The Grand National is a race that can turn unknowns into legends overnight. But in 1962, the story wasn’t about a flashy newcomer, it was about a 12-year-old horse named Kilmore, who wasn’t exactly the crowd favourite but sure knew how to get the job done.
Kilmore wasn’t your typical overnight sensation. Born to a respectable lineage, and descended from a hurdling legend, Kilmore had a pedigree that promised potential but didn’t scream superstar from the rooftops.
He started his racing career in Ireland, where he was a bit of a steady plodder rather than a dazzling flash, winning just 11 of 54 starts. Not exactly the kind of record to get tongues wagging.
But then, in 1960, Kilmore was sold for £3,000 to Nat Cohen, a film producer with a taste for the dramatic, who brought him over to England and placed him under the care of trainer Ryan Price.
Ryan Price, The Man Behind the Scenes
Ryan Price was no stranger to the highs and lows of racing. A former jockey turned trainer, Price had served as a commando in World War II before settling into a successful training career.
He was known for his sharp eye and a bit of a mischievous grin that hinted he knew more than he let on.
Price had already made a name for himself by winning multiple Champion Hurdles and other big races. But the Grand National had eluded him, until Kilmore came along.
Price’s knack for spotting talent and preparing horses for the unique challenges of Aintree was about to pay off in a big way.
Fred Winter, The Master of the National Hunt
Then there was Fred Winter, the jockey who would guide Kilmore to victory. Winter was a legend in his own right, having ridden a then-record 923 National Hunt winners before retiring as a jockey in 1964.
He was known for his skill, grit, and a knack for pulling off wins against the odds. His victory on Kilmore in 1962 was one of four Grand National wins he would achieve during his illustrious career.
Winter’s story is peppered with tales of determination, like his famous ride on Mandarin in the 1962 Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris, where despite illness and a broken bit, he managed to win what many call one of the greatest races ever.
So, when he took the reins on Kilmore, you knew the horse was in capable hands.
The 1962 Grand National
The Grand National that year was no walk in the park. Held on March 31st at Aintree, the conditions were heavy, making the already gruelling course even tougher.
Kilmore was a 28/1 outsider, which means the bookmakers didn’t expect much from him. But Kilmore had other ideas.
This was only Kilmore’s second attempt at the Grand National. The previous year, at 11 years old, he’d finished a respectable fifth at 33/1 odds, showing he could handle the course but not quite clinching the glory. This time, at 12 years old, he was ready.
The field was stacked with talent, including two former winners (Nicolaus Silver, Merryman II) and and the ever-persistent Wyndburgh, who had been runner-up twice before and finished second again in this race.
But Kilmore, with Winter in the saddle and Price calling the shots, took the lead and never looked back, winning by a solid 10 lengths.
What makes this victory even more impressive is that Kilmore returned the following year to finish fifth again, carrying ten more pounds than his winning year, a testament to his toughness and consistency.
Nat Cohen, The Movie Mogul
Now, here’s a fun twist. Kilmore was owned by Nat Cohen, a British film producer and executive who played a big role in launching the famous ‘Carry On’ films.
Cohen wasn’t just about the glitz of the silver screen; he had a genuine passion for racing.
His blue colours with a white diamond, hooped sleeves, and amber cap were proudly carried to victory by Kilmore in 1962.
Cohen’s story is a bit bittersweet. He had a successful career in film and was deeply involved in charity work, but his personal life had its share of tragedy, including the loss of his daughter.
Still, owning a Grand National winner was a highlight that added a dash of sporting glory to his legacy.
More Than Just a One-Time Wonder
Kilmore might not have been the flashiest or most prolific winner in racing history, but his Grand National victory cemented his place in the sport.
He showed that perseverance, a good team, and a bit of luck can turn a horse into a champion.
While Kilmore didn’t sire a line of superstar progeny that made headlines, his story remains a favourite among racing enthusiasts who appreciate the underdog tale.
His career, spanning over 50 races, with notable performances at Aintree, reflects a horse that was durable, reliable, and capable of rising to the occasion when it mattered most.
So, next time you’re watching the Grand National and rooting for the long shots, remember Kilmore.
He was the 12-year-old who defied the odds, ridden by a legendary jockey, trained by a man with a war hero’s grit, and owned by a film mogul who knew a good story when he saw one.
Kilmore’s 1962 win isn’t just a footnote; it’s a reminder that in horse racing, as in life, the unexpected can happen, and sometimes the most unassuming contenders can steal the show.
