September 2025

Grand National Winners 1890 – 1899

admin September 10, 2025

To give context, it was the last decade of Queen Victoria’s reign. Britain remained the ‘workshop of the world’ with railways, shipping and heavy industry. Emerging technologies included electricity, auto mobiles and telephones. The decline of agriculture saw more people move into cities and industrial jobs. This was a time when the British Empire was at its height, covering nearly a quarter of the world’s land after expanding into parts of Africa. The suffrage movement gained momentum. The 1891 Education Act saw free schooling. Charles Booth’s survey of London revealed the harsh realities of urban poverty influencing early welfare reforms. Football and cricket became mass spectator sports (The Football League founded in 1888). The Grand National was established as the country’s most famous steeplechase. In fact, horse racing was one of the most popular pastimes followed by both upper and working classes. Although off-course betting was technically illegal it flourished. Steeplechasing had a reputation of danger, attracting huge crowds. The growth of rail travel saw 40,000 spectators head to Aintree.

The Grand National remained the toughest steeplechase in the world. Field sizes ranged from 20 – 30 horses and fences were formidable, including Becher’s Brook, Canal Turn and The Chair, in front of the stands, which saw dramatic falls. It was a hard race for both horse and jockey.

Let’s take a look at the winners from 1890 – 1899.

This decade saw 5 winning favourites (* Highlighted):

1890 – Ilex 4/1f *
1891 – Come Away 4/1f *
1892 – Father O’Flynn 20/1
1893 – Cloister 9/2f *
1894 – Why Not 5/1jf *
1895 – Wild Man Of Borneo 10/1
1896 – The Soarer 40/1
1897 – Manifesto 6/1f *
1898 – Drogheda 25/1
1899 – Manifesto 5/1

Horse trainer Willie Moore won the race three times with Why Not (1894), The Soarer (1896) and Manifesto (1899).

Most notables winners include the twice-winning Manifesto who prevailed in 1897 and 1899. He won the 59^th and 61^st running of the Aintree Grand National. He ran a record 8 times from 1895 – 1904.

Manifesto Aintree Grand National Race record:

1895 – 4^th

1896 – Fell (first fence)

1897 – 1^st

1899 – 1^st

1900 – 3^rd

1902 – 3^rd

1903 – 3^rd

1904 – 8^th

A truly consistent bay gelding, bred by Harry Dyas, in the ownership of Dyas and Mr J. G. Bulteel. He was purchased by the latter in 1898 being sold for £4,000 and sent to Willie Moore’s stable.

He was intended to run in the 1898 Grand National but escaped when a stable boy left stable door open. Manifesto was recaptured but suffered a badly bruised fetlock after jumping a gate. He missed the National. However, he proved successful the following year under a weight of 12 stone 7 Ilbs. He won by five lengths from 40/1 shot Ford Of Fyne.

Manifesto won a prize of £3,000. A considerable amount of money for this time. For context, a working-class terrace house cost £250.

He was retired after the 1904 Grand National.

Another horse who deserves recognition is the 1893 winner Cloisters. A remarkably consistent horse who made his National debut in 1891, where he finished runner-up, ridden by Captain Roddy Owen.

Let’s take a look at his Aintree performances:

1891 – 2^nd 20/1

1892 – 2^nd 11/2

1893 – 1^st 9/2f

Cloisters was considered one of the greatest National winners although a fragile horse who suffered injuries. His 1893 win by 40-lengths at top weight made him legendary at this time. In fact, he completed the course in a remarkable fast time of 9m 42 seconds. This was due to firm ground.

This decade of Grand National winners (1890 – 1899) saw an equal mix of winning favourites. Horses winning at greater odds included:

1892 – Father O’Flynn 20/1

1896 – The Soarer 40/1

1898 – Drogheda 25/1

With regard to the age of winners, the youngest saw the Ilex prevail in 1890 aged 6. While the oldest being Why Not in 1894 aged 13. It should be noted he is one of only two horses to win at such an age in the history of the Aintree Grand National, which dates back to 1839. The other horse being Sergeant Murphy (1923).

As for winning jockeys, Arthur Nightingall won twice with Ilex (1890) and Why Not (1894). He went on to win again in 1901 when riding Grudon for trainer Bernard Bletsoe. It was an unusual National as it was run in a snow storm. The conditions of the race race were described as ‘very bad’.

In summary, this decade of Aintree Grand Nationals from 1890 – 1899 saw a mix of winners.

It’s worth noting that the Wild Man Of Borneo (1895) was the name of the horse rather than the jockey.

Questions

Understanding Grand National Race Cards for Better Betting

admin September 8, 2025

Race cards are essential for anyone following the Grand National. They provide key details about horse form, jockey statistics and track conditions, helping you make informed decisions during one of the most iconic events in horse racing. By learning how to interpret this information, you can better understand the runners and riders and enjoy a more strategic approach to the big day at Aintree.

The Grand National is a highlight of the racing calendar, attracting fans from across the world. A race card offers far more than a list of names. It presents a snapshot of the field, giving insights that can shape how you view the race. When combined with reliable updates such as boylesports results, a well-read card becomes a powerful tool to help you analyse the action and better understand potential outcomes.

How to interpret key information on race cards

At first glance, a race card can look complex. But once you break it down, every figure and symbol has meaning. A horse’s recent form is shown as a string of numbers and letters that represent finishing positions or special notes from previous races. Studying these allows you to gauge whether a horse is consistent, improving or out of form.

Jockey statistics are another critical factor. An experienced rider can have a significant influence on the race, using tactics and timing to get the best from their mount. Race cards list the jockey for each horse along with details of their recent record, giving you context for their potential impact.

Track conditions are equally important. Some horses relish softer going, while others perform better on good or firm ground. Cards often note the expected conditions for the day, helping you predict which horses might be suited to the surface.

Why the details matter

Race cards are full of subtle clues. One example is the weight each horse carries, a factor that becomes particularly important in the stamina-testing Grand National. A few extra pounds can make a difference over the famous 4 miles and 2½ furlongs.

The age and breeding of a horse can also help you assess its suitability. Younger horses may have speed and potential, while older ones bring experience and staying power. Similarly, understanding a trainer’s record at Aintree can be valuable, as some, like Gordon Elliott or Lucinda Russell, have a history of preparing horses specifically for the demands of this race.

Cross-referencing with BoyleSports results

Studying race cards in isolation is useful, but combining them with external data such as boylesports results can add another layer of insight. Reviewing past performances across different tracks and conditions helps highlight trends that might otherwise go unnoticed.

For example, a horse might show improved form when running on softer ground or over a certain distance, and those patterns are easier to identify when you cross-reference results. This method helps you build a clearer picture of each runner’s capabilities and limitations, making your analysis more informed.

For additional context, resources such as the British Horseracing Authority provide reliable information about rules, race entries and official statistics, which can support your understanding of the sport.

The value of a methodical approach

Using race cards effectively is about more than finding winners. It allows you to appreciate the finer details of the race and engage with the sport on a deeper level. By combining card analysis with reliable updates and historical results, you replace guesswork with informed assessment.

This approach will not guarantee success, but it ensures your decisions are grounded in fact, giving you a better sense of confidence when placing a bet or simply following the race. Over time, familiarity with race cards improves your understanding of racing strategy and makes the drama of the Grand National even more compelling.