Grand National winners: 10 fan favourites

Aintree off the agenda for Articulum

The Grand National is one of the world’s most prestigious and exciting horse racing events, and over the years, some truly exceptional horses have emerged as champions of this iconic race. As the 2023 Grand National closes, we revisit some of the most famous Grand National winners ever.

Red Rum (1973, 1974, 1977)

Red Rum is arguably the most famous horse in the history of the Grand National, having won the race an incredible three times in 1973, 1974, and 1977.

The remarkable gelding became a household name and a national treasure, and his impressive record in the Grand National is unlikely ever to be surpassed.

Red Rum’s first win in the race came in 1973 when he triumphed by three-quarters of a length, and he followed up with a stunning display in 1974, winning by seven lengths.

His final victory in 1977 was one of the most memorable races in the history of the Grand National, with Red Rum winning by 25 lengths.

Tiger Roll (2018, 2019)

Tiger Roll is another iconic Grand National winner, having won the race in both 2018 and 2019. The Irish-bred horse is known for his incredible jumping ability and tenacity, and he became only the fourth horse in history to win the race two years in a row.

Tiger Roll’s first victory in 2018 was thrilling, as he held off a late charge from Pleasant Company to win by a head. His second win in 2019 was even more impressive, as he won by an exceptional 22 lengths.

Red Alligator (1968)

Red Alligator is a legendary Grand National winner who triumphed in 1968. The horse was a complete outsider going into the race, with odds of 100/1, but he produced a stunning performance to win by three lengths.

Red Alligator’s victory was all the more remarkable given the treacherous conditions on the day of the race, with heavy rain and strong winds making the course extremely difficult to navigate.

Foinavon (1967)

Foinavon is another horse that will always be remembered for his incredible victory in the Grand National.

The horse’s win in 1967 was one of the biggest shocks in the history of the race, as he was a 100/1 outsider and was widely expected to struggle on the notoriously tricky Aintree course.

However, a massive pile-up at the 23rd fence allowed Foinavon to take the lead, and he managed to hold on to win by a distance of 15 lengths.

Aldaniti (1981)

Aldaniti’s victory in the Grand National in 1981 was one of the most emotional moments in the history of the race. The horse had been through a series of injuries and setbacks in the lead-up to the race, and his jockey, Bob Champion, had recently recovered from cancer.

However, against all the odds, the pair produced a stunning performance to win the race, and their victory was widely celebrated as a triumph of determination and perseverance.

Golden Miller (1934)

Golden Miller is one of the most iconic horses in the history of British racing, having won the Cheltenham Gold Cup an incredible five times in a row between 1932 and 1936. However, the horse also succeeded in the Grand National, winning the race in 1934.

Golden Miller’s victory in the race was all the more remarkable given that he was carrying a record weight of 12 stone 2 pounds, and he remains one of the most celebrated horses in the sport’s history.

Manifesto (1897, 1899)

Manifesto is one of the most celebrated horses in the history of the Grand National, having won the race twice in 1897 and 1899. The horse was known for his exceptional stamina and jumping ability, and he became the first horse to win the race twice in the 19th century.

Manifesto’s victories helped to establish the Grand National as one of the most prestigious horse races in the world, and his legacy continues to be celebrated by fans of the sport today.

Reynoldstown (1935)

Reynoldstown was a legendary steeplechaser who won some of the most prestigious races in the UK during the 1930s. However, his victory in the Grand National in 1935 is arguably his most famous triumph.

The horse was carrying a weight of 12 stone, one of the heaviest burdens ever taken by a Grand National winner, and his victory cemented his place in the pantheon of great racehorses.

Party Politics (1992)

Party Politics is another famous Grand National winner, having triumphed in the race in 1992. Legendary jockey Carl Llewellyn rode the horse, and their victory was celebrated as a triumph of perseverance and determination.

Party Politics was a 14/1 outsider going into the race. Still, he produced a stunning performance to win by two lengths, and his victory remains one of the most memorable moments in the history of the Grand National.

One For Arthur (2017)

One For Arthur is a relatively recent addition to the list of famous Grand National winners, having triumphed in the race in 2017.

The horse was ridden by jockey Derek Fox, who produced a masterful display of riding to guide One For Arthur to victory.

The horse was a 14/1 outsider going into the race, but he made a flawless round of jumping to win by four and a half lengths, and his victory was celebrated as a triumph of skill and strategy.

One For Arthur’s victory in the Grand National cemented his place as one of the most respected racehorses, and he remains a fan favorite.

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