Trophy designed and made by woman presented to first Grand National Female Jockey
Randox Grand National 2021 trophy pays tribute to COVID pandemic key workers
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The headline sponsor of the Randox Grand National has unveiled the trophy for the 2021 event with a tribute to key workers of the COVID-19 pandemic design and made by female silversmith Cara Murphy, the trophy was presented to the first female jockey winner of the Grand National on Saturday.
Shown to the public for the first time on Saturday 3 April during ITV Racing’s Opening Show, the 2021 trophy has been designed for the second year by Silversmith Cara Murphy from Northern Ireland.
The unique design of the silver and gold trophy, which includes illustrations of the COVID-19 virus on its base, acknowledges a historic year and the collective efforts of all key workers during this time.
Dr Peter FitzGerald, Randox Managing Director explained:
It is only fitting that the trophy for the 2021 Randox Grand National recognises the momentous impact COVID-19 has had on all of our lives, and we pay tribute to the incredible dedication and sacrifice of all key workers in fighting the coronavirus.
“In establishing and running the largest throughput COVID-19 laboratory in the UK, Randox staff have stood shoulder to shoulder with our colleagues in the NHS and elsewhere, and we salute their commitment and achievements.
“As we reflect on the year gone by, and importantly, look ahead to the future, it will be vital that we take forward the lessons we have learnt from the pandemic – the importance of early and accurate testing and the role diagnostic technology can play in meeting future health challenges.
“I believe the 2021 Randox Grand National trophy will serve as a reminder of this message, and of the truly important things in life – our friends, our family, and our health.”
In recognition of Randox’s role in the UK National Testing Programme, the 2021 Randox Grand National trophy features an intricate stem made of the DNA double helix that forms the basis of the testing methods used to detect COVID-19.
At the head of the stem is a striking sphere to signify the circle of Randox’s corporate logo that has become synonymous with a blood drop on which so many of the company’s health tests, including those within Randox Health’s world-leading health checks, are conducted.
Silversmith Cara Murphy added:
“This has been a tough year for everyone and it has been an honour to work with Randox to create the 2021 Randox Grand National trophy to commemorate the incredible and dedicated efforts of Randox staff in the UK’s National COVID-19 Testing Programme.
“Whilst we are unable to meet together in person for the 2021 Randox Grand National, their hard work has played such a key role in bringing us to a more positive place and one step closer to normality.
“In years to come the winner of this year’s trophy will look at the COVID virus engraving on its base and be able to reflect not only on their success in the Randox Grand National, but on the incredible challenges and achievements of these times.”
Another popular element returning for the 2021 Randox Grand National are the team trophies. In their first year as sponsor, Randox introduced the concept of presenting the entire winning team with individual trophies, to celebrate the combined effort that goes in to achieving such a special victory.
Photos credit: David Pauley
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