• Short Summary

    The 1939 Grand National at Aintree, Liverpool on Merseyside.

  • Description

    Aintree race course, Liverpool on Merseyside (formerly Lancashire).

    Full titles read: "THE GRAND NATIONAL 1939"

    Numerous shots of the large crowds milling around the race course grounds. M/S's of some of the horses including 'Royal Mail', 'Kilstar' and 'Workman'. L/S's of the horses and jockeys parading down the track. L/S of the starting official standing on a podium with a flag, whilst the horses line up at the start tape.

    Various shots of the race in progress. Their are five casualties at the first fence. Very good slow motion shots of the horse jumping Bechers Brook. As the horse jump the Canal Turn the race is lead by 'Birthgift'. The next few fences see more casualties (some look quite nasty !). L/S's of the runners and riders starting the second circuit with the favourite 'Kilstar' now in the lead. This time everyone is over the Canal Turn safely. Excellent slow motion shot of the action at Valentine. L/S's of the race in it's closing stages with 'Workman' leading the field but under pressure from 'Macmoffatt' and 'Dominicks Cross'.

    M/S of 'Workman' pulling away. He wins the race. The commentator says that the winner is owned by Sir Alexander Macguire and ridden by Tim Hyde. L/S's of the police escorting the winner to the ecstatic crowd towards the winners enclosure. Good M/S of Tim Hyde smiling as he climbs off his (steaming) horse.

  • Tags

  • Data

    Film ID:
    1005.07
    Media URN:
    14200
    Group:
    Pathe newsreels
    Archive:
    British Pathé
    Issue Date:
    27/03/1939
    Sound:
    Sound
    HD Format:
    Available on request
    Stock:
    Black & White
    Duration:
    00:05:10:00
    Time in/Out:
    01:07:30:00 / 01:12:40:00
    Canister:
    39/25

Comments (3)

  1. wayne says

    My Great-Uncle Jack Ruttle was the Trainer of the winning horse, in Hazelhatch in Count Kildare, Ireland :-)

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  2. Gavin64 says

    Hi Wayne.....if your related to Jack on the Ruttle side then we are related as well :-)
    Would like very much to make contact.
    Cheers
    Gavin

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  3. Lynnrhodes says

    Hi Wayne and Gavin, my grandfather was Ernest Ruttle who travelled with Workman on that great journey. I believe that Ernest was Jacks brother. I live in Perth australia my mum is Jean Ruttle daughter of Ernest and Jane Ruttle of Manor Kilbride. Would love to hear from distant family.

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