2017 Randox Health Grand National Trophy Statue unveiled at Aintree Racecourse
2017 Randox Health Grand National Trophy Statue unveiled at Aintree Racecourse
A giant replica of the 2017 Randox Health Grand National trophy is being installed at Aintree Racecourse ahead of the world’s greatest horse race. The design was unveiled for the first time today during the Northern media lunch.
The statue standing at almost 6 meters, which will be seen by over 600 million people during the three day festival, depicts the same level of detail as the real trophy. The stunning piece is solid silver gilded with gold, and depicts horses galloping through strands of DNA.
A spot will be marked out near the statute directing race-goers where to stand to get a picture of them ‘holding’ the trophy. It is part of Randox Health’s plan to get the nation to #FeelLikeAWinner during the festival, even if they won’t be at Aintree. They hope people at the racecourse will share the trophy images on social media with people at home posting selfies with their cherished trophies!
Dr. Peter FitzGerald, Founder and Managing Director of Randox Health, commented;
“With the Randox Health Grand National being the greatest horse race in the world we wanted to give everyone a chance to feel like a winner throughout the festival. We’re very proud of the trophy and its one people can enjoy too. We want to give everybody the opportunity to feel part of this year’s festival even if they’re not here, which is why we’re encouraging them to share their own trophy selfies with the racing fans at Aintree. The Randox Health Grand National is a national occasion we want to share and we hope that we can encourage that.”
John Baker, Managing Director for Aintree Racecourse, commented;
“We’re delighted and honoured to work with Randox as a long term partner and we look forward to many years of success. With less than three weeks to go until the Randox Health Grand National Festival, we’re in great shape with the Aintree site looking tremendous and ticket sales going very well. We’re anticipating three days of thrilling racing with high quality entries and we look forward to plenty of fun and excitement off the track as well. The Aintree and Randox teams are working extremely hard to put on the best possible experience for our racegoers so we look forward to opening the gates on Thursday 6 April and welcoming everyone for a fantastic three days.”
The official reveal of the trophy statue has come after the announcement that for each of its five years of sponsorship, Randox Health, the title partner of the Randox Health Grand National, will create a unique winner’s trophy, and each member of the winning team – trainer, jockey and groom – will receive their own trophy in recognition of the teamwork that goes into achieving such monumental success.
The coveted trophy was unveiled by Sir Anthony McCoy and Dr Peter FitzGerald at the Weights Evening Reception at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
For more information about Randox Health Grand National Horse please contact Randox PR on 028 9445 1016 or email RandoxPR@randox.com
Randox Horse Tales | Katie Walsh on the partnership with Seabass that made her the most successful female jockey of all time
With less than three weeks’ to go before the Randox Health Grand National, we’re really starting to feel the excitement!
Those who’ve ridden over the famous fences at Aintree never forget it. The most successful female jockey of all time, Katie Walsh, shares her memories of Seabass in the 2012 Grand National, when she came third.
I remember every single bit of it. You don’t forget things like that.
It was a fantastic time and I had some brilliant months in the lead up to it. I won a couple of good races in the build up to the Grand National.
And for Seabass to be the horse that I rode that day, made it all the more magical. This is definitely at the top of my list.
He’d been trained by my father and we’ve been involved with horses for so long that we know how hard it is to have a horse for the Grand National – things can change every day. It’s like someone saying, “I’m going to be President.” That’s how slim the chances are for it to all work out, so I really appreciate how lucky we were to be there.
Seabass is a gorgeous horse and I absolutely love him.
The biggest difficulty we had was keeping him sound. Seabass was a lovely horse but he wasn’t the easiest to keep sound. You see that a lot in elite athletes – sometimes it’s just incredibly difficult to stay fit. And to be in with a shot of getting into the National, you have to keep a horse high enough in the handicaps so it’s constant work – you’ve got to be really careful what you do and how you treat them.
If you look back at his record, Seabass was off for a couple of seasons simply because he has legs of glass, he’s really fragile. There were many different problems over the years which had to be treated and we did a lot of swimming with him. A lot a lot of work went into minding his legs!
The actual race – I could tell you every moment. It was like a dream, the whole ride was fantastic and everything worked out super! Seabass travelled so well – it was a competitive year that year and on another he might have won.
But I was over the moon when we crossed the line in third.
It meant a lot to people that a female jockey had done so well. It featured heavily in the interviews I did afterwards and still does to be honest.
The whole family were there– Ruby wasn’t actually riding himself that day, he’d had a fall earlier. So they were all watching. We’re a pretty special unit – very close – and they were thrilled for us.
Once it was over though, I went straight into the usual routine. In fact I jumped in the car and went to Newmarket. Life goes on!
But once you’ve achieved something like that in the Grand National life does change. Off the back of it I became an Aintree ambassador which is a huge honour and something that I absolutely love.
I can’t wait for the Randox Health Grand National this year!
For more information about Randox Horse Tales please contact Randox PR on 028 9445 1016 or email RandoxPR@randox.com
Randox Biosciences and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Celebrate Success of Transatlantic Partnership
Today, Randox Biosciences and Dana Farber Cancer Institute highlighted the milestones achieved during their joint partnership. The collaborative partnership was the focus of the Boston-Ireland Precision Medicine Seminar with partners the City of Boston and the Massachusetts Life Science Center (MLSC).
The City of Boston Office of Economic Development and the Massachusetts Life Science Center are collaborating with Randox Biosciences on an innovative event to discuss the Boston-Ireland linkage in the field of Precision Medicine. The event will build business and science relationships between leading life science organizations. The program will highlight Boston as a global life science hub and illustrate why global leaders like Randox are seeking to build business partnerships in the area.
“Dana-Farber is a world-renowned name in the field of oncology and it is great to be working on this exciting new technology which is being developed in the lab of Dr. Novina.” Marshall Dunlop of Randox Laboratories said.
In the last year, the clinical diagnostics and life sciences provider Randox Laboratories has established a collaborative agreement with Dr. Carl Novina at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School. The goal of this collaboration is to develop therapeutic antibodies that will be incorporated into a platform technology that can reprogram patients’ immune systems to attack cancers.
“I am excited to work with Randox and use these important antibody technologies to help develop a novel cancer therapy that could potentially make a real difference for cancer patients.” said Dr. Carl Novina, Dana Farber Cancer Institute.
The Randox BioSciences and Dana Farber relationship highlights the close ties between Boston, Massachusetts and Ireland and provides another example of the strengths of Boston and Ireland in the life sciences sector. The life sciences industry continues to thrive all across Boston, from Longwood Medical Area – a world-famous medical campus with over 43,000 scientists, researchers, and staff including over 19,000 students – to the South Boston Waterfront District, the city’s newest cluster of high tech research, development, and manufacturing firms.
The City of Boston Chief of Economic Development John Barros said, “Mayor Martin J. Walsh is proud of Boston’s historic links with Ireland and the diverse economic bridges these links have created today. Within the life sciences alone, our researchers and businesses work together in new ways every day to shape how we treat, cure, and innovate together. By partnering with Randox and other leaders in the field, we continue to tackle global challenges together. Here at the City of Boston, we are committed to maintaining open doors as a global and welcoming city. These international partnerships will continue to play an active role in fostering opportunities for collaboration and growth.”
“Collaboration is the key ingredient that makes Massachusetts the best place in the world to innovate,” said Travis McCready, President & CEO of the MLSC. “It is great to see Randox collaborating with the leading scientists at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, toward the development of improved, targeted treatments for cancer patients.”
For more information about the Precision Medicine Seminar in Boston please contact Randox PR on 028 9445 1016 or email RandoxPR@randox.com
Randox Horse Tales | Oliver Sherwood shares his memories of Many Clouds, The People’s Horse
There was only one horse that Oliver Sherwood wanted to write about when he was asked to take part in Horse Tales – his 2015 Grand National winner Many Clouds. He was the horse of a lifetime for the Lambourn-based trainer who was hooked the moment he saw him. Clouds tragically died earlier this year and Sherwood says he misses him every day.
The minute I saw him, I knew there was something special. Of course, we all think that. But there was something about Clouds that I just liked from the start.
I had come to look over Mr Hemmings’ young horses when I first saw Clouds. He was a raw, barely broken three year old, and I saw an individualism about him, a character that appealed. From that moment I wanted to be the one to train him.
I’m sure other trainers saw Clouds’ potential too but every time I went to Mr Hemmings’ place, I’d mention to Mick Meagher, the manager, how much I liked him. However I really didn’t expect to get him, so when Mr Hemmings started allocating his horses and Mick called to say they were sending him to me, I was surprised and delighted.
When we started the serious training, I thought he was above average. You can’t be certain – I’ve seen before how horses show form but then can’t perform on the racecourse. That didn’t happen with Clouds. He won on his debut at Wetherby in February 2012, crossing the line 10-15 lengths in front. Right then I knew my gut had been right – he was going to be special. I started hoping and planning for the Hennessey Gold Cup.
He had a summer holiday after that and thickened out. When he came back, he won a handful of hurdles, and came second in the EDF Final the Saturday before Cheltenham, carrying top weight. We were certain that hurdles would be a stepping stone for him.
He was a natural chaser. In 2014 – 15 he won at Carlisle and then won the Hennessey. The rest is history. He won at Cheltenham in January though disappointed in the Gold Cup. But then he won at Aintree in 2015 and that put him on a different level.
As with so many fairy tales from the National, it was unexpected. I’d thought it was too soon for him, but I was persuaded to give it a go. It was a sensational victory. It was the second fastest time – 8 minutes 56.8 seconds, and he did it with 11 stone 9 pounds – almost the top weight. In fact no other horse had carried a higher weight and won at Aintree since Red Rum in ’74. His jockey – Leighton Aspell – said it was the best ride he’d ever had over the fences.
I was staggered by how worldwide the National is. For many trainers you want to win the Gold Cup, it’s the 100m sprint, but when I was being interviewed for the first time by broadcasters in Australia, the US and Japan after winning in 2015, they saw it as the pinnacle.
One thing is absolutely true though – you’ll never forget it. You try to explain to people who have never had horses – but you simply can’t express the thrill of seeing your horse in your colours pass the finishing post in the lead. It was Sir Fred Pontin trying to get that across to Mr Hemmings that got him into racing in the first place. He’d won with Specify in 1971, and showed Mr Hemmings the trophy. He ended up bequeathing it to him in his will – by which stage Mr Hemmings had already won one himself with Hedgehunter.
God puts you on this planet and you are what you are. Clouds, he was a performer, a competitor. He loved to race. He was a nervous horse, a bit spooky but he got more confident as he grew older. He was the proverbial gentle giant, he always wanted to please. He loved his work, he was always very keen to get out and race. Leighton was the only one who schooled and raced him.
Clouds’ last race was his best ever performance. He won by a head in a photo-finish in the Cotswold Chase at Cheltenham but suddenly suffered a severe pulmonary haemorrhage and despite the best efforts of the team on the course, he died just afterwards.
We’ve been overwhelmed by the reaction from people. There have been over a thousand letters – never mind emails and Facebook messages – from all over the world. My wife has responded to every single one of them. People responded to him- they saw he was a trier and they loved that. People could relate to him – in a way he became the people’s horse.
When he won at Aintree thousands of people came out to see him when he came home. Everyone celebrated his win, and that depth of feeling continues today. Our local open day has been renamed after him, and in the village a bench will be placed in his memory thanks to the local council and the Jockey Club. At a party on Saturday here, we still had kids coming up and asking about Clouds. It’s just staggering the impact he had and the inspiration he gave to so many. I am certain he’s bringing a lot of new people into racing.
He was cremated and his ashes were returned to the Isle of Man where Mr Hemmings lives. His shoes will be mounted on a wooden plaque, and his best races inscribed on it. We’ve still got the plaque which was mounted on his box after the won the Grand National.
I’ll never forget Clouds. He will always be in my memories and those of the whole team here in Rhonehurst. Yet I’m glad he went out on a high. I’d rather that than have him suffer an injury. Death happens to us all – I would love to go as he did.
For more information about Randox Horse Tales please contact Randox PR on 028 9445 1016 or email RandoxPR@randox.com
Randox Horse Tales | Mike Hughes and “The Greatest Horse of Aintree”
This week in the third edition of Horse Tales we are thrilled to hear from Mike Hughes, Sports Broadcast Journalist for BBC Radio Merseyside.
Mike talks about Red Rum, “The Greatest Horse of Aintree,” and how the race conditions have changed since the millennium bringing with them the best chasers competing to win the world’s most famous race:
Even a cursory glance down the list of previous Grand National winners will highlight some seriously talented racehorses. Factor in the way the race conditions have changed since the new millennium, not to mention the incredible prize money on offer, then it’s not surprising that the very best chasers around are now competing to win the world’s most famous race.
But whatever the future holds for the race that sits at the centrepiece of the three day Aintree festival, there will only ever be one horse that can lay claim to being “The Greatest” that the famous old course has ever seen.
The Red Rum story is a remarkable one by any sporting standards. His love affair with the Grand National knew no bounds. In 1973 he came from “another parish” to pounce and steal victory on the run-in from Australian wonder horse Crisp. He became a National Hero from that point onwards. He broke the course record that year and the time has only been bettered once since.
Red Rum defended his Grand National title in 1974 with an incredible performance. Under the guidance of Brian Fletcher, he pretty much cruised around Aintree as if he owned the joint. He won the race with a swagger and poise that hasn’t been seen since. It was also an outstanding weight carrying performance. Red Rum was top weight in 1974. No horse carrying top weight has won it since.
In the 1975 & 1975 Grand National’s Red Rum was a gallant second. Firstly running a previous Gold Cup winner L’escargot close and then finishing runner up to the well handicapped Rag Trade.
By the time of the 1977 Grand National surely the passing of the years would diminish the chances of another Aintree ” day to remember” for Red Rum. Despite carrying another welter burden and being now aged 12, he put in yet another display of near faultless jumping over the toughest of fences and delivered another emphatic Grand National success. The only horse to win the race three times.
The courage of the horse is highlighted by the fact that he was engaged to run in the Grand National in 1978, but withdrew on the eve of the race due to a minor injury.
If the romantic notion of a horse who was housed in a stable behind a used car showroom in Southport, isn’t enough to convince you of Red Rum’s place in the pantheon of sporting greats then consider this.
If it wasn’t for Red Rum, then the Grand National as a sporting spectacle beyond compare, would probably not exist.
Red Rum and his loveable and outrageous trainer Ginger McCain began writing folklore history at the very same time that the world’s greatest race was under real threat of losing its Aintree home. The owners of the course in the mid 70’s were The Walton Group, property developers who outlined various proposals for Aintree, none of which would have allowed the Grand National to continue.
Red Rum became the popular galvanising force that made ordinary people take notice of this once a year event again. He was the horse and the story that put the Grand National back on the front pages of the world’s newspapers.
When we remember this year as the fortieth anniversary of Red Rum’s third and final Grand National victory we need also to think back ten years earlier, April 7th 1967. It was the horse’s first ever Aintree appearance, as a two year old in a five furlong flat race. Red Rum was never known for his flat racing pedigree, but this was the day he fell in love with this very special racecourse. He dead-heated for first place.
Red Rum’s record and his place in history means that he really is “The Greatest Horse of Aintree”
For more information about Randox Horse Tales please contact Randox PR on 028 9445 1016 or email RandoxPR@randox.com
We Are Randox | Climbing the career ladder: full time job offer for placement student Glenny
This week we were invited to chat with Glenny Crymble, who works in the purchasing and finance department here in Randox headquarters in Crumlin. Glenny, who came to us last year as a placement student, is now employed by Randox on a part time basis as she works towards her final year studying business studies at Ulster University.
“I first joined Randox in September 2015 when I was looking for a placement opportunity as part of my degree. I heard of Randox through my University and I was able to apply through our careers’ website. It was quite hard to find a placement that was related to what I was studying so I was thrilled when I got an interview for Randox. It’s rare to get such a great opportunity to work within an international company, especially within the diagnostics industry. I know that a lot of my friends were unable to secure a placement which is such a shame because it really gives you a great insight into the working world and is a wonderful opportunity to learn and develop.
“I was a little nervous when I started because it was all quite new to me but I settled in pretty soon. I was originally supposed to be working in the logistics department but I was moved to purchasing which I was really pleased with as this is really where my interests lie. Before I started I was given some training so I was comfortable with what was expected of me. On a day to day basis I was sourcing suppliers, placing orders, putting on invoices, paying invoices, doing stocktakes, forming quotations and responding to email queries and questions.
“I know within some placement opportunities you are mainly shadowing people, but at Randox it’s been really hands on which I have loved and you really get the experience. There is also the opportunity to travel if that interests you. I was offered the opportunity to do a little work in Manchester and other colleagues worked at times in Poland, Korea, India and the USA.
“Purchasing was quite a fast paced environment to be working in especially with the opening of the new state-of-the-art Randox Science Park in the former Massereene Barracks. There were floods of orders coming in from the labs which involved a lot of hard work and great teamwork but it was such a good experience and I really learnt a lot from the people around me. Everybody was really helpful and friendly from the moment I started.
“Now I’m working in the finance department. There is a great atmosphere – everyone gets along with one another and we all have a good sense of humour. It’s an open plan office with lots of windows the whole way around so when I first started they told me they call it the fish bowl office as everyone looks in at us which was quite funny. I am really enjoying it so far and now that I have had experience working in the two different departments I know I prefer the finance side of things. I think it get it from my dad as he’s an accountant and a lot of my family work in finance. My main tasks include working on financial statements, evaluating assets and grant work which involves putting in claims for R&D projects.
“Currently I’m deciding whether or not I want to undertake my accountancy exams to become a chartered accountant. The team have really encouraged me to do so as they have such high aspirations for me so I feel more confident in myself and my manager helped me a lot with my placement report.
“I was delighted when Randox asked me to stay on a part-time basis as an Account Executive after my placement year was up- it was a great surprise. I work two days a week now and Randox are really flexible if there is a day that I can’t work due to university commitments.
“I think my placement year helped confirm that I prefer working in finance and helped me pick my optional modules for final year. I picked accountancy modules including financial sector accountancy and total quality management because I knew from working at Randox that I would enjoy these the most. I think if I hadn’t have got a placement I would have been unsure which avenue of work to go down. My placement also really helped me with my dissertation in terms of financial terminology, balance sheets and financial statements. It was based on the Tesco accountancy scandal which was very interesting.
“I would definitely recommend Randox to other placement students, it’s a great place to work. They also have a graduate program for people who have only just graduated. It is rotational, so if like me, you are unsure which avenue you want to pursue, it allows you to work within the different departments to see which you enjoy the most.
“Each year they hold an awards ceremony for placement students, with the top three placement students from each discipline including science, engineering and business being rewarded for their outstanding contributions. I was lucky enough to be one of the nominees last year. It’s great that the company recognises the work that placement students do and you feel a sense of pride working for Randox.
“Once I graduate in June I am going to continue to work with Randox full time so I am excited to start my career. It’s been a great learning curve, I feel that I have become more confident and I hope that I can continue to learn and develop with Randox throughout my career.”
If you are interested in joining our global team make sure that you check out Randox careers website to see what new opportunities we have for you.
#WeAreRandox
We Are Randox | Kathleen Keery named Randox Employee of the Year 2016 at the 3rd Annual Manufacturing Awards Dinner
Randox Packing Department Team Member Kathleen Keery has been named Randox Employee of the Year 2016.
Her award was announced on Friday 24th February 2017, when 139 staff from 34 manufacturing departments of Randox gathered together at The Templeton Hotel in Templepatrick, to connect with colleagues and celebrate the success of their teams at the annual Randox Manufacturing Awards Dinner.
John Campbell, Senior Manager began the evening with his opening address, and thanked all attendees for their hard work;
“Each year our manufacturing department grows in strength and this is thanks to the people working in it. I am proud to be standing here to recognise our collective capabilities as a team and to celebrate our hard work – with good food and great company.”
Lean Co-Ordinator, Mark Campbell then shared an overview of the year’s manufacturing successes, and looked forward to the activities for the year ahead.
On the night, the following awards were presented:
- Employee of the Month October 2016 was awarded to Jeanette Robb within our Packing Department.
- Employee of the Month November 2016 was won by Lisa McHendry of our Conjugate / Antibody Production Team.
- December 2016’s Employee of the Month was Gareth Bushe of Randox Speciality Controls.
- The Randox Logistics Department was then named as Department of the Year 2016.
Following the presentation of these awards, all attention turned to Senior Manager John Campbell to announce the prestigious Employee of the Year Award 2016.
We are delighted to be able to share that this award went to Kathleen Keery of our Packing Department.
Kathleen commented;
“I am beyond proud to be able to say that I am Randox Employee of the Year 2016. I work in such a talented and hard-working team at Randox, so I know there must have been fierce competition! It was an incredible honour to be able to receive this award surrounded by my colleagues and friends and I would like to thank everybody who has congratulated me over the past number of days. All the work we do at Randox is truly a team effort and so my award is as much for my team members within the Packing Department as it is for me. I wouldn’t be able to do my job without them!”
John Campbell closed the night by congratulating Kathleen, and the Logistics team;
“I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate our award winners this evening – particularly the Logistics Team and Kathleen Keery – and to thank you all for the important part you play in making Randox a global leader in the diagnostics industry – manufacturing our products that we distribute all over the globe. Let’s look forward to an exciting and prosperous 2017 together, and I hope you enjoy the evening!”
For more information about the Manufacturing Awards please contact Randox PR by email: randoxpr@randox.com or phone 028 9442 2413
Ready, Set, Go: Randox Teoranta sponsors WAAR three years in a row
On Saturday 25th February, Ireland’s most famous adventurer, Jason Black, launched this year’s WAAR event, which is being sponsored for the third time by Randox Teoranta. The Wild Atlantic Adventure Race which takes place in the Banks, Mullaghdearg, Donegal, raises much needed funds for the ongoing developments at CLG Naomh Mhuire.
World renowned adventurer, Jason Black commented;
“The Wild Atlantic Adventure Race is a brilliant event – an incredible physical challenge in a stunning location. I’m delighted to be involved, and encourage people to become active and set themselves goals. Whether it be climbing Mount Everest or powering through the WAAR, there’s a personal satisfaction that you get from sport that is so unique. That people not just from Ireland but overseas take part as well says all you need to know about the quality of this adventure race.”
With an anticipated 500 plus competitors hoping to take part this year on the 13th May, the race will include a 42.5k cycle, a 2K hike, and a 1K kayak. Adding an extra challenge, this year’s run has been increased by 2.5K to 10K offering contenders a day packed full of activities.
Ciaran Richardson, Head of R&D at Randox Teoranta in Dungloe, who is looking forward to supporting the event for a third time said;
“We are delighted to sponsor the WAAR for a third consecutive year. The whole Donegal community looks forward to it and it’s a significant event promoting the importance of health, fitness and wellbeing. As a global diagnostics company we aim to revolutionise healthcare and WAAR gives us the perfect opportunity to spread our message of preventive health. We are looking forward to the event which is set to be a great success and hopefully we’ll be cheering on some of our own employees at the starting line again this year. “
WAAR committee member, Gavin Ó Dónaill, thanked Randox for their support and commented;
“We are thrilled that Randox Teoranta have been named the 2017 sponsors of WAAR. Without their sponsorship the event would not be possible. This year is set to be the biggest and best yet with an anticipated 500 plus competitors taking part. We have extended the distance of the run to 10K so there will be an added pressure to reach the finish line. We have also introduced a shorter sprint 39K Category to allow more newcomers to participate in WAAR.
At the launch we will also be interviewing local members of the community who have in recent years become more involved in fitness and exercise through walking, running and cycling and have now registered to take part in the event. This represents the true spirit of WAAR.”
Saturday’s event will also include a new element in the form of a nutritional workshop by husband and wife, Jenna Maltese and Tom Coleman, the founders of My Nutrition Ireland who will offer simple effective food guidance to all attendees on the day.
For more information about the WAAR please contact Randox PR on 028 9445 1016 or email RandoxPR@randox.com
Northern Ireland children are first in the UK to see Randox Health Grand National Trophy 2017
Last week schoolchildren in Northern Ireland were the first in the UK to get to see the 2017 Randox Health Grand National trophy, when Randox Health took it on a schools tour across Northern Ireland.
A visit to Crumlin Integrated College in the town where Randox is based kicked off the tour, which marked the first time in the history of the race that the Grand National trophy has visited Northern Ireland.
The trophy made an appearance at schools in Belfast, Derry, Armagh, Omagh and Antrim, including St. Oliver Plunkett’s Primary School, the primary school attended by Sir Anthony McCoy. The children at each school had the chance to learn more about Randox’s message of preventive health and were also offered the opportunity to take a trophy selfie!
Dr. Peter FitzGerald, Founder and Managing Director of Randox Health, commented;
“We are very proud of our roots and the support of people in Northern Ireland has played a significant part in our global success. This is an opportunity to share the excitement of the build-up of the Randox Health Grand National with children here, and also importantly to help spread the message of preventive health.
“No other race is as popular as this so it is rightfully called The People’s Race. It is our commitment to improving the health of people right across the world that led to this sponsorship. We hope that as a result people will learn about a more proactive and positive way to stay healthy and enjoy the magical moments that life gives us.”
Lynda McGarry, Principal of Crumlin Integrated College, welcomed the tour and the visit to the Crumlin school, which is also hosting St Joseph’s, Crumlin Integrated Primary School and Gaelscoil Ghleann Darach;
“We are absolutely thrilled that the children of each of our schools in Crumlin will be able to see the Randox Health Grand National Trophy up close and personal. Horse racing is such a popular sport in Northern Ireland and so many of our pupils watch the Grand National at home with their families. To be able to share in the excitement leading up to the race is a fantastic opportunity for them and they are all looking forward to watching the race in April and finding out who will win the trophy that visited our school.
“We’re grateful to Randox for providing our pupils with such a special experience that they will remember for a very long time, and are very proud that the company, which is just down the road from us, is partnering with the world’s greatest race, and that Dr. FitzGerald chose Crumlin Integrated College to be the first school to see this special trophy.
“We are delighted that our Head Boy Brian Savage was able to unveil the trophy at our special assembly in front of a packed hall of pupils, staff and invited guests including politicians from all of the main parties.”
The Randox Health Grand National Trophy Tour of Northern Ireland cames after an announcement that for the first time ever, the title partner of the Randox Health Grand National will create a different winner’s trophy for each of the 5 years of its sponsorship, and each member of the winning team – owner, trainer, jockey groom – will receive their own version.
The Randox Health Grand National 2017 Trophy Tour of Northern Ireland was as follows:
Tuesday 21st February
Crumlin Integrated College – hosting St Joseph’s, Crumlin Integrated Primary School and Gaelscoil Ghleann Darach
Oakwood Special Needs School
Victoria College Primary School
Ashfield Boys High School
Wednesday 22nd February
Antrim Grammar
St Oliver Plunkett’s Primary School **(AP McCoy’s Primary School)
Dalriada Grammar School
Bushmills Primary School
North Coast Integrated College
Thursday 23rd February
Templepatrick Primary School
Loanends Primary School
Wallace High School
Thursday afternoon – Randox Health Holywood Clinic
Friday 24th February
Royal School Armagh
Omagh Academy
Strabane Academy
St Cecilia’s College
For more information about the 2017 Randox Health Grand National Trophy Tour of Northern Ireland please contact Randox PR on 028 9445 1016 or email RandoxPR@randox.com
Randox Horse Tales | Ed Chamberlin’s favourite Grand National memories
In the second edition of Randox Horse Tales, we’re delighted to be able to hear from the face of ITV Racing, Ed Chamberlin.
Read on to find out about his earliest racing memory, his first trip to Aintree, and why 2010 was his favourite Grand National…
The Randox Health Grand National has always been a huge part of my life.
My earliest memory is watching Aldiniti’s famous win in 1981 alongside my grandfather in his tiny sitting room in Bruton, though the fairytale was lost on his seven-year-old grandson who was fuming after his 50p on Spartan Missile narrowly failed to deliver. I remember blaming the jockey, again blissfully unaware of the heroics in the saddle from 54-year-old John Thorne.
From that day on I was in charge of my grandfather’s ITV7 entry and the annual family sweepstake. I was hooked.
My first trip to Aintree was in the election year of 1992 when Party Politics was an appropriate winner. I absolutely loved that giant horse and loved even more the huge price he returned on the Tote.
The trip North became an annual excursion, at first via a Little Chef Lodge off the M6 to the Canal Turn, and then when student days were over, a hotel stay and badges to the main enclosure with much of the day spent desperately trying to get in camera shot behind Des Lynam.
To think on 8th April I am going to present the 2017 Randox Health Grand National on ITV is utterly surreal. I cannot wait.
Party Politics holds a special place in my heart but my favourite winner of all time has to be Don’t Push It in 2010.
I had given up hope of AP McCoy ever riding a National winner. Everyone knew his obsession with winning the race – the one big omission from his remarkable CV – and every year seemed to end in bitter disappointed. Blowing Wind’s fall and Clan Royal getting carried out at Becher’s Brook were the two golden opportunities that got away and it looked like victory would never happen.
On the Monday before the 2010 renewal I spoke to AP, who was leaning towards riding Can’t Buy Time in the big race. Thankfully Jonjo O’Neill persuaded him otherwise later in the week.
The race itself went like clockwork and the feeling on the run-in when Don’t Push It hit the front and AP’s elation when he crossed the line, are memories I will never forget. The rest is a haze! Knowing just what it meant to the greatest jockey we will ever see, and his family, made that the most special Grand National day I can remember.
A few weeks later, the party to celebrate was pretty special too!
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