The pinnacle of racing at the Cheltenham Festival saw a fascinating renewal of the Gold Cup. Inothewayurthinkin, trained by Gavin Cromwell, ridden by Mark Walsh, and owned by the richest man from Limerick, J.P. McManus, proved a worthy winner. The seven-year-old gelding left Galopin Des Champs in his wake, returning at odds of 15/2. The Willie Mullins-trained horse and hope for three consecutive wins was dismissed.
The exciting victory proved the intentions of J.P. McManus, a billionaire businessman, professional gambler, and softly spoken Irishman.
McManus spends his money well.
But what added to this brilliant success was the intention and plan for Inothewayurthinkin to win the Aintree Grand National. However, those hopes were dashed with the news that he will head to Punchestown for the Ladbrokes-sponsored Gold Cup.
Considering McManus won the 2024 Grand National with I Am Maximus, trained by Willie Mullins and given a fine ride by Paul Townend, there is little doubt he has his eye on second helpings. If you take a look at the betting, you will find that J.P. has three horses high in the market, and it would take a brave bookmaker to consider he won’t take the spoils.
Go back in time and ask bookmaker Fearless Freddie Williams, who lost over a million on one thankless day at Cheltenham.
To McManus, it was little more than playing with Monopoly money.
The Aintree Grand National isn’t far away, and there is a real buzz about the most famous steeplechase in the world.
But here’s a question: How many Gold Cup winners have taken their chance in the Aintree Grand National?
Let’s take a look at seven horses that did just that.
It is worth noting that the Cheltenham Gold Cup was inaugurated in 1924.
In chronological order:
1934: Golden Miller
A true horse racing icon. Owned by Dorothy Paget, not only did Golden Miller win the Gold Cup five times in succession, but he is the only horse to achieve the Gold Cup/Grand National double in the same year (1934). Considering Golden Miller hated Aintree, it showed his class.
1975: L’Escargot
A two-time winner of the Gold Cup (1970, 1971). An exceptional horse trained by Dan Moore and owned by Raymond G. Guest. At the age of 12, he won the 1975 Grand National, beating Red Rum, who was attempting his third consecutive win. It was an imperious victory.
1991: Garrison Savannah
Jenny Pitman’s charge won the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 1991, beating The Fellow by a short head. Mark Pitman took the ride on the 7/1 shot and finished a gallant second behind Seagram, who ran out an eight-length winner.
1994: The Fellow
A very determined horse who was beaten on two occasions in the Gold Cup by a short head (1991, 1992) before tasting victory in 1994 for François Doumen. However, heading to the Grand National that same year didn’t reap rewards, as the 9/1 shot fell at Canal Turn (24th fence).
1995: Master Oats
Kim Bailey’s nine-year-old gelding ran out an easy 15-length winner at 100/30, ridden by Norman Williamson. Master Oats headed to the Grand National in the same year and was fancied to go well as the 5/1 favourite. However, a hefty weight of 11-10 saw him tire in the closing stages to finish seventh, beaten 15 ¾ lengths. Master Oats made another attempt to win the National in 1997, finishing fifth. He enjoyed an honourable retirement.
This son of Oats out of Miss Poker Face was a true star, winning 10 of his 21 starts. When you consider his first attempt at the Grand National (1994) saw him fall at the 13th fence when carrying only 10-0, you have to think it was a missed opportunity. A very talented horse.
2012: Synchronised
A very popular horse. He won the 2012 Cheltenham Gold Cup, ridden by Tony McCoy for trainer Jonjo O’Neill in the ownership of J.P. McManus. The nine-year-old beat The Giant Bolster by two and a quarter lengths (50/1), with Long Run in third. Synchronised was priced at 8/1.
He headed to the Aintree Grand National (2012) with top weight (11-10). Priced at 10/1, he was a major hope for Tony McCoy to gain his first National win. Sadly, Synchronised fell at Becher’s Brook (6th fence) and continued riderless. He fell again at the 11th fence and fractured his right hind tibia and fibula. Tragically, Synchronised lost his life.
2014: Long Run
The 2011 Gold Cup winner triumphed at odds of 7/2f, beating the mighty Denman by seven lengths, with Kauto Star in third. Ridden by Sam Waley-Cohen and owned by his father Robert.
Interestingly, Long Run made only one attempt at the Grand National in 2014. The nine-year-old carried 11-9 and was priced at 12/1. He fell at Valentine’s (9th fence).
Many horses have competed in both the Gold Cup and the Aintree Grand National. In fact, more horses have taken their chance than I would have imagined. However, the records show that winning both is a rare achievement.
Golden Miller and L’Escargot both accomplished this feat, but the former is the only horse to do the double in the same year. Clearly, all Gold Cup winners have proven class, but this means they have to shoulder extreme weight when tackling the longer distance and gruelling course of Aintree.
It is no easy task.