Interview with Grand National Legend Richard Pitman
Richard Pitman, Crisp’s jockey in the unforgettable 1973 Grand National, talks about his epic battle with Red Rum. Here, he gives Roy the Boy from best betting sites his thoughts on the modern-day race and puts forward a 100/1 dark horse for this year’s Grand National contest, read on to find out more.
The Grand National has lost its character but maintained its position in the public’s eye, says Richard Pitman (pictured here joking with Frankie Dettori). ©Getty
Richard Pitman, Crisp, and the Grand National
More than 50 years have passed since Red Rum won the first of his three Grand Nationals. For good measure, the former five-furlong flat race winner finished runner-up on two other occasions and also claimed the Scottish Grand National.
It is often declared that Red Rum’s success and the legions of fans he acquired “saved the Grand National.” His third victory in the Aintree marathon is widely recognised as one of the most iconic sporting moments of the 20th century.
However, Red Rum’s first Grand National win was the most epic of them all. In fact, his showdown with the former Australian champion, Crisp, is considered by many to be the greatest jumps race of all time.
Crisp vs Red Rum, the Greatest Grand National
“Crisp took superlative performance or supremacy in jumping to shades of divinity in the manner of an emperor leading a procession,” one forum contributor recently wrote. A fine compliment to a spectacle that took place in 1973 about a horse born the year Kennedy was shot, and the Beatles released their first album.
Carrying a top weight of 12 stone, giving 21 pounds or more to 34 of his rivals but galloping 20 lengths clear of the field, Crisp was collard in the shadow of the post by Red Rum following an exhibition round of jumping. His conqueror and future legend had a weight concession of 23 pounds.
Both horses broke the course record, and there were 25 lengths back to the third-placed finisher L’Escargot, who had already won two Cheltenham Gold Cups and would win the 1975 Grand National at the expense of Red Rum.
First, There Was Pendil
Aboard Crisp was Richard Pitman, the stable jockey to Crisp’s trainer, Fred Winter. The rider partnered with Pendil a month earlier in the 1973 Gold Cup. The pair were beaten by a short-head after jumping the final fence three lengths clear and seemingly full of running.
“I’m better known for the races I lost rather than the ones I won,” declared Pitman, now 82, moments into a conversation with BestBettingSites.com’s Roy Brindley in a self-deprecating way that became a theme when the pair sat down to discuss his career, Crisp, the world’s most famous steeplechase and even social media.
In Conversation with Richard Pitman
The first question, for clarity, should we call you Richard or Dick? I’ve heard you have been called ‘Dick’ in the past?
“Only JP McManus and Peter O’Sullivan have called me that; I have no idea why.” Richard Pitman’s prompt reply acts as a reminder of his stature in racing. McManus is the biggest and most successful owner jumps racing has ever known. Long gone commentator O’Sullivan is legendary in racing circles.
You turned 82 this year. With the greatest respect, few people of this vintage would know how to work a smartphone, not alone be as active on social media as you are. You seem to enjoy Twitter.
“It is a good way to keep in touch with people around the world. Through racing, I’ve friends in Australia, New Zealand and America. I follow the US racing scene strongly. Three friends have horses here and also there. Socially, it’s a great thing.”
Do you think this forum is beneficial to horse racing? Or is it a case of ‘everyone is an expert’, but they are not?
“X, or Twitter, does seem to encourage people to voice toxic opinions – that they would not have the bravery to do so face to face. I’m not a fan of that behaviour.”
Are horse racing authorities making the most of social media and using it to benefit the sport’s popularity?
“They are certainly trying. I have an app from the Jockey Club and another from the BHA [British Horseracing Authority], who issue daily bulletins.”
What are your favourite people/accounts you follow on Twitter, and why?
“Certain trainers are outstanding on X; Fergal O’Brien, Jonjo O’Neil, and Nicky Henderson come to mind. Generally speaking, social media is a good thing. There are so many stories that we get to know which we never could in the past.”
“People are now making themselves available because they appreciate the value of free publicity. Trainers have become media savvy, and some of the pictures that appear are excellent.”
“It [social media] opens up racing and is a great way of involving everyone, particularly syndicates. There are some huge ones that involve so many people.”
“OK, so 37 years working on the BBC’s horse racing show. That is amazing longevity. How do you view the subsequent Channel 4 Racing and ITV Racing broadcasts?”
“I joined BBC Racing in 1975 as Julian Wilson’s [presenter] understudy; that’s how I cut my teeth and would front things when he was away or ill. I stayed on until 2012 when the BBC lost the rights to horse racing.”
“I loved finding and doing odd things, finding stories by walking around with the cameraman. I was a people person as a jockey and as a presenter. I would talk to the camera as if it was a human that I knew.”
“For example, I once stood in the limo car park during Royal Ascot and producers filmed as ladies poured out of cars, nodded and smiled. Somehow, they made it look like hundreds of people were coming out of the one limo. I Don’t know why it didn’t continue.”
“But everything changes, the National fences included. We were how we were. Julian Wilson would not go out and about. He would stay in his bubble – therefore, did not want us to go out onto the course or into the stands.”
“Now they [presenters] have the freedom, and they can do things that we could not do. I enjoy the ITV racing coverage – mindful, as a presenter, you cannot please everyone.”
On to the Grand National, you will be forever associated with the 1973 Crisp/Red Rum race. Like a band that is only remembered for one hit song – despite having many – does this defining moment ever annoy you?
“I’m only known for my defeats. Pendil was beaten by a short head the same year. I don’t mind that. With Crisp, I definitely made a schoolboy error. You make split-second decisions in a race – some are right, and some are not.”
Without any prompting, Pitman quickly turns to the 1973 National and tells his fascinating tale. “We had decided to lead and then slow it down. But, to Crisp, it was like ‘yahoo!’. Every time he saw a fence, he would quicken into it. He attacked his fences, and he galloped as he landed.”
“I reject the fact that going too far clear was brainless. Jumping Becher’s Brook on the second circuit, I heard commentator Michael O’Hehir’s over the racecourse tannoy saying I was 25 lengths clear. Crisp was a two-mile Champion Chase winner, so I was aware of his stamina and tried to save it.”
“I went the shortest route. Leading, I could cut every corner on the way around. That can save you 20 lengths. We were not off the bridle until after the second last. His ears went floppy – a sign he was at the bottom of the barrel – and I could hear Red Rum coming at me after the last.”
“It was fast ground, so his hoofs clattered, and they were getting louder. I could hear him breathing, blowing – they breath every stride – and his nostrils fluttering. I could hear him coming. I thought, approaching the elbow, that I must wake him up. Crisp was 700 kilos; he was a huge horse.”
“Now, about criticism, I picked up my stick in the wrong hand. I should have used my left hand. He was so big he simply needed holding together. I’m sure Crisp lost two lengths wondering off the wrong course by using the wrong hand.”
A review of 1973’s dramatic closing stages shows Crisp wearily shifting to his left after Pitman’s right-handed prompt. This directed him towards Aintree’s elbow railing, which he then needed to be steered away from.
“Horse, trainer, owner, backers, everyone was a loser – apart from me. After crossing the line, it only took just 100 yards for me to go through the emotion of desolation due to losing the National and then thinking I would never have another ride like that again in my life. I had a great ride.”
How many times did you ride in the Grand National? Outside of Crisp’s gallant second and Steel Bridge’s runner-up spot in 1969, forgotten by many, what other memories do you have of riding in the Grand National?
“Steel Bridge, now I gave that horse the perfect Grand National ride. We raced tight to the rail throughout, and I got the very best out of him. We were passed for second after the last, but I kicked and pushed and got him back up for that place. It was certainly the best race of that horse’s life.”
“I had six National rides in all. I failed to finish three times, but I had two seconds and finished tenth or eleventh on the other occasion riding one of [trainer] Fred Winter’s. He was the most marvellous man to work for.”
“I joined him as a jobbing jockey and worked my way up to share number one duties with Paul Kelleway. It was a 50-horse yard, a big stable in those days. At the end of the season, Fred called us both into his office separately.”
“Kelleway went in first. I was outside waiting for my turn as he walked out. I’ll never forget it; he stopped, looked at me and said: “There is no justice in this world. I can ride, and you can talk!” I had become the yard’s first jockey.”
“Winter said to me: “You are probably only the fifth or sixth-best jockey. But you are honest, and horses jump better for you than other people. I know you will lose races that we should have won but also win races that perhaps we shouldn’t have … as horses will jump for you.” How prophetic was that?”
“I joined Fred Winter in 1964/65. I was his first employee. Getting back to Crisp, Fred and I had a few winners and a few near misses in the weeks following the National. I used to drive him to the races.”
“On the way to Folkestone, about three weeks after the big race, he was asleep in the car’s passenger seat. Suddenly I heard: “You know where you lost that race?” I looked at Fred, who was motionless but had one eye open. I said, yes, I do. He replied: “So there is no point in discussing it then!” We both knew he was talking about Crisp. What a great man he was.”
“When I was beaten a short-head on Pendil in the Gold Cup. I have a picture of him hugging me in defeat. The following year, I won the Champion Hurdle for him. He was an amazing man, and I rode for quite a few trainers. None were like him.”
In the 1970s, the Grand National was a national institution. Does it sadden you that there is less interest amongst the general public now?
“The race had to change. Old-timers will say it should not have been changed. It had to happen because there would be no Grand National today.”
“We had a drop on the landing side of Beechers Brook. There is no drop-off there now. It was one of many traps at the track. Now, there is only one, the Canal Turn. Because riders pull out to cross it at an acute angle, the field funnels into a tight group. Here, I can see a faller potentially causing a Foinaiven moment.”
Foinaiven, a 444/1 shot on the Tote, was the fortuitous winner of the 1967 Grand National following mayhem at the 23rd fence that saw him left a distance clear of rivals that had refused or fallen. Seventeen horses were remounted – something that is not allowed today.
“The BBC’s biggest Grand National viewing figure was 16.8 million viewers. That cannot happen now because there are so many alternative TV stations and live events in competition these days.”
“The Grand National has lost its character but has maintained its position in the public’s eye. Life changes and to me, last year’s race was exciting. Yes, there is a reduced field and distance, but where else do you see 34 runners? The National still has its magic.”
Under your son, Mark, Garrison Savannah contested the 1991 Grand National after winning the Gold Cup – finishing a gutsy second. This year’s Gold Cup winner, Inothewayurthinkin, looked a similar handicap snip for the Aintree marathon. Were connections right to swerve the race?
Jumps Racing Royalty: Richard and Jenny Pitman with sons Mark and Paul in 1975 pic.t.com/miA1ypRyL5
— Sports & Betting History by BestBettingSites (@Betting_Sites1) March 18, 2025
“I was working for the Beeb with, maybe, Norman Williamson, stood on a scaffolding in the old paddock when Mark jumped the last clear in the National. I was watching on the monitor and explained I was heading off to clap my son into the winner’s enclosure.”
“As I turned my back and took the first step down the ladder, Norman said, “I think you need to come back as things are changing!” I’m very proud of Mark. He was a great jockey, better than me. He struggled with his weight and did not get many rides outside of his Mum’s yard. His Gold Cup was a tremendous ride.”
“Stamina is the big issue. Many horses are in contention crossing the Melling Road. From there, it is half a mile to the post, so few horses have the utter stamina the race demands. They have never gone that far before, and you cannot find out where the stamina ends when working a horse at home.”
Finally, who do you fancy for the 2025 Grand National?
“I can tell you who will win it next year, Mr Vango for Sara Bradstock’s. He looked the part when winning the Uttoxeter Midlands Grand National a few weeks ago. He jumps, he stays, but he needs too many horses to drop out to get into the race year. He’s trained by a family that are good with chasers and have won a Gold Cup.”
“This time around, I think last year’s winner [I Am Maximus] has a huge chance. But it is another of JP McManus’s that catches my eye, Chantry House. After he won at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day, AP McCoy [McManus’s advisor] said on TV something like, “That wasn’t the plan.” It was as if to indicate this one was being targeted at the National.”
Can Chantry Complete Henderson’s Full House?
Ending our conversation, this scribe, struck by Pitman’s helpful and friendly demeanour and his repeated efforts to underline his respect for Fred Winter – who departed for the ‘big Cheltenham in the sky’ over 20 years ago – reached for the Grand National form, specifically that of Chantry House.
Classy enough to win the Marsh Novices’ Chase at the 2021 Cheltenham Festival, he started as joint-favourite for the King George nine months later and contested the 2022 Gold Cup. Chantry House was kept to hurdles for his entire 2023/24 season. Was that a handicap mark-protecting tactic that has worked so well for more recent Grand National winners?
Chantry House can be backed on 100/1 odds for the 2025 Grand National. He is trained by Nicky Henderson, whose remarkable CV does not yet include a winner in the great race. However, as Richard Pitman points out, “everything changes,” and 100/1 about this horse putting Henderson’s name in the record books appears a fair bet.
