A little piece of history will be on display at next weekend’s Randox Grand National meeting to mark a special anniversary in the great race’s history.

To commemorate 50 years since Red Rum’s first win in the world’s most famous race, the trophies awarded to owner Noel Le Mare for each of the legendary chaser’s three Grand National wins have been returned to Aintree Racecourse and will be on display during the Randox Grand National Festival.

In addition, the plates awarded for his two second-place finishes and trophy earned for Red Rum’s victory in the 1974 Scottish Grand National at Ayr will also be available for viewing. Red Rum remains the only horse to win the Aintree and Scottish Grand Nationals in the same season.

Previously housed at the Liverpool Museum, Aintree Racecourse has been working closely with the Le Mare family to bring the trophies “home” as part of the wider ‘Red Rum 50’ project taking place from 2023-2027, which commemorates all things Red Rum.

Open access

The trophies will be available for viewing for all customers - regardless of ticket type/enclosure - at this year’s Grand National meeting in a trophy tent adjacent to the Red Rum Garden. They will then be hosted permanently in the Princess Royal Stand Reception.

The ‘Red Rum 50’ campaign also includes renovation of the previous ‘Irish Bar’ on the ground floor of the Princess Royal Stand, which will now be known as the ‘Rum and Ginger’ bar and will include a visual timeline of Red Rum’s achievements.

Le Mare’s four grandchildren, Geoffrey Burns, Michael Burns, Sally Hampson and David Le Mare, said: “We’re delighted that the trophies Red Rum won for our grandfather in the 1970s are returning to what we feel is their rightful home – Aintree Racecourse.

“Some of our best memories as a family are at Aintree and it was the place where Red Rum really came alive. We’re incredibly proud of his achievements and it’s only fitting that the trophies are available for people to view at the home of the Randox Grand National.”