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Trophy design highlights test: The sponsors of this year’s Randox Health Grand National are using the sport’s most celebrated trophy to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s disease, antibiotic resistance and a revolutionary test for cardiac and diabetes risk, that helped legendary Champion Jockey Sir Anthony McCoy.
Etched in solid silver and gilded with gold, the 2018 trophy resembles a champagne coupe. From the base of the bowl, brain synapses flash, milk beads pop like bubbles and a cardiograph of a healthy heartbeat is traced around the rim.
Designed once again by Shannon O’Neill, who created the 2017 trophy, the stem has been developed from the DNA helix and for the second year running, a red stone has been positioned in the logo, symbolising the drop of blood which enables Randox Health to carry out its innovative health checks.
“We’re delighted to unveil the 2018 Randox Health Grand National trophy,” said Dr Peter FitzGerald, MD of Randox Health. “This sponsorship is incredibly special to us, as it is a powerful way to raise awareness of the innovative diagnostic tests in every Randox Health check which can help people live healthier lives for longer.
“The heartbeat illustration on the trophy relates to a breakthrough test we’ve developed which can pinpoint warning signs of cardiac disease and type 2 diabetes. It was this test for adiponectin that enabled Sir Anthony McCoy to find out he had prediabetes and with our help he’s now reversed it. We’re very pleased to have his support and are delighted that he’s committed to sharing his story to inspire others to take control of their health too.”
Few people will be able to see the trophy up close, but those who do will notice champagne-like bubbles floating up the silver bowl. These represents the company’s ground-breaking dairy test, which – on a single biochip – can detect more antibiotics than all other available tests on the market combined. For the second year running Randox will be carrying out antibiotic-residue testing on produce served to hospitality guests at Aintree.
“The importance of combating antibiotic resistance cannot be underestimated and though it may be seen as controversial, the only concern I have is that not enough people are aware of what’s going on – and also importantly what can be done to improve the situation. We’re delighted to be working on a national level with producers in the UK and Ireland who want to ensure the highest level of safety for consumers. As official healthcare partner of The Jockey Club I would also like to thank them for their support – it’s not a simple task testing food which supplies 12,000 guests.”
Another popular element returning are the team trophies. In their first year as sponsor, Randox Health introduced the concept of presenting the entire winning team with a trophy, to celebrate the combined effort that goes in to achieving such a special victory.
In 2017, they went to trainer Lucinda Russell, jockey Derek Fox, and head groom Jamie Duff – who missed the presentation as she was tending to One for Arthur. Happily, at the next race Jamie attended, a special ceremony was held, broadcast live on ITV, to present her with her trophy.
Committed to pushing boundaries, next year Randox Health is shaking up the trophy design process – and it will take the form of a national competition.
Shortly after the 2018 festival, up-and-coming silversmiths will be given the opportunity by the Goldsmiths’ Company to submit designs. Over several weeks a panel of esteemed judges will whittle down the entries until the winner is selected. The aim is to engage a much wider audience with the passion inspired by the Randox Health Grand National and celebrate our renowned UK silversmiths.
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Karen can usually be found glued to her computer or at the stables. Having edited several national magazines she co-founded Eclipse Magazine in 2008 after realising that many of her friends were nervous about going racing due to lack of information – what to wear, how to bet etc.
She absolutely loves her job (how many people can say that?!) and is truly grateful to all supporters of and contributors to Eclipse Magazine.
If you are reading this she would like to say THANK YOU! (And please spread the word about Eclipse…!!)
