Nine-year-old Joshua Duckworth, who has a rare neurological condition, visited his favorite horse Iroko at a Cheshire stable and rubbed a “lucky medal” on his nose in hopes of bringing him luck in the Grand National. Joshua also made the good luck gesture to horse Jagwar, who went on to win a race at the Cheltenham Festival.
Joshua’s father explained that the lucky medal was given to Joshua by a member of Brentford Football Club’s security team, who said it always kept him safe and strong. Joshua wanted to take the medal to Iroko’s yard to wish him luck and protect him in the race. Joshua has been named as the honorary 35th runner in the Grand National, following in the footsteps of neuroblastoma campaigner Bradley Lowery.
Joshua is being treated for his condition at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital and was able to meet 2012 Grand National-winning horse Neptune Collonges and jockeys on their annual visit. His family expressed gratitude for the opportunities Aintree has given them and are hopeful that Iroko will win the Grand National, but regardless, it will be a day they will never forget.
