JOHN SMITH'S GRAND NATIONAL LEGENDS - SHORTLIST ANNOUNCED

John Smith's and Aintree have today announced the 2013 shortlist of ten racing 'Legends' aiming to be inducted into the John Smith's Grand National Legends hall of fame. The Legends initiative was launched three years ago to celebrate the 'Greats' from Grand National history.

This year's shortlist was again compiled by a panel of racing experts who were asked to consider the notable performances - equine and human - from the 1830s through to the present day. The reins now pass to the public whose votes will determine the identity of the five John Smith's Grand National Legends to enter the hall of fame in 2013. There is ceremony at Aintree planned on John Smith's Grand National Day on April 6th to celebrate the new inductees who will join the likes of Ginger McCain, Red Rum, Jenny Pitman and Bob Champion.

Go to www.grandnationallegends.com for more information and to vote now.

The 2013 contenders are as follows:

Tim Forster - One of only seven trainers to win three Grand Nationals - Well To Do, Last Suspect and Ben Nevis

Duke of Albuquerque - Perfectly epitomises the spirit of the race. Rode seven times as an amateur between 1952-76  

Neville Crump - Trained three winners 1948, 52 & 60 and five other placed horses

Ernie Piggott - Three times winner as a jockey (One a War National at Gatwick). He won the first Grand National back at Aintree in 1919

Reynoldstown - Back to back winner 1935 and 1936 in only two attempts at the race

Ruby Walsh - Amazing John Smith's Grand National record with 2 wins and 3 places from 10 attempts, only once failing to complete the course

Trevor Hemmings - One of the leading owners in UK and a huge supporter of Aintree. He has had 28 runners in the race and two winners in last decade (Hedgehunter 2005 and Ballabriggs 2011)

Golden Miller - The only horse ever to win the Gold Cup and Grand National in the same year (1934)

Richard Pitman - Involved in Grand National for 45 years as a jockey and broadcaster. Famously second on Crisp in 1973

Dick Francis CBE - Thriller writer, Champion Jockey and Racing Journalist. Desperately unlucky when riding Devon Loch in the National for the Queen Mother in 1956