A Birthday Gift for Jim McCartney
In 1964, at the height of Beatlemania, Paul decided to give his father, Jim McCartney, a once-in-a-lifetime birthday gift. Jim, known for his love of horse racing and a good “flutter,” had always enjoyed placing small bets from home. Paul once affectionately referred to his father as “one of the world’s greatest armchair punters.” So, for Jim’s 62nd birthday, Paul purchased a racehorse named Drake’s Drum for £1,200 – which is more than £21,500 in today’s money! Paul told his father about his extraordinary present on the night of the A Hard Day’s Night premiere, with Drake’s Drum likely outshining the celebrity event in Jim’s eyes!
Drake’s Drum on the Track
Drake’s Drum wasn’t just a beloved companion for the McCartneys, he was also an accomplished racehorse who had won titles. His finest hour came at Liverpool’s legendary Aintree Racecourse, home of the world‑famous Grand National. There, he won the Hylton Plate in 1966, the race held just before the Grand National itself. Both Paul and Jim were in attendance that day, sharing the thrill of watching their horse cross the finish line in victory.
A Quiet Retirement in Scotland
When Drake’s Drum’s racing years came to an end, Paul ensured the horse enjoyed a peaceful and comfortable retirement. He brought him to High Park Farm in Scotland, Paul’s rural refuge on the Mull of Kintyre. The farm, which later became closely associated with Paul’s family life and creative rejuvenation, provided acres of open land where Drake’s Drum could live out his days in tranquility.
For Paul, who would later become a strong advocate for animal rights and vegetarianism, caring for Drake’s Drum in retirement fit naturally into his philosophy of respect and kindness toward animals.