09.02.12 - THE GRAND NATIONAL

Tributes to Josh Gifford from Aintree Racecourse - Thursday, February 9, 2012

Julian Thick, Managing Director of Aintree Racecourse, commented: “It was with great sadness that we heard the news of Josh Gifford’s passing this morning.

“He was, and forever will be, a key character in Grand National folklore as the trainer of 1981 Grand National winning horse, Aldaniti.

“Josh had brought Aldaniti back from injury and stayed loyal to Bob Champion through the jockey’s fight against cancer, and their victory together in the race remains as one of the most emotive and heroic Grand National wins ever witnessed here at Aintree.

“He will be missed greatly, and his contribution to the race will remain as one of the most iconic Grand National stories of our time.”

The Chairman of Aintree Racecourse, Lord Daresbury, remembers Josh Gifford: “Josh was a true gentleman; he was charming, witty, accomplished and very knowledgeable about horses and racing. 

“I was lucky to have known him through George Sloan, who came over from America to be Champion Amateur and had horses with him - they were some pair together. Josh will be sadly missed by so many friends in England and America.”