Alverton was my favourite horse when it won the Gold Cup I picked it to win, I was 9 years old! I then backed it to win the National and all seemed to be going to plan, until Bechers, I blame O'Neil, I was and still am sad he died at that fence that day.
Re Bechers and horses being killed. It has claimed the lives of many good horses, that is until 1990 when two were killed (Brown Trix and See and M )they were trapped in that hateful ditch. Public outcry demanded a complete overhaul of the course including what was a trappy and very unfair fence. Although horses have died at Aintree since then, Bechers has not claimed a victim in the National. Horses dying in races is not sport and never will be despite what Josh Gifford said at the time.
@rohansrider ...1989 when Brown Trix and Seeandem died. A heavy ground race and there was bunching on the outside as the entire field moved there. Many horses jumped unsighted. The changes in 1990 were an accumulation of these deaths and those of Dark Ivy (1987) and Alverton (1979). Since the changes, only one horse (manx magic) has died that comes to mind. Still, there have been a number of deaths at other fences. I was one sorry to see the landing side levelled and raised. The brook had to go.
@grincher2006 Manx Magic actually died at the fence which is two before Becher's. Eudipe in 1999 is the one horse to have died at Becher's between 1989 and 2011. I see what you mean about the brook though. I take it was just there for decorative effect? Did it actually play a role in the deaths of Brown Trix and Seeandem? Different people seem to say different things about that.
@Annon1100 Thanks for that correction. I still think there have been deaths in support races and of course this year Dooney's Gate was a fatality. I think the brook didnt contribute to the 1989 deaths but made treating them more difficult as those on the scene were supposedly slipping back into the brook, which was 2.5 ft back then. As you said it was there for historical and decorative reasons. In 2005, the brook was actually deepen with running water for the first time since 89.
@grincher2006 Thanks for the reply and for this additional info. Yes, sorry - I meant 'only horse to have died in a National' at Becher's after 1989 and before this year's running. I should have stated that more clearly! Sadly there have indeed been fatalities at it during the support races since then.
@Annon1100 funnily enough, the day you replied the BHA were announcing further changes to the aintree fences to reduce deaths by encouraging them to go faster. These people are dead from the neck up. More horses have died in the Grand National since the 1990 modifications than in the 21 years previous to them. They just dont get it as they appease the militants. Bigger fences mean more respect and a reduction in pace
Alverton was going very well in the national. Right up there in contention going to bechers 2nd time round. O'Neill maybe could have prevented his demise had he not led him right up the arse of a loose horse as he approached the fence. The horse had no view of the fence and consequently died on impact. Such a shame. Maybe its because of this happening that gold cup winners are rarely entered for the national. This year we could have had two in Denman and War of Attrition.
i can remeber the sun newspaper the next day after alverton died in the national with a picture of jonjo oneil crying over the horse,gut renching it was.the horse was still cantering when fell i still say it would av won
Yes most definately. I was very disappointed when he was not entered this year but felt confident that if he was upstaged by Kauto in March the owners would back down and run him in 2011 but I think its highly unlikely now.
... Tied Cottage falling deprived us of a thrilling finish. A couple of weeks ago, a friend and I were having a chat about whether we'd ever see again a Gold cup winner winning the National, and would we ever see another 100/1 winner of the National. We both agreed we probably wouldn't see either again - and what happens - 100/1 wins the National. But, alas, Gold cup winners just don't get entered in the National anymore. Garrison Savannah came closest in '91.
Led all the way won by a mile then got disq couple of months later on technicality and owner died. Thats bad luck!!. Was my girlfriends fav horse TC.
I had backed Alverton and she TC-must admit I was prob lucky . My girlfriend was gutted when TC fell. Race was run in a blizzard. Great days. Been every year since L'escarcot 1970-even camped out there 1972 to watch THE MIGHTY BULA.
Denman's performance is the best I have seen and Pendil was the unluckiest
Alverton was my favourite horse when it won the Gold Cup I picked it to win, I was 9 years old! I then backed it to win the National and all seemed to be going to plan, until Bechers, I blame O'Neil, I was and still am sad he died at that fence that day.
TheTone70 4 months ago
Re Bechers and horses being killed. It has claimed the lives of many good horses, that is until 1990 when two were killed (Brown Trix and See and M )they were trapped in that hateful ditch. Public outcry demanded a complete overhaul of the course including what was a trappy and very unfair fence. Although horses have died at Aintree since then, Bechers has not claimed a victim in the National. Horses dying in races is not sport and never will be despite what Josh Gifford said at the time.
rohansrider 1 year ago
@rohansrider ...1989 when Brown Trix and Seeandem died. A heavy ground race and there was bunching on the outside as the entire field moved there. Many horses jumped unsighted. The changes in 1990 were an accumulation of these deaths and those of Dark Ivy (1987) and Alverton (1979). Since the changes, only one horse (manx magic) has died that comes to mind. Still, there have been a number of deaths at other fences. I was one sorry to see the landing side levelled and raised. The brook had to go.
grincher2006 1 year ago
@grincher2006 Manx Magic actually died at the fence which is two before Becher's. Eudipe in 1999 is the one horse to have died at Becher's between 1989 and 2011. I see what you mean about the brook though. I take it was just there for decorative effect? Did it actually play a role in the deaths of Brown Trix and Seeandem? Different people seem to say different things about that.
Annon1100 7 months ago
@Annon1100 Thanks for that correction. I still think there have been deaths in support races and of course this year Dooney's Gate was a fatality. I think the brook didnt contribute to the 1989 deaths but made treating them more difficult as those on the scene were supposedly slipping back into the brook, which was 2.5 ft back then. As you said it was there for historical and decorative reasons. In 2005, the brook was actually deepen with running water for the first time since 89.
grincher2006 7 months ago
@grincher2006 Thanks for the reply and for this additional info. Yes, sorry - I meant 'only horse to have died in a National' at Becher's after 1989 and before this year's running. I should have stated that more clearly! Sadly there have indeed been fatalities at it during the support races since then.
Annon1100 6 months ago
@Annon1100 funnily enough, the day you replied the BHA were announcing further changes to the aintree fences to reduce deaths by encouraging them to go faster. These people are dead from the neck up. More horses have died in the Grand National since the 1990 modifications than in the 21 years previous to them. They just dont get it as they appease the militants. Bigger fences mean more respect and a reduction in pace
grincher2006 6 months ago
He was indeed devastated. The picture of him with the dead horse was pure heartbreak stuff. I still remember that picture thirty years on.
punditpete 2 years ago
Tied Cottage was one of my favourite ever horses and my heart still sinks every time I see that fall - What a brave front runner he was !
uhohdoh 2 years ago
Alverton was going very well in the national. Right up there in contention going to bechers 2nd time round. O'Neill maybe could have prevented his demise had he not led him right up the arse of a loose horse as he approached the fence. The horse had no view of the fence and consequently died on impact. Such a shame. Maybe its because of this happening that gold cup winners are rarely entered for the national. This year we could have had two in Denman and War of Attrition.
julzyboy1973 2 years ago
i can remeber the sun newspaper the next day after alverton died in the national with a picture of jonjo oneil crying over the horse,gut renching it was.the horse was still cantering when fell i still say it would av won
ibanez777vbk 2 years ago
I remember that picture too my friend. Even 30 years later I clearly see Jonjo's tears. Heartbreaking.
punditpete 2 years ago
i dont think denman will run in the national after its jumping performance last saturday
ibanez777vbk 2 years ago
Yes most definately. I was very disappointed when he was not entered this year but felt confident that if he was upstaged by Kauto in March the owners would back down and run him in 2011 but I think its highly unlikely now.
julzyboy1973 2 years ago
... Tied Cottage falling deprived us of a thrilling finish. A couple of weeks ago, a friend and I were having a chat about whether we'd ever see again a Gold cup winner winning the National, and would we ever see another 100/1 winner of the National. We both agreed we probably wouldn't see either again - and what happens - 100/1 wins the National. But, alas, Gold cup winners just don't get entered in the National anymore. Garrison Savannah came closest in '91.
gary1961 2 years ago
Yes TC won the Gold Cup following year.
Led all the way won by a mile then got disq couple of months later on technicality and owner died. Thats bad luck!!. Was my girlfriends fav horse TC.
I had backed Alverton and she TC-must admit I was prob lucky . My girlfriend was gutted when TC fell. Race was run in a blizzard. Great days. Been every year since L'escarcot 1970-even camped out there 1972 to watch THE MIGHTY BULA.
Denman's performance is the best I have seen and Pendil was the unluckiest
letsseeee 3 years ago
aldaniti was third ......
mtenor 3 years ago
Granted a bit more luck, Tied Cottage could have won three Gold Cups!
quick46 3 years ago
Tied Cottage ... thrilling to watch and unlucky several times over in the Gold Cup.
RIP Alverton - killed in the National only 16 days later.
RobinCarmody 3 years ago
It was indeed very sad that Alverton was killed at Aintree. He was a prolific winner on the flat as well as over hurdles and fences.
MikeandJayne1 3 years ago