It's anybody's race as they race into the final furlong, and it's Rubstic on the nearside with the advantage over Zongalero and the weakening Rough and Tumble as they race up towards the line, it's gonna be a victory for Scotland, it's Rubstic from Zongalero in the National, and as they come to the line, Rubstic wins it..
Commentator Peter O'Sullevan describes the climax of the 1979 National
Aftermath
Unfortunately, the Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Alverton broke his neck at Becher's on the second circuit and was euthanized.[6][7][8]
Media coverage and aftermath
David Coleman once again presented a special edition of Grandstand on the BBC. The favourite, Alverton, died after falling at Becher's Brook on the second circuit (fence 22) when travelling strongly. Just over two weeks earlier he had won the Cheltenham Gold Cup and was going for a famous double only achieved by, Golden Miller, in 1934. Kintai was another fatality who was brought down at fence 15 and was later euthanized.