Introduction
Every horse has a story, and Aldaniti is no different. A racehorse of fleeting but significant repute, it came away with the Grand National title in 1981, causing a major shock. While it never really achieved much else in a fleeting career on the track, Aldaniti is a name worth remembering for reasons other than that famous win in the early 80s.
It’s got an incredible history, with the fact that jockey Bob Champion managed to recover from cancer while the horse recovered from a life-threatening injury that occurred. Given that Champion was a major name on the jockey scene before his diagnosis, the fact he carried on post-treatment to win his major title is a fear well worth remembering!
Career Summary
A stunning chestnut gelding that was bred in the UK, by Harrowgate Stud, and throughout its career was in the ownership of Nick Embiricos. It’s career on the tracks began in 1978, when Aldaniti came third in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, before coming second at the Scottish Grand National. Sadly, it lost a year of a fledgling career after the aforementioned injury over at Sandown. Thankfully, it recovered and went on to achieve one of the most impressive returns ever seen.
Achievements & Highlights
As you might imagine, Aldaniti achieved peak form when it was the winner of the ’81 Grand National. After running amok at the Ascot Racecourse in the February beforehand, it maintained a considerable level of form into the Grand National itself. As 10/1 second favourite, it’s incredible return from injury – alongside Champion – made it the neutrals hero. Taking the lead on the 11th and continuing on during the whole race, it won by a whole four lengths.
3000 people came along to see the legend the day after. While it fella t the first fence the year later and was never really seen afterward, retiring, it lived until March 1997 when it sadly died of old age.
Wins – Grand National 1981.
Associations – Harrowgate Stud, Nick Embiricos, Josh Gifford.
Earnings –?