Former Champion Hurdle-winning jockey Pat McCarron dies at the age of 82

Pat McCarron, who won the 1964 Champion Hurdle and was twice second in the Grand National, has died at the age of 82.

In a career spanning 20 years, McCarron rode 244 winners and was best remembered for his association with the popular staying chaser Freddie and talented hurdler Magic Court.

Freddie and McCarron won the 1965 Mildmay Memorial Chase and Great Yorkshire Chase a year later but were remembered just as much for their seconds - two in the Grand National and one in the 1965 Hennessy when beaten by Arkle.

McCarron and Freddie lined up three times in the Grand National at Aintree. Freddie was sent off 7-2 but could not catch the American challenger and 100-6 outsider Jay Trump in 1965 and the following year again found one too good in Anglo, who was 50-1.

It was not to be third time lucky as they were caught up in the melee in Foinavon's remarkable win at 100-1 in 1967, eventually finishing 17th after remounting.

McCarron, born in Derry on 7 August 1937, came to Britain at the age of 15 to be an apprentice to Harry Blackshaw in Middleham.

He retired in 1972 and took over his father's haulage business which he ran until retiring in 2006.

PAT McCARRON CV

Full name Patrick Lawrence McCarron

Born Northern Ireland, August 7, 1937

Apprenticed to Harry Blackshaw, Middleham 1952-56

First winner Mary Eleanor, York, May 21, 1953

Champion Hurdle winner Magic Court (1964)

Other big wins on Magic Court 1964 Princess Royal Hurdle, Cheltenham Trial Hurdle, 1965 Oteley Hurdle

Grand National runner-up Freddie (1965 to Jay Trump, 1966 to Anglo)

Big wins on Freddie 1965 Mildmay Memorial Chase, 1966 Great Yorkshire Chase, Gallaher Gold Cup (also second to Arkle, 1965 Hennessy Gold Cup)

Other Cheltenham Festival winner Chancer (1969 National Hunt Handicap Chase)

Scottish Champion Hurdle winner Al-'Alawi (1968)

Heinz Chase winner (Ascot) Bobby Corbett (1971)

Most wins in a season 31 in 1970-71

Total wins over jumps in Britain 244