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Pineau De Re

admin March 18, 2025

Looking back to the Aintree Grand National 2014.

Pineau De Re, a French-bred son of Maresca Sorrento out of the unraced mare Elfe Du Perche. was born on the 8^th May 2003. Bred by Michael Hardy, he went through Goffs France Summer Sale at the age of three and sold by vendor Ecuries Bayard and purchased by Seamus Murphy for 20,000 (Euros).

Previously, in the ownership of Mrs A. Vaughan until 20^th December 2007, this bay gelding started his National Hunt racing career in the ownership of Barry Connell. He made his debut at Limerick, finishing second in a National Hunt Flat Race, trained by Philip Fenton ridden by his owner Mr B. Connell.

He would taste victory in the following season with an impressive ‘unchallenged’ victory at Fairyhouse in a 2m National Hunt Flat Race at odds of 8/1. He would head to Cheltenham finishing 7^th at odds of 66/1.

Pineau De Re would win 5 races with Philip Fenton before changing stables on the 24^th June 2013, at the age of 10.

At this point he was in the ownership of J. A. Provan. This must have come from a private sale as Mr Barry Connell had sent Pineau De Re to the Doncaster Horse In Training Sale on the 14^th May 2013 but he was withdrawn.

From that day until retirement at the age of 13 (30^th April 2016) he would remain in this ownership and trained Dr Richard Newland at Urloxhey Stables, Droitwich, Worcestershire.

You have to imagine Pineau De Re was purchased with the specific aim of competing in the Aintree Grand National. Certainly, the draw of exceptional prize money is enough to attract plenty with lofty hopes.

Take a look at his 8 career victories and spot the anomaly:

23^rd Feb 2008 – Fairyhouse 7,946.50 (Euro)

17^th Nov 2010 – Limerick 5,175 (Euro)

20^th Oct 2011 – Thurles 10,350 (Euro)

3^rd Jan 2013 – Thurles 5,520 (Euro)

3^rd April 2013 – Downpatrick 16,250 (Euro)

14^th Jan 2014 – Exeter £11,573.60

5^th April 2014 – Aintree £561,300

13^th Dec 2015 – Carlisle £12,021.30

In fact, in Pineau De Re’s total earnings were £677,271.

Let’s take a look at the Aintree Grand National 2014, which took place on the 5^th April (4:15pm).

The 167^th Grand National sponsored by Crabbie’s (Alcoholic Ginger Beer). 40 runners took their chance on going described as ‘good to soft’. The betting detailed an open race with Teaforthree and Double Seven 10JF (Joint Favourites). A false start delayed the race. While Battle Group (40/1) in the ownership of The Jolly Boys Outing, refused to race.

18 horses finished. All horse returned safely to their stables.

Pineau De Re was priced 25/1. He was ridden by Leighton Aspell (who would go on to win the following year with Many Clouds, trained Oliver Sherwood in the familiar silks of Trevor Hemmings).

The gelding was given a quiet ride settled in mid-division, led 2 out, drew clear run in to win by 5 lengths from Balthazar King (Philip Hobbs) (14/1), while Double Seven (Martin Brassil) finished a respectable third.

Pineau De Re carried a weight of 10-06. In a very classy field with multiple Grade 1 winners, Tidal Bay, Long Run shouldered much higher weights (11-10 and 11-09). Long Run won the Cheltenham Gold Cup (2011), while Tidal Bay had won the Arkle Challenge Trophy (2008). Neither horse finished the race with Long Run falling at Valetines (9) and Tidal Bay unseating his rider at the Canal Turn (8).

Pineau De Re ran out a good win at the age of eleven.

Dr Richard Newland said: ‘Two or three out we were getting excited. Aspell had a plan and delivered it superbly well. He’s a classy, classy horse, I’ve always thought that. He has a combination of stamina and a touch of speed and it was just a wonderful performance even though he made a few errors.’

The race was run in a time of 9m 9.9s.

Pineau De Re returned to defend his title in 2015. The 25/1 shot, ridden by Daryl Jacobs was prominent 3 out but tired in the closing stages to finished 12^th beaten 57 ¾ lengths. Leighton Aspell made a winning decision by riding Many Clouds (25/1), trained by Oliver Sherwood in the ownership of Trevor Hemmings.

It would be the last Aintree Grand National for Pineau De Re. He would race just eight more times (victorious at Carlisle).

His final race came on the 30^th April 2016. The 13 year old was priced 10/1 in a 3m Handicap Chase at Uttoxeter. He was pulled up before the 15^th fence. Jockey Nico de Boinville said: ‘The gelding was never travelling.’

Racing Post Analysis (Richard Lowther) said: ‘The 2014 Grand National hero now enters honourable retirement.’

Pineau De Re was a remarkable horse because he was predominately raced over hurdles but a classy chaser on his day.

Horses

Many Clouds

admin March 17, 2025

Looking back at the 2015 Aintree Grand National.

Many Clouds was given a lovely ride by Leighton Aspell, who held a nice advantage at the final fence, fending off the late charge of Saint Are and Monbeg Dude. Trevor Hemmings’ eight-year-old gelding, a son of Cloudings out of a thrice-raced mare, Bobbing Back, returned at odds of 25/1. Not only did this make back-to-back wins for Aspell, who steered Pineau De Re to success the previous year, but it also saw Hemmings achieve his third Grand National win, following in the hoof prints of Ballabriggs (2011) and Hedgehunter (2005).

Hemmings, a British businessman and billionaire, sadly passed away on 11th October 2021, aged 86.

He was a very popular owner and a charismatic man who loved his horses.

By all accounts, Many Clouds, racing in the familiar yellow and green quartered silks with white arms and hat, was the least likely of Hemmings’ trio of victors (at least according to the bookmakers), starting at odds of 25/1.

Trevor Hemmings’ Grand National Winners:

2005 – Hedgehunter (7/1f)
2011 – Ballabriggs (14/1)
2015 – Many Clouds (25/1)

Interestingly, Hemmings had horses with many trainers. For example, his Grand National winners were trained by Willie Mullins, Donald McCain Jr., and Oliver Sherwood, respectively.

This was the first Aintree Grand National winner for Oliver Sherwood. He started training in 1984 and retired in 2023. Sherwood trained over 1,100 winners in a 40-year career. He is presently an assistant trainer to Harry Derham.

Looking Back at the 2015 Aintree Grand National

The race took place on 11th April 2015. The official going was described as ‘good to soft’; however, the winning time of 8m 56.8s was the fastest since Mr Frisk broke the course record in 1990 (8m 47.8s).

The eight-year-old gelding carried a weight of 11st 9lb. A total of 39 horses took part, and all returned safely to the stables following the race. Carlito Brigante was a late non-runner—the first time the race had been run with fewer than 40 starters since 2004.

Many Clouds (25/1) won by one-and-three-quarter lengths from Saint Are (33/1) and Monbeg Dude (33/1), securing prize money of £561,300.

Shutthefrontdoor, ridden by Tony McCoy, started as the 6/1 favourite. He was trained by Jonjo O’Neill for owner J.P. McManus.

Nineteen of the 39 horses completed the course.

In 2016, Many Clouds returned to defend his Grand National title at odds of 8/1 joint-favourite (alongside The Last Samuri, who finished 2nd). However, Hemmings’ charge finished 16th, beaten by almost 150 lengths. After leading at the 19th fence, he blundered at the 26th, weakened three out, was virtually pulled up soon after the last fence, tailed off, and walked home from the elbow.

The vet said: “The gelding had lost his right front shoe.” While his trainer added: “The gelding had a breathing problem and will have a wind operation before his next run.”

Perhaps the slower ground affected his chances, especially as he was carrying 5lb more than in his 2015 victory.

Rule The World ran out a tidy six-length winner at odds of 33/1 for trainer Mouse Morris, ridden by David Mullins, for owners Gigginstown House Stud.

After a break of 238 days, Many Clouds returned to Aintree, this time contesting The Betfred Lotto ‘£100K Cash Giveaway’ Chase (Listed Race) over 3m 1f. He jumped well, made all, and stayed on strongly to win by three-and-a-half lengths at odds of 3/1.

Sherwood said: “I am chuffed to bits. His jumping was exemplary, and he was very relaxed in front. He had the wind operation. I am very honoured to have a horse like him.”

Many Clouds would not return to the Grand National. His final race took place on 28th January 2017. Heroically, he won the BetBright Trial Cotswold Chase (Grade 2) over 3m 1½f on soft going at odds of 8/1. Ridden by Leighton Aspell, he jumped well and ran on to beat 4/9 favourite Thistlecrack to win by a head. Tragically, Many Clouds collapsed and died after the finishing line due to a severe pulmonary haemorrhage.

The 12-time winner ran 27 times, achieving total prize money of just under £1M.

Sherwood said: “He wanted to win that race—by God, he wanted to win it. He was beaten at the last, but he fought the last 50 yards to get up and win. I always said he would die for you, and he has today, doing what he loved most.”

A very sad day for a true warrior.

Questions

Outsider (Biggest Priced) Aintree Grand National Winners

admin March 17, 2025

Every year since 1839 someone has bet on a big priced winner of the Aintree Grand National. Within the next 20 or so years it’s the 200^th renewal of the most famous steeple chase in the world’… and some poor soul will be waiting for that ever elusive win!

A horse named Lottery won the first Grand National in 1839, and sometimes it’s easy to view the National itself in that light (a lottery!). This nine-year-old gelding carried 12 stone, ridden by Jem Mason, trained by George Dockeray in the ownership of John Elmore. He won in a time of 14m 53s (the slowest time of any National winner). He won at odds of 9/1.

For context, 17 horses took part. 10 finished, including 6/1f The Nun (7^th). Captain Martin Becher rode Conrad who fell at the First Brook, remounted; and fell at the Second Brook. He had inspired William Lynn to stage the Grand Liverpool Chase. Becher, who had won all the big races at the time, unfortunately won the race in 1836 on The Duke, but this race was considered a precursor to the Grand National so he didn’t get credited with an ‘official’ National win. Becher never rode in the race again after Conrad catapulted him into the Brook twice. However, the fence was named in his memory: Becher’s Brook.

He cursed saying: ‘I didn’t realise how filthy water tasted without the benefit of whisky!’

The shortest priced winner of the Aintree Grand National was seen in 1919 when Poethlyn won at odds of 11/4f.

However, for many punters the enjoyment of betting in this challenging race is the hope of betting on an outsider, a big priced winner.

But what is the biggest priced winner of the Aintree Grand National?

In fact, 5 outsiders have won this race at odds of 100/1.

If you had bet £50, you would have won £5,000. Just think about winning that much money. Let’s take a look at those winners:

1928 – Tipperary Time (100/1)

This 10-year-old gelding, ridden by Mr Bill Dutton, trained by Joseph Dodd for owner Harold Kenyon. By all accounts, no one, not even the horse’s owner, gave it a chance. A rank outsider. In fact, one of the jockeys said to Dutton: ‘Billy boy, you’ll only win if all the others fall!’

That’s exactly what happened.

All 41 horses fell. A pile up at the Canal Turn saw just seven horses and jockeys continue. Thereafter, one by one the horses fell, saddles slipped or pulled up. Tipperary Tim, who had been out the back, keeping out of trouble, won at odds of 100/1. Only two horses completed the course (Billy Barton). This set the record for the fewest finishers of the Aintree Grand National.

1929 – Gregalach (100/1)

Amazingly, the following year saw another 100/1 winner. The outsiders were really having it their way.

This time Gregalach, a seven-year-old gelding, trained by Tom Leader, ridden by Robert W H Everett, in the ownership of Margaret Gemmell prevailed. This race saw the largest field of any National with 66 horses taking part of which only 9 completed the course. Gregalach beat the favourite, Easter Hero, by six lengths, while Richmond II finished third. The race was criticised for the number of runners which saw the top weight carrying some 35lbs more than those lower in the handicap. This was one of the earliest races to be featured on Pathe News (Newsreel footage). Sadly, Stort was fatally injured.

1947 – The Caughoo (100/1)

The 101^st renewal of the Aintree Grand National, which took place on the 29^th March. This time 57 horses took part, and all returned safely to their stables. The Irish-bred gelding, trained by Herbert McDowell in the ownership of John J. McDowell had cost just £50. Heavy going may have helped the 100/1 shot who won by twenty lengths under jockey Eddie Dempsey. Top weight, and Gold Cup winner, Prince Regent finished fourth carrying 12:7, 35lb more than the winner (10st). Placed horses Lough Conn (IRE) and Kami (FR) were both priced 33/1.

1967 – Foinavon (100/1)

One of the most memorable Nationals. Very much in the vein of Tipperary Tim’s success, a race which saw a melee at the 23^rd fence. Known as the most dramatic events in the history of the Grand National. Popham Down running loose veered dramatically to his right at the 23^rd fence where a pile-up ensued. A number of horses fell, others running up and down the fence to a point where the race almost come to a halt. Foinavon was so far behind his jockey, John Buckingham, was able to steer clear and jump the fence. Foinavon won by fifteen lengths. Amazing it paid 444/1 on the Tote. In 1984 the 23^rd fence, the smallest on the course, was named Foinavon.

2009 – Mon Mome (100/1)

The most recent winner, trained by Venetia Williams. The nine-year-old gelding ran out an easy winner by twelve lengths under Liam Tredwell, in the ownership of Vida Bingham. The first French-bred horse to win in over 100 years.

How To Back A Big Priced Grand National Winner

In over 175 years of the Aintree Grand National there have been just 5 horses winning at odds of 100/1. There have been over 7000 horses take part in this most famous of steeple chases. No doubt luck has played its part in finding a big priced winner. Certainly, Tipperary Tim and Foinavon had their share of luck. As I often say: ‘Most winners are down to ability but often circumstance.’ Also, it is true that extremes of going can make a race much harder to win, especially those horses high in the weights. No matter ability levels, you have to be in it to win it and the welfare of horse and jockey is paramount.

Questions

The Shortest Priced Aintree Grand National Winners

admin March 15, 2025

Did you enjoy the 2025 Cheltenham Festival? Especially the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup. Galopin Des Champs was the hot favourite for Willie Mullins, aiming for his third victory in this prestigious race. However, the result didn’t go as punters expected, and the bookies filled their boots as J.P. McManus’s Inothewayurthinkin won readily by six lengths at odds of 15/2. Trainer Gavin Cromwell was jubilant, as was jockey Mark Walsh.

The question on most punters’ lips: Isn’t that horse in the Grand National?

Not only is this son of Walk In The Park entered for the Aintree Grand National on Saturday, April 5, but the seven-year-old gelding is also the 4/1 favourite.

By all accounts, J.P. McManus has a strong hand in the world’s most famous steeplechase. In fact, he owns three of the top four in the betting: Inothewayurthinkin, Iroko, and last year’s winner I Am Maximus.

History has shown that winning both the Gold Cup and the Aintree Grand National is a rare feat. Two great names come to mind:

Golden Miller:

The irrepressible Golden Miller, owned by Dorothy Paget, was a five-time Gold Cup winner (1932–1936). Though he disliked Aintree, he became the only horse to complete the double in the same year (1934). The seven-year-old gelding won at odds of 8/1 for trainer Basil Briscoe, ridden by Gerry Wilson.

L’Escargot:

Race fans will also remember another superstar: L’Escargot, winner of the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 1970 and 1971. In 1975, he went on to defeat the legendary Red Rum by 15 lengths at odds of 13/2, denying him a third consecutive victory.

Now, let’s take a look at the shortest-priced Aintree Grand National winners.

The 5 Shortest-Priced Grand National Winners:

1919 – Poethlyn (11/4f) – Shortest-Priced Winner Ever

The shortest-priced Grand National winner returned at odds of 11/4. Harry Scott’s charge won by eight lengths under Ernest Piggott for owner Gwladys Peel. Interestingly, Poethlyn also won the previous year when the race was held at Gatwick Racecourse during the War Nationals (1916–1918), which took place during World War I.

1862 – The Huntsman (3/1f)

The 24th renewal of the Grand National took place on March 12. The Huntsman, an Irish-bred horse, was trained and ridden by Harry Lamplugh for owner Viscount de Namur. Tragically, jockey Joseph Wynne, riding O’Connell, was brought down at the 15th fence, suffering fatal chest injuries—the only jockey to have lost his life in the history of the race.

1885 – Roquefort (10/3f)

The six-year-old gelding won by two lengths on good going. The favourite was ridden by Mr. Ted Wilson for trainer Arthur Yates and owner Arthur Cooper. Only nine horses finished. Roquefort had placed third in 1884, then fell at the 21st fence in 1886, the 26th in 1887, and again at the 26th in 1889. He was priced at single-figure odds in each attempt.

1860 – Anatis (7/2f)

No official race time was recorded. Anatis secured a narrow half-length victory over The Huntsman. Trained by H. E. May and ridden by Mr. Tommy Pickernell, the ten-year-old gelding was owned by Christopher Capel.

It’s notable that most short-priced winners date back over 100 years. In fact, Jerry M won at 4/1f in 1912. However, one modern-era horse deserves recognition—not just for winning at the same odds but also for nearly securing three consecutive Grand National victories.

2019 – Tiger Roll (4/1f)

A small horse with a big heart. Who would have thought that a Triumph Hurdle winner (2014) would become a powerhouse in the greatest steeplechase of them all? Tiger Roll, owned by Gigginstown House Stud, trained by Gordon Elliott, and ridden by Davy Russell, was a gutsy winner in 2018, prevailing by a head. He then won by two and three-quarter lengths in 2019 at odds of 4/1.

Unfortunately, COVID-19 prevented Tiger Roll from attempting a historic third consecutive victory in 2020. With the race cancelled just days before, we can only speculate what might have happened. Sadly, by 2021, Tiger Roll had lost his edge and did not return for another Grand National. However, he remains one of the race’s modern greats and among its shortest-priced winners.

Looking Ahead to the 2025 Grand National:

It will be fascinating to see how the betting unfolds for the 2025 Aintree Grand National. Can Inothewayurthinkin win this year’s renewal? Could he become the shortest-priced winner in the race’s history?

Time will tell.

Horses

Rule The World

admin March 13, 2025

Owned by Gigginstown House Stud, under the auspices of Michael O’Leary, and trained by Michael ‘Mouse’ Morris in Fethard, Co. Tipperary, Rule The World had the distinction of winning the 2016 Grand National not only as a novice, but also as a maiden over regulation fences. That said, he had won his sole point-to-point start as Affmore as a four-year-old and five times over hurdles, as well as performing with credit in the Baring Bingham Novices’ Hurdle and the Stayers’ Hurdle at consecutive Cheltenham Festivals in 2013 and 2014. He had also finished second in seven of his 13 steeplechases prior to the Grand National, including the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse.

In any event, Rule The World lined up at Aintree on April 9, 2016 as a largely unconsidered 33/1 chance as he attempted to become the first novice since Mr. What, 58 years earlier, to win the National. Win he did, though, and in so doing provided 19-year-old David Mullins with a dream first ride in the race. A dream first ride, that is, apart from a shuddering blunder at the open ditch, four from home, which briefly catapulted Mullins forward up the horses neck.

Nevertheless, Rule The World recovered to make headway from the third-last fence and passing the famous Elbow was one of three horses still in serious contention. Galvanised by Mullins, Rule The World came home by far the strongest of the trio and passed the past 6 lengths ahead of the joint favourite The Last Samuri with 100/1 chance Vics Canvas a weakening third, 8 lengths further behind. Rule The World ran just once more, finishing unplaced in the Grade 1 Champion Novice at Punchestown less than three weeks after his Grand National triumph and was retired from racing the following month.