Grand National hero returns to Sussex lane where Aldaniti came home

Grand National-winning legend Bob Champion will complete the last ‘leg’ of #Bobs40For40Challenge on Saturday by riding a chestnut horse up the same Sussex lane Aldaniti paraded as he returned home victorious from Aintree 40 years ago.
Bob Champion has been on a grand fundraising tourBob Champion has been on a grand fundraising tour
Bob Champion has been on a grand fundraising tour

It comes after Champion revealed he faced an operation in the next few weeks to remove a tumour on his kidney.

He says: “I had a very bad back pain just before I started my walk and scans showed I have a tumour on my kidney which needs removing. I was determined I would carry on with my 40th anniversary walk though as to raise money for the Bob Champion Cancer Trust has been my life’s work and I didn’t intend to fall at the final fence when the money is still much needed!

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"So far, we have raised over £55,000 and it’s still coming in. Thank you to my sponsor Wasdell Group and everyone who has walked and supported me.”

A famous pairing - Bob Champion and AldanitiA famous pairing - Bob Champion and Aldaniti
A famous pairing - Bob Champion and Aldaniti

His 191-mile linear route to mark the 191 days of cancer treatment he underwent started at Aintree on Sunday April 11, and has taken in many trainers' gallops along the way. It will finish at 10.30am on Saturday as Bob walks a few miles on the famous Findon Gifford gallops (now operated by Nick Gifford), where Aldaniti was trained, as well as riding a horse not dissimilar to Aldaniti.

Throughout this week Champion is visiting other training yards in Hampshire and Sussex, including those run by Chris Gordon, Barkfold Manor, Gary Moore, David Menuisier, Amanda Perrett, Luke Dace, Richard Rowe and Suzy Smith.