Letter: Red Rum deserves equal first
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Your correspondent describes it as "sacrilege" to mention the horses Red Rum and Arkle in the same breath ("Q&A", Sport, 28 December).
Few would argue that Arkle was the superior horse and perhaps the greatest steeplechaser of all time. However, Red Rum's name is synonymous with courage and stamina which elevated him to the status of a national hero. His speciality, the Grand National, earned him arecord - three wins - that is unlikely to be beaten. And remember, he was competing at Aintree before the fences were modified. He also became the first horse to win both the Grand National and the Scottish Grand National in the same year (another record), was a close second in the Hennessy Gold Cup and, contrary to Mr Carter's suggestion, was actually placed in many of his races.
But the greatest compliment, perhaps, is that he mattered so much to so many ordinary people. He was loved in the great tradition of a hero because his success was achieved through his own guts and determination.
G Fitzgerald
London
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments