Pictures: Guisborough-born Bob Champion won the Grand National in remarkable circumstances 33 years ago
View gallery Gallery: Former Grand National Winning Jockey Bob Champion
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We have raided the Mirrorpix archive to find these pictures of when Bob Champion won the Grand National.
It was 6 April 1981 when the Guisborough-born jockey won the race in remarkable circumstances.
Last year, he was number 22 in out list of 50 Great Teessiders - and the entry accompanying it describes what made Bob's victory so special:
The tale of Bob Champion is a classic of triumph over adversity.
Riding high as a successful young jockey in 1979, he received the news he had testicular cancer and may only have a few months to live.
Spurring Champion on in his battle against illness was the dream of winning the Grand National.
And, after months of chemotherapy, he received the all clear and rode Aldaniti in the race in 1981.
The race had a fairytale finish as Champion won in what is often hailed as one of sport’s most moving moments.
“I rode that race for all the people suffering from cancer and for all the people that care for them,” he said.
Champion continued with a successful career.
He also set up the Bob Champion Cancer Trust in 1983, which has raised millions.
The 2014 Grand National takes place tomorrow.
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