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Tributes are paid to race horse trainer Josh Gifford

Tributes are paid to race horse trainer Josh Gifford

TRIBUTES have been paid to the race horse trainer Jose Gifford who has passed away aged 70.

During his career Mr. Gifford trained more than 1,500 winners but he will be best remembered for his role in what has become known as ‘racing’s greatest fairy-tale’ — the 1981 Grand National.

Mr. Gifford was the trainer of the winning horse Aldaniti which was ridden by Bob Champion. Both jockey and horse had faced major problems in the months leading up the famous race. Mr. Champion had battled testicular cancer to return to the saddle in one of horse racing’s toughest challenges. 

Aldaniti had been treated for various problems caused by leg injuries — leading many racing experts to believe the horse had little chance of getting round the gruelling Aintree course.

But Champion and his horse were to prove the sceptics wrong and produce their fairy-tale finish, to the delight of the racing world.

Mr. Champion said he was indebted to Josh Gifford for supporting him during his illness and for sticking by him when he returned to racing.

Mr. Gifford had been a successful jockey himself before turning to training. His career in the saddle had included a number of wins at the Cheltenham Festival and a second place in the 1967 Grand National.

 

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