” – a place in the circus or pulling a plough seemed a more appropriate role.
As one of the tallest lads working for Balding at his Fyfield stables in Hampshire, Rag Trade was my regular partner on theWeyhill gallops.
That is where Balding’s 1969 National winner Highland Wedding worked and later Little Polveir, his 1989 National hero.
Twice a week, horses were given a serious workout, usually over a mile. Sent off in pairs, I was asked to sit behind and come between horses in the last furlong.
Rag Trade never disappointed. He was an armchair ride and having been on his back most mornings, I became very attached.
In the 1975 National, partnered by John Francome, he was last of the 10 finishers behind L’Escargot, and soon after that, he joined Fred Rimell’s Kinnersley stables inWorcestershire.
Rimell had already won three Nationals and his magic touch was soon working with Rag Trade, who won the Welsh and Midlands Nationals.
So there was optimism he could land the big one at Aintree in 1976.
Partnered by John Burke, confidence was high from both jockey and trainer despite the presence of Red Rum, seeking a historic third victory in the race.
Watching with mates, there was the feeling of being an alien supporter, after cheering when the white star on Rag Trade’s forehead came into sight.
Approaching the last fence, Red Rum set sail for victory, but just like those mornings on the Weyhill gallops, Rag Trade brushed aside his rivals to snatch victory.