Thirteen-times Irish Flat champion jockey Mick Kinane is set to have his first race ride since retirement when he takes on Grand National “legends” in a charity race at Aintree this April.
Mick, who won the Derby three times, and 11-times Flat Champion jockey Pat Eddery are hoping to beat the jumps jockeys in a 1m5f Flat “Aintree Legends Race” on Grand National Day (Saturday 14 April).
“I’m really looking forward to riding at Aintree for the first time, as long as they don’t put a fence in front of me!” Said Mick.
Tony Dobbin, who won the inaugural race last year and the 1997 National on Lord Gyllene, will be back to defend his title.
They’ll be up against Grand National winners H&H racing correspondent Marcus Armytage (1990, Mr Frisk), Carl Llewellyn (1992, Party Politics and 1998 Earth Summit), Jim Culloty (2002, Bindaree) Ben De Haan (1983, Corbiere), Hywel Davies (1985, Last Suspect), Brendan Powell (1988 on Rhyme N Reason), Jimmy Frost (1989, Little Polveir).
Richard Pitman who came second on Crisp to Red Rum in 1973, Adrian Maguire who came third on Moorcroft Boy in 1994 will also ride.
The 2011 race celebrated the 30-year anniversary of Bob Champion’s win on Aldaniti and raised well over £100,000 for The Bob Champion Cancer Trust.
“Last year’s race was a memorable day and we were thrilled we managed to raise so much money,” said Bob.
“This year we have another stellar line up and I hope people enjoy the spectacle again and continue support us to help reduce the odds against cancer.”
To sponsor the jockeys visit: www.bobchampion.org.uk and www.grandnationallegends.com
This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (23 February 2012)
