Red Marauder gets plenty of congratulations on his return home after winning the Grand National in 2001.
The city-linked Red Marauder won the National at odds of 33-1. It was one of only two horses, along with Smarty, to put in a clear round on a day when the conditions were atrocious. — Red Marauder gets plenty of congratulations on his return home after winning the Grand National in 2001. The city-linked Red Marauder won the National at odds of 33-1. It was one of only two horses, along with Smarty, to put in a clear round on a day when the conditions were atrocious. | img

placeholder image — Red Marauder gets plenty of congratulations on his return home after winning the Grand National in 2001. The city-linked Red Marauder won the National at odds of 33-1. It was one of only two horses, along with Smarty, to put in a clear round on a day when the conditions were atrocious. | img

I'm jumping back through the years for Sunderland, Newcastle and South Tyneside Grand National links

By Chris Cordner

Digital specialist in nostalgia

Published 9th Apr 2026, 06:00 GMT

The countdown is on to the Grand National as the world famous horse racing event returns this weekend.

But we wonder how many of these Sunderland, Newcastle and South Tyneside links you knew of to the Aintree event.

There’s loads and they include a winner who hailed from Wearside as well as a legend who came to the city.

Intrigued? Find out more by browsing through our collection of Sunderland Echo and Shields Gazette memories.

9. Success in red and white

Four years before running in the Grand National, Forpadydeplasterer owners were celebrating after winning the Irish Independent Arkle challenge trophy steeplechase during day one of the Cheltenham Festival in 2009. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) | Getty Images

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I'm jumping back through the years for Sunderland, Newcastle and South Tyneside Grand National links

The countdown is on to the Grand National as the world famous horse racing event returns this weekend.

9. Success in red and white

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