IN the week that the Grand National weights were revealed, many readers may like a spin back in time to read about an old hero who sits high among the Aintree legends.

The Grand National story thrives on nostalgia and the Dan Moore-trained L’Escargot is one of only two horses to win the Gold Cup at Cheltenham and follow up in the Grand National. Not only that, he beat the one and only legend himself, Red Rum, in winning his National in 1975.

He also featured in some lovely old footage uncovered in the TG4 series ‘Laochra Na Rásaíochta’, screened two years ago. Suffice it to say, Hewick was not the only Irish-trained ‘National’ winner to be offered a drink in an Irish pub.

The horse’s career is recalled and documented in David Owen’s publication - No Snail - The story of L’Escargot, the horse that foiled Red Rum

L’Escargot’s career weaves together the story of horse racing in three distinct countries – the USA, Britain and Ireland.

Over 200 pages describe the journey to that famous day at Aintree with simply tremendous detail throughout.

From the two-year-old chesnut gelding occupying Thomas Matthews’ horsebox on a day in 1965 and being delivered into Jimmy Brogan’s yard in Gilliamstown, Westmeath, to Raymond Guest’s efforts to land the world’s toughest steeplechase.

The foreword is from Red Rum’s trainer Ginger McCain - ‘For me, L’Escargot never properly received the credit he deserved.’

But he does here.

The horse competed at the top level all his life and even attempted to dethrone the champion hurdler Persian War, before his move to fences and a trip to Belmont Park for the 53rd running of the Meadow Brook Steeplechase Handicap in May 1968.

Afterwards there was further recognition of connections’ imagination and efforts when L’Escargot was voted the 1969 US Steeplechase Horse of the Year.

Following the account of his Gold Cup triumph, the book then documents the bid for further glory at Aintree amid his owner’s other famous successful horses and his attempts to win an elusive Grand National.

From chapters headed An instant dislike to Aintree we move through to Avoiding the abyss, fulfilling the dream as Raymond Guest had finally bagged his Grand National – at the 13th attempt.

Remember those were different times in the ‘70s - L’Escargot was the first Irish-trained winner of the National for 17 years.

There is tremendous detail surrounding the equine and human heroes of the late ‘60s and early ‘70s.

These characters and famous Irish racing names are recalled in a chronicle of the life of a unique racehorse. A great read.

No Snail by David Owen. Published by Fairfield Books. Also available as an eBook.

Web: thenightwatchman.net/buy/no-snail