Fifty years ago Irish jockey Frankie Shortt sat aboard Aussie at the start of the Aintree Grand National. Little could have prepared him for the next eight minutes and one of the most amazing runnings of the world’s most famous steeplechase.

THE death has taken place of George Williams, the man who bred the legendary Captain Christy.

Look back through the years at the Irish names which have graced National Hunt’s Pantheon of greats and you’ll find no shortage of contenders.