January 2025

Grand National Winners of the 1940s

admin January 14, 2025

With the start of the Second World War on the 1^st Septemeber 1939, and the invasion of Germany on Poland, there was much uncertainty. The 1940s would be a decade of great change as seen with the partial loss of the Aintree Grand National.

With unrest in Europe, the 1940 Aintree Grand National took place at Aintree near Liverpool on the 5^th April. Bogskar would start the decade in fine style winning for owner-trainer Lord Stalbridge at the odds of 25/1. The seven-year-old gelding won by four-lengths, ridden by Mervyn Jones.

The United Kingdom with their allie France, would begin fighting against Germany just two days after the invasion of Poland (3^rd September, 1939).

From 1941 – 1945 the Aintree Grand National held no races (unlike the WWI) as the War Office took over the racecourse as a site for the Army.

In 1946, the 100^th Aintree Grand National would make its return.

Let’s take a moment to review the 1940s Aintree Grand National:

1940 – Bogskar 25/1, Trained by Lord Stalbridge

1941 – No races held due to World War II

1942 – No raced held due to World War II

1943 – No races held due to World War II

1944 – No races held due to World War II

1945 – No races held due to World War II

1946 – Lovely Cottage 25/1, Trained by Tommy Rayson

1947 – Caughoo 100/1, Trained by Herbert McDowell

1948 – Sheila’s Cottage 50/1, Trained by Neville Crump

1949 – Russian Hero 66/1, Trained by George Owen

WWII ended with Japan surrendering to allied forces on the 2^nd September 1945.

The 100^th Aintree Grand National took place 5^th April 1946.

If there is one thing we can say about the 1940s Grand National, it was a period of great uncertainty and a time where many outsiders would win the most famous steeplechase of them all. Perhaps it was a chance for those who backed such big-priced winners to rejoice in a moment of hope and thankfullness.

Some 2,407 days after Bogskar won the previous National we would see a new victor.

In 1946, Lovely Cottage won the Aintree Grand National at 25/1. Bobby Petre punched the air. He won by four lengths for trainer Tommy Rayson. Jack Finlay finshied second (100/1), while Prince Regent finished third (3/1f). Only six of the thirty-four starters completed the course. Sadly, Symbole suffered a fatal injury at Becher’s Brook.

Any backers who found the winners of the Aintree Grand National from 1947 – 1949 had a smile on their face because they returned at substantial odds.

1947 Aintree Grand National –

Caughoo won at odds of 100/1. One of only five horses to win at such odds in the history of the race. Rider Eddie Dempsey won the race on heavy ground by 20-lengths. Amazingly, 57 runners took part. Owner John J. McDowell paid just £50 for Caughoo. Fellow Irish raider Lough Conn finished second, while French runner Kami came third.

1948 Aintree Grand National –

1^st Sheila’s Cottage 50/1

2^nd First Of The Dandies 25/1

3^rd Cromwell 33/1

4^th Happy Home 33/1

Interesting to note that Sheila’s Cottage was the first mare to win the National for 46 years (Shannon Lass, 1902), one of only 12 in the history of the race.

1949 Aintree Grand National –

1^st Russian Hero 66/1

2^nd Roimond 22/1

3^rd Royal Mount 18/1

4^th Cromwell 6/1

Winning owner, Fearnie Williamson, got a first prize of £13,000.

The 1940s proved to be a conflicting time for all and a period of great uncertainty. However, the long six-year and one day wait for victory on the battlefields and return of the Aintree Grand National would bring joy.

Even in times of difficulty there are brighter days to come.

Lest we forget.

Years

Grand National Winners of the 1950s

admin January 13, 2025

After the finish of the Second World War, the country was recovering and although times were hard and rations didn’t officially end until 1954 the future was one of optimism. With no Aintree Grand National from 1941 – 1945, race fans were triuphant to see Lovely Cottage win the following year for trainer Tommy Rayson, ridden by Captain Bobby Petre in the ownership of John Morant. The nine-year-old won at odds of 25/1 by four lengths.

The 1950s saw a decade of Aintree Grand Nationals.

Let’s take a look at the winners:

1950 – Freebooter 10/1f, Trainer Bobby Renton

1951 – Nickel Coin 40/1, Trainer Jack O’Donoghue

1952 – Teal 100/7, Trainer Neville Crump

1953 – Early Mist 20/1, Trainer Vincent O’Brien

1954 – Royal Tan 8/1, Trainer Vincent O’Brien

1955 – Quare Times 100/9, Trainer Vincent O’Brien

1956 – E.S.B 100/7, Trainer Fred Rimell

1957 – Sundew 20/1, Trainer Fred Hudson

1958 – Mr. What 18/1, Trainer Tom Taafe, Sr

1959 – Oxo 8/1, Trainer Willie Stephenson

If there was one trainer who lifted horse racing out of the doldrums it was Vincent O’Brien, from Curchtown, County Cork, Ireland. A career that lasted 50 years (1944 – 1994), it is easier to detail races he didn’t win. Whether National Hunt or Flat racing, his accolades were many.

However, it is worth knowing that O’Brien turned his attention to the Flat turf after his three Grand National successes, training at Ballydoyle (1951).

After immense success from 1948 – 50 with Cottage Rake wining the Cheltenham Gold Cup three times on the trot. And later Knock Hard in 1953, he was taking all before him.

O’Brien fielded his first National runner in 1951. Royal Tan finished 2^nd at odds of 40/1, ridden by his brother, Phonsie. The partnership took their chance the following year when Royal Tan fell at the 30^th fence.

However, the successes would come thick and fast from 1953 – 1955 with three very talented thoroughbreds.

1953 Aintree Grand National

Eight-year-old gelding Early Mist ran out an easy 20-length victor in the 107^th running of this famous steeplechase. The 20/1 shot was ridden by Bryan Marhsall for owner Joe H. Griffin. Of the 31 starters, only five horses completed the course.

1954 Aintree Grand National

After finishing runner-up in 1951 and falling the following year it was third time lucky for the ten-year-old Royal Tan who held the late charge of the much larger Tudor Line winning by a neck. Irish Lizard finished third. Bryan Marshall enjoyed back to back victories. Sadly four horses were fatally injured, the worst record for any National.

1955 Aintree Grand National

Vincent O’Brien made it three consecutive wins with Quare Times. The nine-year-old gelding won at odds of 100/9, ridden by Tom Taaffe, for owner Cecily Welman. Stablemate and previous winner, and favourite, Early Mist, finished a creditable nineth. They also fielded Royal Tan who returned twelth. The heavy going taking its toll on both horses who carried over 12 stone. Quare Times won well by 12-lengths carrying 11 stone. Tudor Line ran superbly in second place while Carey’s Cottage finished third.

After outcry over fatallities in 1954, the severity of many fences was reduce and the water jump omitted.

The Queen Mother’s M’as Tu Vu fell at the open ditch, fence 27.

Other noted races in the 1950s include the win of E.S.B. (1956). This was the year when the Queen Mother’s Devon Loch looked a racing certainty before half-jumping and bellyflopped on the run-in, just yards from the winning line.

In 1959 Oxo, trained by Willie Stephenson won, ridden by Michael Scudamore. Remarkably from the 32 runners only 4 horses finished. Sadly, two horse were fatally injured (Henry Purcell & Slippery Serpent). A debate was held in Parliament and Home Secretary, Rab Butler, met the National Hunt Committee in response to safety concerns raised by The League Against Cruel Sports.

The 1950s Aintree Grand Nationals saw a number of outstanding performances from horses, trainers and jockeys. Vincent O’Brien was a noted performer as were his runners, especially the ultra tough Royal Tan. Many of these gallant horses ran exceptional races and showed great consistency. Horse welfare was a keynote for cause and consideration.

Owners

Who Is Noel Le Mare?

admin January 12, 2025

Horse racing fans will need little prompting to know the answer to this question, and they may well have a few quotes of their own.

I first saw Le Mare, being interviewed on the BBC after Red Rum won his second Aintree Grand National. I’m not sure if the presenter was David Coleman, but I was struck by Le Mare, an elegant gentleman wearing a bowler hat, brown overcoat, white shirt and patterned aqua-blue tie. Large spectacles framed his eyes. Next to him a lady dressed in shocking pink with a white hat. Before the interview was over, Noel Le Mare was holding the Grand National trophy.

Red Rum would make history winning the Aintree Grand National for a third time in 1977.

I couldn’t help but see at Le Mare as a wise, old owl. In 1974, he was in his 80s but if there was ever a man with a story to tell it was him.

His conntection with horse trainer Donald ‘Ginger’ McCain come about as an unlikely partnership. McCain was a second-hand car dealer who trained racehorses, at a former brewer’s yard. In fact, the stables were behind the car showroom near Southport, on the Lancashire coast.

In the 1970s, McCain was a small trainer, and his relationship with Noel Le Mare was more about finding a regular taxi driver than racehorses. In fact, he use to drive the elderly local businessman to the Prince of Wales hotel for the dinner-dance every Saturday night.

McCain said: The ride cost three or four shillings each way but he always gave me a pound tip.’

They struck up an unlikely friendship and their passion was horseracing, specifically winning the Grand National.

Le Mare, the founder of the Norwest Construction Company, had horses in training with McCain and they planned to run Glenkiln in the 1972 National. However, he mistakenly withdrew the horse. This led to McCain going to the Doncaster Sales and purchasing a seven-year-old gelding called Red Rum for 6,000 guineas. A horse that had been with four other trainers with leg problems after a busy racing career starting at two and even ridden by Lester Piggott. In fact, he arrived at the stables lame.

Training on the Southport beach, which he prepared with a harrow attached to the rear of his van, and galloping in the sea transformed Red Rum to a history-making horse.

It was a techinique he’d observed from old shrimpers buying horses destined for the knacker’s yard.

Le Mare said: ‘Red Rum was half Liverpool and half Southport.’

He won the 1973, 1974 & 1977 Grand National.

Who can forget the commentary from Sir Peter O’Sullevan: ‘It’s hats off and tremedous reception – you’ve never heard one like it at Liverpool Red Rum wins the National.’

Not only did Red Rum win the National three times but he was runner-up in 1975 & 1976.

In fact, he beat L’Escargot twice and runner-up once against a horse who had twice won the Cheltnhan Gold Cup (1970, 1971).

Red Rum’s victory over Crisp in 1973 is considered one of the greatest performances in the history of the race.

The romantic tale of Noel Le Mare, Donald ‘Ginger’ McCain and Red Rum transcends life.

Noel Le Mare fullfilled his lifelong dream. He passed away on the 25^th June 1977, at the age of 88.

Red Rum was retired days before the 1978 Grand National after sustaining an injury. Many fancied his chances of winning his fourth National at the age of 13. He passed away at the age of 30 on the 18^th October 1995. He was buried near the finish of the winning post at Aintree Racecourse.

Donald ‘Ginger’ McCain passed away at the age of 80 on the 19^th September 2011.

In a fitting quote Le Mare said:

‘I’ve had three ambitions in life. To marry a beautiful woman, to be a millionaire and to win the National. Now my life’s complete.’

Trainers

Willie Mullins

admin January 12, 2025

Willie Mullins is one of those horse trainers which garners respect. It has been earned by consistent performances. In 2023-24 Mullins became the first Irish-based trainer to win the British jump racing trainers’ championship. This was the first time in 70 years. Previously, this had been won by Vincent O’Brien in 1952-1953.

Mullins has been Irish champion trainer on 17 occasions with over 4,300 victories.

He’s the most successful trainer at the Cheltenham Festival with over 100 winners.

A powerhouse of a stable.

The key word for Mullins is respect.

Since starting his training career in 1988, after being assistant trainer to his father Paddy, and Jim Bolger, he has excelled at the highest level.

However, if there has been one race which has been something of a nemesis for the Carlow trainer it has been the Aintree Grand National. This isn’t to say Mullins hasn’t shown his class in the most famous steeplechase of them all. In fact, he has trained the winner of two races and had plenty of others run well.

His performance shows how difficult a race it is to win.

Let’s take a look at his performance in the Grand National.

Willie Mullins Grand National List Of Runners:

2000 – Micko’s Dream 14/1, Jason Titley Fell (1^st fence)

2002 – Alexander Banquet 22/1, Barry Geraghty UR (6^th fence)

2004 – Alexander Banquet 18/1, James Barry Fell (18^th fence)

2004 – Hedgehunter 11/1, David Casey Fell (30^th fence)

2005 – Hedgehunter 7/1, Ruby Walsh 1^st

2006 – Hedgehunter 5/1jf, 2^nd

2007 – Hedgehunter 9/1, Ruby Walsh 9^th

2007 – Livingston Bramble, Davy Russell UR (6^th fence)

2007 – Homer Wells, David Condon PU (27^th fence)

2007 – Botha Na, David Casey PU (29^th fence)

2008 – Snowy Morning 16/1 Tom Taaffe 3^rd

2008 – Hedgehunter 10/1 Ruby Walsh 13^th

2009 – Snowy Morning 33/1 Andrew McNamara 9^th

2009 – Irish Invader 16/1 Paul Townsend 11^th

2010 – Snowy Morning 14/1 David Casey 6^th

2010 – Abor Supreme 16/1 Paul Townend UR (15^th fence)

2011 – The Midnight Club 15/2F Ruby Walsh 6^th

2011 – Dooney’s Gate 50/1 Mr Ryan Mahon Fell (6^th fence)

2011 – Arbor Supreme 20/1 David Casey Fell (28^th fence)

2012 – The Midnight Club 40/1 Andrew Tinkler 11^th

2012 – Quiscover Fontaine 50/1 David Casey Fell (17^th fence)

2012 – On His Own 14/1 Paul Townend Fell (22^nd fence)

2013 – Quiscover Fontaine 40/1 David Casey 16^th

2013 – Quel Esprit 40/1 Paul Townend PU (23^rd fence)

2013 – On His Own 8/1 Ruby Wash Fell (25^th fence)

2014 – Vesper Bell 40/1 Katie Walsh 13^th

2014 – Prince De Beauchene 20/1 Paul Townend 16^th

2015 – Ballycasey 25/1 Ruby Walsh BD (8^th fence)

2016 – On His Own 33/1 Mr Patrick Mullins Fell (15^th fence)

2016 – Sir Des Champs 20/1 Miss Nina Carberry Fell (15^th fence)

2016 – Boston Bob 25/1 Paul Townend PU (22^nd fence)

2016 – Ballycasey 5/1 Katie Walsh UR (29^th fence)

2017 – Pleasant Company 11/1 Ruby Walsh 9^th

2018 – Pleasant Company 25/1 David Mullins 2^nd

2018 – Total Recall 7/1 Paul Townend PU (29^th fence)

2018 – Children’s List 66/1 Jonathan Burke PU (run-in)

2019 – Rathvinden 8/1 Ruby Walsh 3^rd

2019 – Livelovelaugh 25/1 David Mullins 11^th

2019 – Up For Review 25/1 Danny Mullins BD (1^st fence)

2019 – Pleasant Company 12/1 Paul Townend UR (26^th fence)

2021 – Burrows Saint 9/1 Patrick Mullins 4^th

2021 – Cabaret Queen 80/1 Sean O’Keefe 9^th

2021 – Acapella Bourgeois 20/1 Danny Mullins 13^th

2021 – Class Conti 66/1 Brian Haynes 15^th

2022 – Class Conti 100/1 Sam Twiston-Davies 13^th

2022 – Augusta Gold 66/1 Danny Mullins Fell (9^th fence)

2022 – Burrows Saint 33/1 Paul Townend UR (15^th fence)

2022 – Brahma Bull 80/1 Brian Hayes PU (27^th fence)

2023 – Gaillard Du Mesnil 10/1 Paul Towend 3^rd

2023 – Carefully Selected 50/1 Michael O’Sullivan 14^th

2023 – Capodanno 22/1 Danny Mullins PU (29^th fence)

2023 – Recite A Prayer 80/1 Jack Foley UR (1^st fence)

2023 – Mr Incredible 14/1 Brian Hayes UR (24^th fence)

2024 – I Am Maximus 7/1jf Paul Townend 1^st

2024 – Meetingofthewaters 11/1 Danny Mullins 7^th

2024 – Capodanno 28/1 Keith Donoghue 16^th

2024 – Adamantly Chosen 33/1 Sean O’Keefe 21^st

2024 – Stattler 40/1 Paddy Mullins PU (9^th fence)

2024 – Mr Incredible 10/1 Brian Hayes UR (15^th fence)

2024 – Janidil 125/1 Jody McGarvey PU (30^th fence)

Key: UR – Unseated Rider, PU – Pulled up, BD – Brought Down, F – Fell

2/63 Runners (2000 – 2024) 3% Win rate

8/63 Win/Placed (2000 – 2024) 13%

To be fair, I had no idea how many runners Willie Mullins had sent to the Aintree Grand National but as you can see from this list it is a race he has fired a lot of arrows with limited success. Certainly, in recent years he has sent larger strings.

2005 Grand National Winner – Hedgehunter 7/1f

Sponsored by John Smith’s. This was the 158^th running. This was a very popular winner for owner Trevor Hemmings. A gentleman. It was an easy win for Ruby Walsh as the nine-year-old gelding ran out a tidy winner carrying 11-1. He beat Royal Auclair (40/1) trained by Paul Nicholls and ridden by Christian Williams, third place going to Simply Gifted (66/1) trained by Jonjo O’Neill, ridden by Brian Harding.

2024 Grand National Winner – I Am Maximus 7/1jf

Sponsored by Randox Health. The 176^th Grand National. The number of entrants was reduced from 40 to 34 with regard to safety concerns and animal welfare. Two horses were found to be lame on the morning of the race reducing the number to 32. This was the smallest field since 1999. There were 21 horse who finished the race. All horses returned home safely. The Mullins team had to wait a long time between drifts for their second national winner in the ownership of J.P. McManus, ridden by Paul Townend. The joint-favourite won well by seven and a half lengths from Delta Work (28/1) trained by Gordon Elliott, ridden by Jack Kennady. Third place went to *Minella Indo (28/1) trained by henry De Bromhead and ridden by Rachael Blackmore.

*Won the Grand National 2021, in the ownership of J.P.McManus.

J. P. McManus has won the race three times: 2010 Don’t Push It 10/1, 2021 Minella Times 11/1 & 2024 I Am Maximus 7/1.

Years

The Aintree Grand National – The War Years

admin January 10, 2025

The Grand National is steeped in history.

Over 180 years of winners and losers. Stories so wild they are stranger than fiction. In the early years, the ‘National’ was called The Grand Liverpool Steeplechase (1839-46).

In fact, the first Grand National Steeplechase, as we know today, was run on the 3^rd March 1847. Mathew, trained by John Murphy, ridden by Denny Wynne at the odds of 10/1. He raced in the colours of County Cork landowner, John Courtenay.

In those days the start of the race was describe as a ploughed field…

Throughout the years, the Aintree Grand National has detailed many poignant times.

Here are a few which stick in the mind:

1839 – The first winner of the National, Lottery.

1928 – Tipping Tim wins at 100/1. Only two horses completed the course after a mass pile-up at the Canal turn.

1934 – Golden Miller became the only horse to win the Gold Cup and Grand National in the same year.

1956 – Devon Loch looked a certain winner for the Queen Mother when collapsing just before the finishing line.

1967 – Foinavon won at odds of 100/1 after avoiding the melee at the 23^rd fence. In 1984 the fence was name Foinavon.

1973 – 77 Red Rum, the most famous horse in the world won the Grand National 3 times for trainer Ginger McCain & owner Noel Le Mare.

1981 – Bob Champion & Aldaniti captured the heart and mind of race fans across the globe with the story of triumph over tragedy.

1993 – The Grand National was void after a false start. The only time this has ever happens.

2010 – Tony McCoy won his first Grand National on Don’t Push It after 15 attempts.

2019 – Tiger Roll is the first horse since Red Rum to win back to back victories and only denied a chance for three successes then the 2020 race was cancelled due to the COVID 19 pandemic.

However, there have been years which are seldom talked about. Truly difficult times which saw nations lose millions of men, women and children. A time when horses went forward to help in the efforts of King and country.

The War Years.

The assignation of Archduke Franz Ferdinand on the 28^th June, 1914 lead to truly terrible times.

The conflict of World War I started on the 28^th July 1914 and ended on the 11^th November 1918 with the signing of the Armistice of Compiegne which took place at 11am (the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month). A period of 4 years, 3 months and 14 days of conflict. There were over 20M military and civilian deaths.

An estimated 8 million horses, donkeys and mules were killed during World War I. Horses bore a significant loss in the conflict with mounted charges, transport, communication and agricultural work.

It is important to remember the Grand National with regard to the war effort.

In 1915, Ally Soper won the 77^th Grand National by 2 lengths for trainer Aubrey Hastings, ridden by Jack Anthony, in the ownership of Lady Margaret Nelson.

This would be the last race to be held at Aintree, Liverpool. The course was taken over by The War Office, for the administration of the British Army.

However, the Grand National would find a new home from 1916 – 1918 held at Gatwick Racecourse (presently the site of Gatwick Airport, London). The course was modified and similar to Aintree: the same distance but one fewer fence.

The 1916 – The Racecourse Association Steeplechase:

Six-year-old, Vermouth won at odds of 100/8 for trainer James Bell, ridden by Jack Reardon for owner P. F. Heybourne.

The 1917 – 1918 The War Nationals:

Both held at Gatwick Racecourse. It should be noted that these three races are often not include in the Grand National record book.

It should never be forgotten.

1917 – Ballymacad wins for Trainer Aubrey Hastings, ridden by Edmund Discroll, in the ownership of Sir George Bullough, known as a Victorian playboy.

1918 – Poethlyn, and eight-year-old gelding, was trained by Harry Escott, ridden by Ernie Piggott in the ownership of Gwladys peel.

It is important that we appreciate that many horses which participated in Grand Nationals were used for military purposes, including cavalry. The Grand National was seen as a key sporting tradition which maintained continuity even during wartime. It was important for morale in a time of crisis. There was a reduced field and fewer spectators but it still went ahead.

In 2014, Warrior, known as ‘the horse the German’s couldn’t kill’ was awarded an honorary Dickin Medal (animal Victoria Cross) for gallantry in World War I. Dogs, pigeons and even a cat have been awarded medals for bravery and their contribution to the war effort.

The bronze medal reads: ‘For Gallantry’ and ‘We Also Serve’. It is held by a ribbon of green, brown and blue to symbolize water, land and air services.

Remember Steven Spielberg’s film War Horse (2011) based on Michael Morpurgo’s 1982 novel which explore the bond between a young man and his horse devastated by the impact of war. A story of hope and resilience.

1919 – Saw the resumption of The Aintree Grand National, Liverpool. Poethyln went on to win for connections this time 11/4f, the shortest odds of any winner in the history of the race.

The conflict of World War II began from the 1^st September 1939 – 2^nd September 1945.

A period of 6 years and 1 day.

The Grand National 1941 – 1945. No races were held due to the World War II.

Who says the Grand National doesn’t have a story to tell?