Known as ‘Mr. Grand National,’ little could anyone have guessed that when Fred Rimell was born in Shropshire in 1913, he would become one of the most famous trainers in the world, winning the Aintree Grand National a staggering four times.
George Dockeray was the first to do it, and Ginger McCain followed many years later, but, to date, no other trainer has managed to create such a lasting impression on the world’s greatest steeplechase.
It all began when, as a young child, he began helping his father, who worked with horses. With his interest sparked, he became a jockey and was very successful, earning his first Champion Jockey title in 1939 with 61 winners.
The following season, he earned his second title, but with tough competition and racing suspended for WWII, he had to wait until 1946 to claim his third title.
Becoming A Trainer
With a successful career on horses nearing its end, he turned to training instead. Despite his name being well-known in the industry, the early days were tough as he began building his reputation.
He also had to compete with more established trainers such as Fulke Walwyn and Vincent O’Brien, but his hard work soon paid off.
He had a reputation for bringing out the best in horses, and local owners flocked to him as he won more races. His winning ways continued, and by 1951, he had his first British jump racing Champion Trainer title in the bag.
But the best was yet to come.
E.S.B. and the 1956 Grand National
The Grand National on March 24, 1956, is remembered as one of the most dramatic races in the event's history.
Devon Loch, owned by Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother and ridden by jockey Dick Francis, was a leading favourite alongside Must, another strong contender with excellent form leading up to the race.
Fred Rimell's entry, E.S.B., was also in the mix but was not considered the top favourite by the bookmakers. If he were saddled today, he probably wouldn’t make the top ten in the markets available on CSGO Match Betting Odds, but jockey David Dick knew he was a capable horse, and, as we all know, anything can happen in the National.
It soon became clear that Devon Loch was the horse to beat. However, E.S.B. was running a solid race, and while he wasn’t threatening Devon Loch’s lead, he was certainly keeping pace with the leaders.
Then, for reasons that have never been fully explained, Devon Loch jumped in the air, landed on his stomach, and the win, which was just a mere 40 yards away, was gone.
This unexpected twist in the race left the path clear for E.S.B., and it didn’t take long for jockey David Dick to seize the opportunity, guiding E.S.B. across the finish line in first place.
It is still one of the most talked about incidents in Grand National history and was the closest the Queen Mother ever came to winning the great race.
But it also marked the beginning of great things for Rimell, who would go on to train three more winners.
Nicolaus Silver, Gay Trip, and Rag Trade
With his reputation now solidified, Rimell’s career as a trainer was on the up. In 1961, not only did he win his second Trainer’s Championship, but he also sent out his second Grand National winner in Nicolaus Silver.
It may not have been in circumstances as dramatic as 1956, but he still rode into the history books as the only the second grey horse to win the race since 1839. And it stayed that way until Neptune Collonge won the race in 2012 for trainer Paul Nicholls.
Rimell’s Trainer Championships and Grand National wins also went hand in hand again in 1970 when he won his fourth title and third win with Gay Trip.
Carrying what was then the top weight of 11 stones five pounds, he took the lead at the second last and went on to win by twenty lengths.
In a twist of fate, only Red Rum has since won the Grand National carrying top weight, but it was Rimell’s fourth win in the race that stopped Red Rum from winning a third Grand National in 1976.
As the race entered its final stages, it became clear that Rag Trade and Red Rum were the two main contenders. They battled fiercely, but Rag Trade was able to gain ground on Red Rum.
By the race's closing stages, Rag Trade surged ahead, and despite his valiant effort, Red Rum could not match his rival’s finishing speed.
Rag Trade crossed the finish line first, securing a memorable victory.
It was Rimell’s fourth and final win in the race and one that put him into the record books as the leading trainer.
Ginger McCain may have been beaten that day, but it didn’t take long for Red Rum to win his third race and McCain his fourth in 2004 with Amberleigh House, and in doing so, he equalled Rimell’s record.
Rimell’s Legacy
Rimell earned his fifth Trainers Championship in 1976 and, after spending a lifetime with horses, died in July 1981 at the age of just 68.
His legacy continued through his wife, Mercy, who became the first woman to train a Champion Hurdle winner when Gaye Brief raced to victory in 1983.
From his younger days in Shropshire to his Grand National and Gold Cup victories with Woodland Venture and Royal Frolic, Rimell’s story is one of dedication, hard work, and passion.
Even today, he continues to inspire other trainers, and his contributions to the sport have left such an imprint that his name will be remembered for many years to come.
