grand national 2011 /

John Smith’s Grand National Legends – Shortlist Announced
16/02/11

John Smith’s and Aintree have announced their shortlist of ten ‘Legends’ aiming to be inducted into the John Smith’s Grand National Legends.

www.grandnationallegends.com

The Legends was launched last year and celebrates the greats from Grand National history with Ginger McCain, Jenny Pitman and Sir Peter O’Sullevan among the first inductees in 2010.

This year’s shortlist was compiled by a selection panel of racing experts who were asked to consider the star performers – equine and human – from the 1830s through to the present day. A website has been developed to allow the public to choose the identity of the 2011 Legends and this is now live and open for voting. The five Legends selected by public vote will be invited to Aintree racecourse on Grand National Day – Saturday 9th April.

Go to www.grandnationallegends.com to vote now.

The 2011 contenders are as follows:

Fred Rimell

Brian Fletcher

Vincent O’Brien

Fred Winter

Bob Champion and Aldaniti

Tommy Carberry

West Tip

Tim Forster

Duke of Alburquerque

Richard Dunwoody

Aintree and John Smith’s are also searching for Grand National ‘People’s Legends’ and are inviting local communities to nominate people and pubs that make their own contribution to the John Smith’s Grand National? The best five nominations will be invited to Aintree on Liverpool Day, Thursday 7th April for a presentation ceremony as they join the John Smith’s Grand National People’s Legends.

Grand National winning jockey, Mick Fitzgerald was part of the selection committee:

"The John Smith’s Grand National Legends was one of the highlights of last year’s National meeting and it was fantastic to see Ginger McCain and Jenny Pitman alongside the People’s Legends, like Liverpudlian Edie Roche. The great race always seems to throw up interesting stories and I'm looking forward to see how the public vote and who they nominate."

Voting for the John Smith’s Grand National Legends closes on March 20 and voters will automatically be entered into a draw to win a VIP trip to Aintree and the chance to meet some of the Grand National Legends at the John Smith’s Grand National on Saturday 9th April.