LONDON -- Triple Grand National winner Red Rum has died at the age of 30 and was buried by the winning post of the world's most famous steeplechase.
The gelding, one of Britain's best loved racehorses, was found in a distressed state in his stable Wednesday and humanely put down.
"He was a great character and became everyone's favorite. We had magical times and tremendous memories of the old horse," his trainer, Ginger McCain, said.
The horse has been buried on the finish line at Aintree, site of the Grand National. A permanent memorial will be erected at the course.
Red Rum jumped more than 1,800 fences in his 10-year career without ever falling. He made light of the giant Aintree fences, becoming the only horse ever to win the Grand National three times, in 1973, 1974 and 1977, while finishing second in 1975 and 1976.
The equine superstar remained a great attraction after his retirement, including leading the prerace parade for the Grand National.
The gelding, one of Britain's best loved racehorses, was found in a distressed state in his stable Wednesday and humanely put down.
"He was a great character and became everyone's favorite. We had magical times and tremendous memories of the old horse," his trainer, Ginger McCain, said.
The horse has been buried on the finish line at Aintree, site of the Grand National. A permanent memorial will be erected at the course.
Red Rum jumped more than 1,800 fences in his 10-year career without ever falling. He made light of the giant Aintree fences, becoming the only horse ever to win the Grand National three times, in 1973, 1974 and 1977, while finishing second in 1975 and 1976.
The equine superstar remained a great attraction after his retirement, including leading the prerace parade for the Grand National.