THE FUNERAL of three-time-winning Grand National jockey Brian Fletcher takes place at Aberystwyth Crematorium tomorrow at 2pm.

The renowned horseman – best remembered for his partnership with the legendary Aintree specialist Red Rum – died at his farm near Llanybydder last week.

He had moved to west Wales to rear Welsh Cobs after his racing career ended in 1977 following a series of head injuries.

Born in County Durham, Mr Fletcher was only 20 when he first won the Grand National aboard Red Alligator in 1968.

He remained convinced that had the horse not been impeded in the notorious pile-up at the 23rd fence in Foinavon’s National of 1967, Red Alligator would have won the race 12 months previously.

But his most famous Grand National triumph came in 1973 when the locally-trained Red Rum pulled back a 20-length deficit to catch co-favourite Crisp in the final strides.

Mr Fletcher again partnered ‘Rummy’ to victory in 1974 but had to be content with second place behind L’Escargot the following year.

He later described losing the ride on Red Rum – following a bust-up with trainer ‘Ginger’ McCain - as the biggest disappointment of his career. Nevertheless, Mr Fletcher bounced back to take third place on the mare Eyecatcher in 1976 in what proved his final National ride.

Tomorrow’s funeral service is public and donations to Cancer Research can be made through undertakers Gwilym C Price, Son and Daughters, of Lampeter.