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sixtwosix
31 Mar 23 09:27
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Date Joined: 23 Jan 06
| Topic/replies: 22,492 | Blogger: sixtwosix's blog
The 1973 Grand National , still the greatest piece of sporting theatre in my opinion.

The long camera shots on the second circuit showing the chasm between Crisp and the remaining runners ......
The early 70's version of Moscow Flyer , Sprinter Sacre , Altior , Energuemene et al......giving 23 pounds over double the distance ,not to mention the fierce fences of that era , to a jumping and staying machine ........
A dual Gold Cup winner barely in shot ,before staying on past all but the 2 leaders......
There is of course the sad sight of Whitbread Gold Cup winner Grey Sombrero attempting to stay within touching distance of Crisp........
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Report strontium March 31, 2023 10:11 AM BST
I agree, it's an extraordinary piece of sport. Whenever I watch it, I can't see Crisp being beaten. Brilliant, and thrilling.
Report TheAnorak March 31, 2023 10:55 AM BST
Looking at the card for that day, it's a reminder of how different the meeting used to be. One hurdle, five flat races and the National. The 3yo mile handicap, the race Red Rum had contested five years earlier, was won by Peleid, who went on to win the St Leger. And a future Arkle winner, Roaring Wind, ran in a 1m 5f stakes race, the last on the card.
Report mecca March 31, 2023 11:09 AM BST
Wow 50 years ... I was 9 years old, our Dad came home from work and said to us kids "Here's 50p each.. pick a horse and I'll put the bets on"

My sister picked Crisp and was screaming her head off... I had picked Red Rum. My first ever bet.

Probably ruined me for life.... lol
Report paulo47 March 31, 2023 11:19 AM BST
Probably the best ever , was in Aberystwyth for mates wedding , seem to remember going home with his sister , enough said .
Report GEORGE.B March 31, 2023 10:36 PM BST
https://twitter.com/horsevault/status/1641855218844303370

^ Richard Pitman, still in the Crisp colours, being interviewed by David Coleman after the race.
Report acey deucy March 31, 2023 10:40 PM BST
My favourite race by a country mile.
Report CLYDEBANK29 March 31, 2023 11:51 PM BST
I actually watched the race earlier today.  Rhyme and Reason's 1988 victory came up next, which my first win in the race.  Watching it again, I don't think I appreciated that it looked beat all ends up when Durham Edition went past him.  Durham Edition would surely have traded 1.01 in running in exchange times
Report leif April 1, 2023 12:14 AM BST
Spectacle abso ruined by the do-gooders given the challenge of the fences compared to a past era. Just another homogenised and compressed handicap along with many other races.
That said, the '73 race was an incredible race, Crisp flying every fence gaining lengths on his challengers only to be vanquished by the greatest of them all.
Dicky Pitman forever lamenting his unsettling of his steed after the last remains touching.
Report Poppydog. April 1, 2023 12:15 AM BST
To correct you it was Rhyme 'n' Reason

Interesting on your point about exchange times, especially when Rhyme 'n' Reason slithered on his arse at Beechers

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DmP6zpNW0AAEbyK?format=jpg&name=900x900

right in front of the camera.
What price would he have hit? 1000?
Report penzance April 1, 2023 12:30 AM BST
Backed Durham Edition E/W @ 40/1.
Just didn't quite get home.
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