'Usually in a National, you’re fighting for your life. It’s not enjoyable. This was very enjoyable' - 50 years on, Pitman still savours his greatest defeat

'Also, the race is shorter now by 90 yards and had it been then, I’d have won by ten lengths!' Pitman remarked.

FOND MEMORIES: Richard Pitman poses at Newbury Racecourse on July 20, 2018 in Newbury, United Kingdom. Pic: Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images

“Oh why desert me? Did we not have a deal?” - The prayer of a Grand National Jockey, by Richard Pitman 

For many, Richard Pitman was the enthusiastic and knowledgeable voice of our generation, through 37 years as a BBC racing broadcaster.