- Brian Fletcher
Brian Fletcher (born in 1948, County Durham) was a English Jockey famous for riding the legendary Red Rum to win the
Grand National in 1973 and 1974 and for second place in 1975. He first won the Grand National at the age of 19, in 1968 riding Red Alligator [cite web |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/horseracing/2399122/Red-Rum-remains-people's-champion.html |title=Red Rum Remains the People's Champion |publisher=The Dailiy Telegraph |date=2003-04-04 |accessdate=2008-09-19] . He retired in 1976 with head injury. Apart from Ernie Piggott,Lester Piggot 's grandfather, George Stevens who won five times in the 19th century, Brian Fletcher is the only jockey to have won the Grand National three times [cite web |url=http://archive.thenorthernecho.co.uk/2004/5/21/51602.html |title=Fletcher's Given a Rum Deal by Barker and Co. |publisher=The Northern Echo |date=2004-05-18 |accessdate=2008-09-19] . Winning the Scottish National in 1974, Brian Fletcher is one of only three jockeys, withGraham Lee and Ruby Walsh, to achieve a "Grand National Double". His winning, record time on Red Rum in the 1973Grand National was to stand for 16 years till beaten byMarcus Armytage onMr. Fisk .Personal Life
He now farms sheep and breeding Welsh Cobs on a 36 acre farm in Carmarthenshire, Wales [cite web |url=http://archive.thenorthernecho.co.uk/2004/5/21/51602.html |title=Fletcher Happy in Pastures New |publisher=The Northern Echo |date=2004-05-01 |accessdate=2008-09-19] .Since his move to Wales, Brian Fletcher takes part in
Harness Racing , winning driving Hendre Harrier in Septmber 2004 at Ammanford [ [http://www.welsh-trotting.co.uk/results-archive.php?meet_id=29 Ammanford Racing Results] ] and occasionally is invited as VIP to racing meets in the UK [ [http://www.homebredracing.co.uk/newsletter/2005/W%20Post%2008-2005.pdf Aintree Legend Opens the Day in Winning Post] ] .External links
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oiGaX0d_Pjk Brian Fletch on Red Rum winning the 1973 Grand National YouTube video]
* [http://www.homebredracing.co.uk/newsletter/2007/W%20Post%20August%202007.pdf Face to Face with a Superstar, Winning Post, August 2007 (incl photo of Brian Fletcher)]Notes
References
[http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/north-east-sport/sport-news/2005/04/05/what-ever-happened-to-brian-fletcher-84229-15368640/ Whatever Happened to Brian Fletcher Evening Gazette Apr 5 2005]
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