Five of the legends who can be voted into the Grand National hall of fame

  PICTURE: Edward Whitaker/racingpostpix.com 

Shortlist announced forNational hall of fame

THE custodians of racing’s greatest race are to pay tribute those who have contributed most to its greatness after Aintree announced the first members of a Grand National hall of fame are to be honoured on the day of this year’s jumping showpiece.

Vincent O'Brien: among nominees

  PICTURE: Edward Whitaker  

The names of ten candidates for inclusion to the hall of fame, officially titled the John Smith’s Grand National Legends, were revealed on Tuesday, but only five of those Aintree heroes – whose band includes RedRum, Vincent O’Brien and Sir Peter O’Sullevan – will be inducted.

A poll of racing fans will determine the identity of the chosen five with all votes to be cast at www.grandnationallegends.com.

Voting ends on March 22 with all those who vote automatically entered in a draw for a VIP trip to the Grand National on April 10.

Aintree managing director Julian Thick said: “The John Smith’s Grand National is a race steeped in history and has produced many stories and legends down the years. We want to give people the chance to reflect and celebrate this, and vote for who those who they think should be further immortalised in Aintree history.”

The full list of nominees are:

- Ginger McCain/Red Rum

-Sir Peter O’Sullevan

-Jenny Pitman

- Fred Rimell

- Vincent O’Brien

- Fred Winter

- John Buckingham/Foinavon

- Manifesto

- Bob Champion/Aldaniti

- Tommy Carberry

Read full reaction to the Grand National weights and Pricewise's ante-post advice in Wednesday's Racing Post - or buy the online newspaper from 9am