Grittar wins the Grand National 1982
In 1981, Aldaniti had won the Grand National with Bob Champion, a great feat for a man who had been through cancer treatment and a horse who had potentially broken down. The film Champions was made in 1983, with John Hurt, Peter Barkworth, Edward Woodward and incomparable Alison Steadman.
In 1982 this was the last year Aintree would be administered by Ladbrooks. Bill Davies was asking 7 million for the course. Between the Jockey Club and the Walton Group the money was raised. The racecourse would finally be safe. Sadness always hangs around in sports; John Thorne who had been second in 1981 on Spartan Missile was killed in a Point-to-Point race a few weeks before. His loss was deeply felt. He was a great horseman, much admired and loved. With a bit of a shroud hung around the race. Bob Champion again rode Aldaniti, but he fell. Grittar was partnered by Dick Saunders, 48 years old. Grittar ran a terrific race and by the time they had gone round the canal turn it looked in the bag, he won at a distance of 15 lengths. Dick became the fourth amateur to win the race and Geraldine Rees, came in 8th and was cheered to the heavens. Grittar was 5th the next year and the 10th year after that. Spartan Missile was partnered by Mr. J White and came in 16th.
reference:
A Race Apart, A History of the Grand National, Reg Green.
The Grand National, the History of the Aintree Spectacular. Stewart Peters.