Aintree tributes to Gifford
Trainer firmly part of National folklore
Last Updated: February 9, 2012 4:10pm
-
1
Aldaniti: Remarkable story behind his 1981 Grand National victory
Officials at Aintree have paid tribute to Josh Gifford, trainer of 1981 Grand National hero Aldaniti, who has died at the age of 70.
The trainer landed the 1981 Grand National with Aldaniti and the story of his triumph now belongs to the great race's folklore.
Julian Thick, Managing Director of Aintree Racecourse, said "It was with great sadness that we heard the news of Josh Gifford's passing this morning.
"He was, and forever will be, a key character in Grand National folklore as the trainer of 1981 Grand National winning horse, Aldaniti.
"Josh had brought Aldaniti back from injury and stayed loyal to Bob Champion through the jockey's fight against cancer, and their victory together in the race remains as one of the most emotive and heroic Grand National wins ever witnessed here at Aintree.
"He will be missed greatly, and his contribution to the race will remain as one of the most iconic Grand National stories of our time."
Daresbury Tribute
The Chairman of Aintree Racecourse, Lord Daresbury, added: "Josh was a true gentleman; he was charming, witty, accomplished and very knowledgeable about horses and racing.
"I was lucky to have known him through George Sloan, who came over from America to be Champion Amateur and had horses with him - they were some pair together. Josh will be sadly missed by so many friends in England and America."
