Jockeys

Who is the Most Successful Aintree Grand National Jockey?

admin January 18, 2025

The Aintree Grand National started in 1839. The most famous steeplechase in the world has and continues to be very popular. With the exception of the War Years from 1941 – 1945, one void race in 1993, due to a false start, and nightmare what was Covid 19 pandemic in 2020, the races have been a staple for viewers across the globe.

176^th Aintree Grand National (2024) was won by I Am Maximus. It was the first win for Paul Townsend.

Thousands of jockeys have ridden in the Aintree Grand National. Clearly, many jockeys have had umpteen attempts.

The number of horses to have raced from 1839 to 2024 is approximately 5,400.

In every sense we are talking big numbers. However, the chances of a jockey winning this race are slim and dependent on a number of factors including the ability of the horse, trainer jockey and a big heaped spoonful of luck. When you consider all those variables, the percentage chance of a jockey winning the Aintree Grand National is at best 3%.

Now, I know what you are saying: ‘Red Rum’s jockey(s) had more chance of winning than most.’ And when you consider the performance of this legend it is true.

Red Rum’s Aintree Grand National Performances from the perspective of the jockey:

1973 – Brian Fletcher 1^st

1974 – Brian Fletcher 1^st

1975 – Brian Fletcher 2^nd

1976 – Tommy Stack 2^nd

1977 – Tommy Stack 1^st

If you were riding the great horse, over this period of time, winning the National was, if not easy, was a possibility.

When you look at the history of the Aintree Grand National, jockeys go from one extreme to the other.

For example, in this relatively modern era, Sir Tony McCoy (A.P.McCoy) had a sole win when riding Don’t Push It (2010). The 10/1jf, trained by Jonjo O’Neill, in the ownership of McManus was the first and last victory for McCoy. It was his 15 attempt. When you consider he was crowned Champion jockey for 20 consecutive years and amassed over 4,350 winners in his career, the National win wasn’t something to be taken for granted.

It should be mentioned that Jonjo O’Neill never even got round the National course.

He isn’t alone. There have been plenty of jockeys who have shown little success. Tom Scudamore rode 20 times and never in the first three.

He retired from race riding on the 23^rd February 2023.

It must have been all the more annoying when his grandfather won on Oxo in 1959.

After hearing how difficult it is to win the Aintree Grand National, it’s about time we highlight the most successful jockey who achieved the most wins.

It’s probably no surprise to hear this came in a bygone age when there were fewer contenders and the ability between horses extreme.

George Stevens is the leading jockey of the Grand National with 5 wins:

1856 – Freetrader 25/1

1863 – Emblem 4/1

1864 – Emblematic 10/1

1869 – The Colonel 100/7

1870 – The Colonel 7/2f

Two significant rides on The Colonel were for the 9^th Earl of Coventry, a Conservative politician, closely related to the royal family. The Eton educated Earl, enjoyed the high life and particularly racehorse ownership.

Stevens (1833-1871) started his riding career at the age of 16. In those days, races were infrequent and over a period of 22 years he won 76 races. Sadly, he was killed when suffering a fractured skull in 1871. His horse stumbled after bolting on his way home to Cleeve Hill.

In the last 15 years, three jockeys have faired well with two winners each:

2014 – Leighton Aspell 25/1

2015 – Leighton Aspell 25/1

2017 – Derek Fox 14/1

2018 – Davy Russell 10/1

2019 – Davy Russell 4/1f

2023 – Derek Fox 8/1f

Who will win this years Aintree Grand National?

Brian Fletcher Aintree Grand National Winner

admin January 9, 2025

Back in the day, professional horse racing jockeys started young.

It was a similar story for Brian Fletcher, he was just 16 when he started his career with Denys Smith located in Bishop Aukland in County Durham. In his first season he had 20 rides and achieved 3 wins.

Fletcher started riding in 1964.

It was a changing time. The Labour Party led by Harold Wilson had won the general election ending 13 years of Conservative rule, trade deficits and Beatlemania swept the world.

It wasn’t just Fletcher having a Hard Day’s Night.

Now, I know many readers won’t have first-hand experience of the 1960s but sports fans and Fletcher have a connection with one horse race which needs little introduction.

The Aintree Grand National.

In many respects these were the halcyon days. One horse, the astounding Red Rum, trained by Ginger McCain. However, Fletcher story in the Grand National started in 1967 when riding Red Alligator (30/1) who finished a gallant third behind another very famous winner in Foinavon who won at 100/1.

Fletcher wouldn’t have to wait long for his first success in the Aintree Grand National.

1968 – Red Alligator Wins The Grand National:

Red Alligator, a son of Magic Red, out of the mare Miss Alligator, made it second time lucky for him and Fletcher with a 20-length victory over Moidore’s Token, while Different Class finished third.

The nine-year-old gelding won the 122^nd Grand National at odds of 100/7. In the ownership of John Manners. A local pub near to trainer Denys Smith was named Red Alligator to celebrate his victory.

Brian Fletcher was just 19 years of age, although not the youngest winner of the National which is noted by Bruce Hobbs (1938) who was just 17.

Fletcher and Red Alligator would defend their title in 1969 but to no avail when the 13/2f (carrying 10lb extra for his win) fell at the 19^th fence.

In 1970, the partnership returned for a third try but this time they fell at the 11^th fence.

Brian Fletcher was gaining valuable experience in the most famous steeplechase of them all but he would have to wait for his next, most illustrious partnership.

In 1971, he rode ten-year-old The Inventor a 20/1 shot who refused at the 27 fence.

With no ride the following year, he was waiting for a horse to put him back in the limelight, and little did he know at this time it would change his life.

Red Rum: 1973, 1974 & 1977.

If you needed a reminder, those were the years Red Rum won the Aintree Grand National. No other horse has won the National three times and ‘Rummy’ would transform the lives of trainer Ginger McCain, Brian Fletcher & owner Noel Le Mare.

Not forgetting Tommy Stack (1977).

1973 –

The first win for the partnership and probably the most spectacular of all Red Rum’s victories beating the mighty Crisp, an epic contest, which saw Fletcher finish well to catch the Australia horse by three quarters of a length. Known as ‘The Black Kangeroo’ Richard Pitman’s mount carried 12 stones, while Red Rum 10 stone 5lbs. At one point, Crisp was leading by a distance (30+ lengths). With a 30-length lead at the last fence, it seemed impossible Red Rum could catch the Australian super star. He won in the last few strides for a very unlikely victory. The third placed, L’Escargot, went on to win the 1975 Grand National.

Crisp is known as the unluckiest horse in the race’s history.

The time of 9m 1.9s was a course record until 1990 (Mr Frisk).

It is considered among the ‘Greatest Nationals’ of all time.

Red Rum 9/1 1^st

Crisp 9/1 2^nd

L’Escargot 11/1 3^rd

Dist: 3/4, 25,

1974 –

After his first win, Red Rum would contest his National title under a weight of 12 stone. It proved an easy success for the nine-year-old gelding who won at odds of 11/1 by seven lengths ridden by Brian Fletcher who stood up in his irons and saluted the crowd. The commentary given so elegantly by Sir Peter O’Sullevan CBE (The Voice of Racing).

Noel Le Mare, dressed elegantly in bowler hat and brown overcoat standing next to him his wife dressed in pink with a white hat said: ‘[Red Rum] he made up his mind before the canal turn, it’s time for me to go…’

‘All this is due to the trainer, jockey and horse…’

Fletcher said: ‘Anyone can ride a horse like that. He’s a great horse.’

Red Rum 11/1 1^st

L’Escagot 17/2 2^nd

Charles Dickens 50/1 3^rd

Dist: 7, hd,

1977 –

A record breaker!

Red Rum, after finishing a gallant runner-up in 1975 and 1976, won the News of the World Grand National in 1977. The 131^st renewal would be a memorable day for Red Rum, but this time ridden by Tommy Stack at odds of 9/1jf.

At the age of 12 many thought ‘Rummy’ was too old to win!

However, it should be noted that while Brian Fletcher was jockey for Red Rum in 1975 he was replaced in 1976/1977 by Irish man Tommy Stack.

1976 Grand National, Brian Fletcher finished third place on Eyecatcher (28/1).

Take a look at Brian Fletcher’s Aintree Grand National rides:

1967 Red Alligator (30/1) 3^rd

1968 Red Alligator (100/7) 1^st

1969 Red Alligator (13/2) Fell (19^th fence)

1970 Red Alligator (13/1) Fell (13^th fence)

1971 The Inventor (20/1) Refused (27^th fence)

1972 No ride

1973 Red Rum (9/1) 1^st

1974 Red Rum (11/1) 1^st

1975 Red Rum (7/2) 2^nd

1976 Eyecatcher (28/1) 3^rd

Brian Fletcher retired from race riding in 1976. For a professional jockey he had a relatively short career of ten years. However, his performance in the Aintree Grand National is one which exemplifies a true talent. In nine races he achieved 3 wins, 1 second and 2 third places. It is unlikely any jockey will contest such performances. His association with Red Alligator, Red Rum and trainers Denys Smith, Ginger McCain, owners Noel Le Mare and John Manners saw him well.

Fletcher passed away in 2017 at the age of 69.

Derek Fox Wins the Aintree Grand National

admin January 7, 2025

Irishman, Derek Fox was born in Sligo on the 14^th May 1992.

Known for his horsemanship, calm demeanour and composure under pressure, Fox has risen through the ranks to hit the headline in 2017.

One For Arthur, trained by Lucinda Russell, wins the Aintree Grand National.

Fox won the race in style.

On the 19^th May 2010, Fox rode his first winner under racing rules at his home town of Sligo, for trainer Noel C Kelly, based in County Derry, Northern Ireland. Fox, a 7lb apprentice, rode Mighty Whitey (25/1) to win the Cleveragh INH Flat Race over 2m.

It was an enterprising ride from the apprentice on a green horse to hold off a late challenge with his mount struggled to negotiate the bend past the stand both times.

It would be the first of over 4500 rides, featuring over 400 wins and a strike rate of 9%.

In the last 4 years (2020 – 2024) Fox has achieved total earnings of almost £3M.

In 2016, Fox he transitioned to Scotland to be stable jockey for Lucinda Russell OBE, at Arlary House, Milnathort, Kinross, Perthshire, United Kingdom.

Fox has ridden over 200 winners for the stable with almost £4M in prize money. In fact, only Peter Buchanan has ridden more winners. He achieved 277 winners before retiring on the 23^rd April 2016, after being stable jockey for 13 years.

Buchanan never won a race at the Cheltenham Festival or Grand National, an accolade Derek Fox must cherish with not only one but two Aintree Grand National victories.

Aintree Racecourse has been a lucky track for Fox, especially with Ahoy Senor winning the Sefton Novices’ Hurdle (2021) & Mildmay Novices’ Chase (2022).

To ride a winner at Aintree’s Grand National is the pinnacle of every jockeys career.

Let’s take a look at Derek Fox’s National Wins:

2017 Aintree Grand National –

Often timing is everything and that was the case for Fox. Just under a year of being stable jockey for the Russell team (a loss Peter Buchanan must have felt) One For Arthur won the National at odds of 14/1, for owners, Deborah Thomson & Belinda McClung.

One For Arthur won well that day. Russell said: ‘For other horses it was a test but for him it was easy!’

This son of Milan out of a winning mare named Nonnetia, won by four and a half lengths from Cause Of Causes, with Saint Are in third.

What made the occasion so special is the fact it was Fox’s debut ride in the Grand National. In addition, he was returning less than a month after breaking his wrist and collarbone.

Lightning does strike twice.

2023 Aintree Grand National –

Corach Rambler, owned by The Ramblers, proved a perfect day for Lucinda Russell and their hard working team. The 8/1f gave Derek Fox his second win, and it was very much like a re-run of the first. He led at the last, going clear, and then idled in front but won with some authority by two and a quarter lengths from Vanillier (Gavin Cromwell) and third placed Gaillard Du Mesnil (Willie Mullins).

Fox said: ‘Corach Rambler is a phenomenal horse. Today he just jumped out and travelled everywhere, so I just let him bowl along. He is so intelligent. He won so easily, all I do is the steering.’

Let’s take a look at Derek Fox’s Aintree Grand National rides:

2017 – One For Arthur 14/1 1^st

2018 – No ride

2019 – One For Arthur 20/1 6^th

2020 – Cancelled due to COVID 19

2021 – No ride

2022 – Mighty Thunder 40/1 PU (25^th fence, Valentine’s Brook)

2023 – Corach Rambler 8/1f 1^st

2024 – Corach Rmabler 15/2 UR (Unseated Rider, 1^st fence)

Derek Fox, was blessed when he become stable jockey for Lucinda Russell. The achievement of two wins in the Grand National from five runs is quite astounding. Every ride being for the stable of Lucinda Russell.

The Irish man has come along way since that first win on Mighty Whitey, back in Sligo.

Davy Russell Two Time Grand National Winner

admin January 4, 2025

Like many of his peers growing up in Ireland, David Russell got a taste for riding his pony.

Born on 27^th June in 1979, in County Cork, Youghal, to parents Jerry and Phyllis, farmers who owned a few racehorses.

Davy may have got the racing bug from looking after his father’s horses.

At the age of 20 (1999), he won his first point-to-point race, which he took part for over four years. He also rode for the local hunt and wasn’t afraid of hard work making ends meet in a fish factory.

Russell held ambitions to become a professional National Hunt jockey and this led him to move to North Yorkshire, England. In 2002, he rode for Irish trainer Ferdy Murphy at Middleham. Later that year, he tasted victory in a Novices’ Hurdle at Sedgefield when Inn Antique won comfortably at odds of 5/2 for owner W J Gott.

After 14 months with Murphy, his successes included Truckers Tavern who was second in the Cheltenham Gold Cup (2003) behind the exceptional Best Mate.

Returning to Ireland, he spent a year with Edward O’Grady before two year stint as a freelance jockey. Once again, he had a winner at the Cheltenham Festival aboard Philip Rothwell’s Native Jack in the Cross Country Chase (2006).

In fact, he would continue to have many high-profile winners at Prestbury Park until 2020. Much to his credit, 2019 was the only year he draw blank.

This had much to do with his connection with Michael O’Leary, CEO of Ryanair. He was made stable jockey for Gigginstown House Stud in September, 2007.

Among his greatest achievements came in 2014 when he partnered Lord Windermere to win the 2014 Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase by a short-head on the 20/1 shot for trainer Jim Culloty.

For many, Davy Russell is best known for riding Tiger Roll to two memorable victories in the Aintree Grand National (2018, 2019). His partnership with Gigginstown House Stud and horse trainer Gordon Elliott would illustrate not only his talents as a jockey but detail a story that would be a fitting legacy.

Davy Russell Grand National Rides:

2003 – Ballinclay King 50/1 PU (pulled-up 15^th fence, The Chair)

2004 – Takagi 25/1 UR (unseated rider 15^th fence, The Chair)

2005 – Arctic Copper 200/1 19^th

2006 – Joe’s Edge 20/1 7^th

2007 – Livingstone Bramble 100/1 UR (unseated ride at 6^th fence, Becher’s Brook)

2008 – Chelsea Harbour 14/1 9^th

2009 – Hear The Echo 33/1 (Non-finisher, collapsed on run-in)

2010 – Cerium 50/1 11^th

2011 – Becauseicouldntsee 16/1 Fell (2^nd fence)

2012 – Alfa Beat 50/1 Fell (7^th fence, Foinavon)

2013 – No ride

2014 – Lion Na Bearnai 33/1 PU (27^th fence, open ditch)

2015 – No ride

2016 – Morning Assembly 16/1 8^th

2017 – Saint Are 25/1 3^rd

2018 – Tiger Roll 10/1 1^st

2019 – Tiger Roll 4/1f 1^st

2020 – Race cancelled due to COVID 19 pandemic

2021 – No ride

2022 – Retired from racing 18^th December

In 2003, Davy Russell had his first ride in the Grand National for Ferdy Murphy on 50/1 shot Ballinclay King who pulled-up on the first circuit at The Chair.

From 15 rides in the Aintree Grand National spanning 2003 – 2019. He completed the course 8 times. Placed in chronological order:

1^st (2019) Tiger Roll 4/1f

1^st (2018) Tiger Roll 10/1

3^rd (2017) Saint Are 25/1

6^th (2006) Joe’s Edge 20/1

8^th (2016) Morning Assembly 16/1

9^th (2008) Chelsea Harbour 14/1

10^th (2010) Cerium 50/1

19^th (2005) Arctic Copper 200/1

Without doubt, two of the best moments in Davy Russell’s career came with the Aintree Grand National. Victories on the pint-sized Tiger Roll, who first showed his class as a four-year-old winning the JCB Triumph Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in 2014. He was ridden by Davy Russell.

Who would have imagined some four years later that the oldest rider (38) and the smallest horse (15.2 hands) would prove victorious in the most famous steeplechase in the world?

Tiger Roll (10/1) looked to be cruising to an easy victory. However, horse and jockey needed to dig deep as Willie Mullin’s Pleasant Company flew home. Tiger Roll held on to win by a head. It was a bold effort from such a tiny horse.

Davy Russell and Tiger Roll caught the imagination of the National.

In 2019, he would make his return and take on all challengers, this time he was 4/1 favourite. On slightly faster ground (good to soft), this son of Authorize ran out a tidy winner, beating Magic Of Light by two-and-three-quarter lengths.

The world went crazy with thoughts of an impossible feat.

Could Tiger Roll and Davy Russell go one step beyond the greatest National winner of them all.

Red Rum, trained by Ginger McCain, who won the Aintree Grand National in 1973, 1974 and 1977.

You wouldn’t have bet against the Gigginstown House Stud combo from taking the spoils.

They had already pocket £1M in prize money.

However, it wasn’t meant to be.

With fears of COVID 19 spreading across the globe, literally days before the big race, the Grand National was cancelled. And with it the opportunity for horse and jockey to make history.

Time would tell that that intervening period would take its toll on both horse and jockey. Tiger Roll didn’t make it to the 2021 Grand National.

Suffering many problems, he was retired after a gallant second place at Cheltenham in the Glenfarclas Chase (2022) which he had won on 3 occasions (2018, 2019, 2021).

For Davy Russell a 20-year racing career as a professional jockey come to an end on the 18^th December (2022).

He was Irish Jump Racing Champion Jockey (2011-12), (2012-13) & (2017-18). And runner up on five previous seasons.

However, his greatest achievements will live long in the memory of all who witnesses his two Grand National victories on a little horse called Tiger Roll.

They could have been the most famous winners of the most famous race in the world.

Two talents.

They lost nothing in defeat in a race that could never be.