Grand National Winners

Past and Present Winners of the Aintree Grand National

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Jockeys

Five Conditional Jockeys To Follow over the 2025/26 National Hunt season

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As the summer slowly starts to fade away and the autumn begins to creep in, so does the arrival of the 2025/26 National Hunt campaign.

While the season started back in May for most jump racing fans and tipsters from FIRST.com, now is the time that the excitement really begins to build with the wraps starting to come off their equine heroes.

Not only will plenty of familiar faces be returning for more, but there will be lots of new talent on show, both with four legs and two.

Latching on to a good conditional jockey can be a valuable asset from a punting point of view with their ability to claim weight so often the difference between victory and defeat.

Many of the bigger yards will have at least one conditional rider on their books and, in most cases, these are often the ones to follow with ample opportunities likely to come their way.

So to help try and find a gem or two to follow in the saddle over the coming months we have selected five riders that are likely to be seen gracing the winners enclosure frequently.

Harry Atkins (based with Dan Skelton)

While Harry Skelton will once again be partnering the bulk of the runners from his brother Dan Skelton’s yard there will be plenty of other opportunities for others to be had given the size of the team attached to the stable.

One of those likely to be close to the top of that list is 20-year-old Harry Atkins, who can expect to pick up a fair number of rides having been steadily brought along by the Skelton team last season.

Although only partnering three winners during the 2024/25 campaign expect that number to increase significantly this term with the Alcester handler impressed by the improvement he has shown in the saddle coupled with his great work ethic.

With the Grade One winning trainer now feeling the time is ready to call on Atkins services on a more regular basis he can expect to pick up a number of useful rides throughout the season.

Elliott England (based with Ben Pauling)

Callum Pritchard needs little introduction having been the go to conditional jockey last season largely thanks to his victory aboard Al Dancer for trainer Sam Thomas in the 63rd Badger Beer Handicap Chase at Wincanton in November.

However, while he will be entrusted with the bulk of the rides at Ben Pauling’s yard behind stable jockey Ben Jones, the name Elliott England could also be one to make note of this season.

Described by Pauling as a ‘natural horseman’, the 20 year old has already partnered two winners from 10 rides for his current boss, which represents a solid figure.

Not only has he made an impact in the saddle, but his ability to be able to get a horse settled is deemed one of his major assets according to Pauling, which is a big plus to have on his side this early on in his career.

This season is likely to require England to be slightly patient, but when the right opportunities come along expect him to grab them with both hands.

Benjamin Macey (based with Jonjo and AJ O’Neill)

So far it has been steady progress made by Benjamin Macey, but if the early signs are a guide then he could become a player in the race to be crowned champion conditional jockey this season.

Based with Jonjo and AJ O’Neill the 20 year-old is reported to have the sort of work ethic required to succeed, while the hours put in with his jockey coach Will Kennedy have not gone unnoticed both at home, and on the racetrack.

Feedback from the gallops, and after races, are both important factors, and ones that Macey already excels in during this early stage of his career, which will stand him in good stead for the future.

With a good racing brain on him, and his sharp awareness tactically, expect Macey to have his claim reduced from seven pounds to five pounds sooner rather than later.

Isabelle Ryder (based with Jamie Snowden)

Having represented Great Britain at showjumping in her younger days, a career working with horses was always likely to beckon for Isabelle Ryder.

And a move to the yard of Lambourn-trainer Jamie Snowden back in May looks the type of switch that can help take her career to the next level.

From five rides for her new boss this season Ryder has only finished outside the first three once, with one of those outings resulting in victory aboard Doc McCoy.

Although it is still early days in her association with Snowden, the Grade One-winning trainer has been pleased with what he has seen and feels she has the ability to make an impact.

While Gavin Sheehan is very much the main man on the riding roster at Folly House, Ryder is likely to be given her share of opportunities to shine in the saddle.

Jay Tidball (based with Paul Nicholls)

Being attached to the yard of 14-time National Hunt trainer Paul Nicholls comes with an added element of pressure given the high levels of expectations to succeed at the very top, but it is a place which has a rich history of producing talented riders.

Last year’s champion conditional jockey Freddie Gingell shows what having a yard like Nicholls behind a rider can do, while stable number one Harry Cobden also claimed the same title back in 2016/17 on route to his current position.

While having more experience than several other conditionals, Tidball, is already over half-way to beating his best seasonal tally of 15 winners, which he achieved last term, thanks to Nicholls already using him regularly over the summer period.

The Ditcheat master is not afraid of putting up a progressive conditional on the big occasion, and it would come as little surprise to see Tidball make appearances on some of the more notable racedays this campaign and really see his career flourish as the season progresses.

Years

Grand National Winners 1880 – 1889

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William Gladstone won the 1880 General Election, leading to over a decade of Conservative rule. This may have been helped by the 1884 Representation of the people Act which doubled the electorate by giving the vote to many rural working men. Britain expanded colonial rule in Egypt. In 1885, the public was shocked to hear General Charles Gordon was killed in the Sudan Crisis during the Mahdist uprising. The rise in new unionism saw the Matchgirls’ Strike (1888) highlighting labour conditions and workers’ rights. Elementary schools were more common and literacy rates rose. Oscar Wilde was popular within arts and literature. While Jack The Ripper lurked somewhere in the poverty-stricken streets of Whitechapel, London. The Married Women’s Poverty Act allowed married women to own property in their own right. Electricity and telephone uptake grew in the 1880s although it was only for business and wealthy individuals. At this time, betting was still done in person, on the street or on course.

The Aintree Grand National remained extremely popular.

Let’s take a look at the winners from this decade:

1880 – Empress 8/1

1881 – Woodbrook 11/2 jf

1882 – Seaman 10/1

1883 – Zoedone 100/7

1884 – Voluptuary 10/1

1885 – Roquefort 10/3 f

1886 – Old Joe 25/1

1887 – Gamecock 20/1

1888 – Playfair 40/1

1889 – Frigate 8/1

A couple of jockeys proved positive with 5 wins between them. Mr Tommy Beasley had the first two winners of the decade riding for Henry Linde. In relatively small fields, Empress and Woodbrook took the 42nd and 43rd Aintree Grand Nationals by less than four lengths each. The trainer and jockey, both from Ireland.

Beasley would taste victory once more with the victory of Frigate in 1889 for trainer-owner Mat Maher. The 11 year old won at odds of 8/1 by one length from Why Not, who would go on to win the National in 1894.

Mr Ted Wilson was the other jockey to make his mark with two wins in the mid part of the decade with Voluptuary (1884) and Roquefort (1885).

Voluptuary raced on the flat. In fact, he ran in the Epsom Derby. He was the first winner of the Aintree Grand National without having previous experience in the race. Interestingly, the bay gelding was bred by Queen Victoria. After retirement, he received critical acclaim portraying the racehorse ‘The Duke’ in the play The Prodigal Daughter. Originally in the ownership of Lord Roseberry, he won the National in the silks of H.F.Boyd at odds of 10/1. Interestingly, Voluptuary was originally named Battersea. However, his name was changed before this racing career.

Roquefort was the shortest priced of this decade when winning for Wilson at the odds of 10/3f, trained by Arthur Yates in the ownership of Arthur Cooper. The six-year-old gelding won by two length from Frigate, who would be the star of the show in 1889.

There is an interesting story behind the 1882 winner Seaman. It is as much a story about owner as horse because Lord Manners made a wager. John Thomas Manners-Sutton, a nobleman, liked a bet and he wagered he could buy, train and ride the winner of the 1882 Aintree Grand National. Added to the scenario he only had months to prepare. The horse was bought from an Irish man who questioned whether it could achieve the standard to compete in such a prestigious race. Few believed Manners had the riding skills or experience necessary. By the day of the race, the weather was horrendous with snow storms and ice which played in Manners’ favour. While other jockeys were more cautious and held back, Manners pushed on until drawing level with the favourite at the last fence. Seaman, started to go lame, but the pair won by a short head.

Seaman won at odds of 10/1.

The winning wager must have been substantial as he built a 52 room mansion called Avon Tyrroll at Sopley, Hampshire. The Grade I listed building is considered to be one of the archetypal Arts & Crafts buildings. Commonly known as a calendar house.

Although Seaman never raced again, he lived with the family and family home for the rest of his life. He was buried between two trees on the grounds.

What a story.

This decade had a number of big priced winners including:

1886 – Old Joe 25/1

1887 – Gamecock 20/1

1888 – Play Fair 40/1

As seen with this post, the Aintree Grand National is a race of the great and the good.

It is worth noting that nobility was attracted to the Grand National like no other race. For example, in 1883 Zoedone won at odds of 100/7. The chestnut mare was not only owned but ridden by a very rich Count from Austria.

His full title: Karl, 8th Prince Kinsky of Wchinitz and Tettau.

He has two ambitions in life: to be made Austo-Hungarian attache to Britain and the second to own and ride a Grand National winner.

Years

Grand National Winners 1890 – 1899

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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 59th and 61st running of the Aintree Grand National. He ran a record 8 times from 1895 – 1904.

Manifesto Aintree Grand National Race record:

1895 – 4th

1896 – Fell (first fence)

1897 – 1st

1899 – 1st

1900 – 3rd

1902 – 3rd

1903 – 3rd

1904 – 8th

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 – 2nd 20/1

1892 – 2nd 11/2

1893 – 1st 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

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grand national cardsRace 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.

Jockeys

Which jockey holds the record for rides in the Grand National?

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The jockey who holds the record for rides in the Grand National is Richard Johnson with 21. Johnson first rode in the celebrated steeplechase in 1997, parting company with his mount, Celtic Abbey, at The Chair during the infamous ‘Monday National’, postponed for 48 hours after a bomb threat forced the evacuation of Aintree Racecourse. Indeed, Johnson failed to complete the National Course on his first five attempts, but on his sixth, in 2002, came as close as he ever would to winning the race.

That year, Johnson rode 10/1 co-second favourite What’s Up Boys, trained by Philip Hobbs and, having been hampered at the seventh fence, aka ‘Foinavon’, found himself in the last half a dozen or so heading out onto the second circuit. However, the pair made significant headway at Valentine’s Brook on the second circuit, led over the final fence and were three lengths clear on the run-in, only to be overhauled close home and beaten a length and three-quarters by Bindaree.

Following that near-miss, Johnson rode in every renewal of the Grand National until 2016, but never finished bettter than second, which he did once more, on Balthazar King, also trained by Hobbs, in 2014. He did not ride in the Grand National in 2017 or 2018, but returned to Aintree for one last hurrah on Rock The Kasbah, for Hobbs again, but once again failed to complete the course.

Johnson announced his retirement from the saddle with immediate effect on April 3, 2021. During a career spanning nearly 30 years, he rode 3,819 winners won the National Hunt Jockeys’ Championship four years running in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019. Sadly, he also has the dubious distinction of being the jockey who has ridden most often in the Grand National without winning it.

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