Crisp vs Red Rum (1973): The Grand National That Still Divides Opinion
Crisp vs Red Rum: The 1973 Grand National
The 1973 Grand National at Aintree is etched into turf folklore as a race that defied belief. It was a brutal, epic duel between two completely different equine giants: Crisp, the soaring Australian superstar carrying top-weight, and Red Rum, the relentless local chaser carrying a light weight. This independent archive feature breaks down the jaw-dropping tactical execution of the race and analyses how the handicapper’s scales ultimately decided the most dramatic finish in steeplechase history.
For any racing historian or purist, decoding the raw data, the distances, and the staggering weight deficit of the 1973 National is essential to understanding the legendary status of both horses.
1. Crisp and the 12-Stone Front-Running Masterclass
Entering the 1973 renewal, the Australian-bred chaser Crisp was burdened with the maximum top-weight of 12st 0lb (168 lbs). Ridden by Richard Pitman, he wasn’t held up — he was allowed to roll forward into a strong, relentless rhythm from the start.
By Becher’s on the second circuit, Crisp had opened up a clear advantage, jumping fluently and stretching the field into submission. It was a front-running display built on boldness rather than restraint.
The issue was simple: he was doing all the work, all the way round Aintree, under top weight.
The turning point
After the final fence, Crisp still held a significant lead, but the effort began to tell on the long run-in. The stride shortened, and the advantage started to shrink with every yard.
2. Red Rum and the Relentless Chase
While Crisp dictated the pace, Red Rum was never far away. Carrying just 10st 5lb (145 lbs), he travelled efficiently, never losing sight of the leader.
Where others were pulled out of contention by the pace, Red Rum kept responding, jumping economically and conserving energy for the finish.
It wasn’t a flashy challenge. It was a steady reduction of the lead, fence by fence.
The final push
As Crisp began to weaken after the last, Red Rum closed in relentlessly. The weight difference told in the closing stages, and the leader was finally overhauled close home.
The 1973 Grand National Weight and Distance Analytics
To fully grasp the historic nature of this duel, this archive data table outlines the exact physical metrics and variables behind the finish:
The 1973 Grand National — Key Race Data
Red Rum
Carried: 10st 5lb (145 lbs)
Position: Winner
Key factor: Sustained late pressure after tracking the leader throughout
Crisp
Carried: 12st 0lb (168 lbs)
Position: 2nd (beaten 3/4 length)
Key factor: Front-running dominance, weakened on the run-in under top weight
L’Escargot
Carried: 12st 0lb (168 lbs)
Position: 3rd
Key factor: Never travelled with the leaders in the final stages
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Crisp ever win a Grand National?
No. The 1973 second-place finish was Crisp’s only appearance in the Grand National. His brave performance under 12 stone is widely considered the greatest losing run in the history of steeplechasing, earning him legendary status in the wake of Red Rum.
How much weight did Crisp give to Red Rum in 1973?
Crisp conceded 1st 9lb (23 lbs) to Red Rum, a significant weight difference over the gruelling Aintree distance that proved decisive in the closing stages.
Where is Crisp buried?
Following his retirement from racing, Crisp spent his remaining years in Gloucestershire. He is buried at his owner Sir Chester Manifold’s estate, where a memorial plaque honours his incredible 1973 Aintree achievement.
Final Verdict
The 1973 Grand National was a perfect storm of equine brilliance. Crisp delivered a performance of raw power and jumping majesty that would have won any other National in history, while Red Rum proved he was the ultimate Aintree specialist. For sports historians, the race stands as the ultimate justification of the handicap system—proof that a 23-pound difference over four miles plus can create the most thrilling, agonizing spectacle sport can provide.