The magnetic appeal of the Grand National – by those who didn't win it, and one who did. Every year there is one Grand National-winning jockey – and 39 who tried but failed to win the world's most famous horse race. Some fell at the first fence. Others were beaten a whisker in a heart-stopping finish. But every rider who has ever taken on the fearsome Grand National fences has his – and her – unique memories of one the greatest challenges in sport. In Go Down to the Beaten - the title is quote from John Masefield's famous poem 'Right Royal'- racing historian Chris Pitt distils the magic of the Grand National through the eyes of jockeys who, for one reason or another, did not reach the personal and professional pinnacle which the National represents – finishing with Tony McCoy, who famously won the 2010 race at his 15th attempt. A jockey, sometimes two, has been interviewed, covering every Grand National from 1946 until 2010. Sadly since some of these interviews took place, some of the interviewees have passed away, which adds a poignancy to some of their stories. Pitt describes the build-up to the race, the race in the words of jockey, the outcome and how the race changed the lives of each interviewee. In doing so, Pitt presents a unique angle – inspirational, moving and frequently funny – on the greatest race of all.
