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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.

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.

Aintree Grand National Betting: Favourite or Outsider?

admin January 30, 2025

I remember my first ever winning Grand National bet.

Aldaniti in 1981. I’m not sure if it’s legal, but I was eleven-years-old. To think some of the horses were older than me. Obviously, I didn’t place the bet myself. My Dad must have done the honours and my 50p each-way come up trumps.

I think I won £6.

I probably bought a bag of penny sweets: pink shrimps, bananas, flumps, milk bottles, blackjacks and a quarter of dolly mixture. No wonder I felt sick after that win. Living a life of excess. Like you do at eleven.

It was only in later life I appreciated the story behind the success of both horse and jockey. Bob Champion who had recovered from cancer and Aldaniti who had suffered from chronic leg problems. It was a story which touched the heart and was made into a flim, Champions, starring John Hurt. The musical score composed and conducted by Carl Davis. The start of the film is very moving and it often brings me to tears.

To be fair, I’ve hit a barren spell. In recent years, National winners have been few and far between. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. It’s virtually impossible to draw!

However, I have one question: Is it best to bet on the Grand National favourite or plump (if that’s the right word, sound like something you do with cushions) for the outsider?

Statistically, the favourite ‘must’ have a better chance of winning. I’m trying to tell myself this as I write these words. But on the other side of the coin, if I was a gambling man, there have been a number of outsiders win.

I’m thinking how much money would I like to win.

Should I bet on a horse priced at 1000000/1?

My horse would have three legs, one eye, half a tail and call to the name, Lucky.

Obviously, that is a joke.

His name would be Clip Clop The Cyclops

Over the years there have been 5 winners at 100/1.

1928 – Tiperary Tim

1929 – Gregalach

1947 – Caughoo

1967 – Foinavon

2009 – Mon Mome

Considering there have been at least 175 runnings, that’s about a 3% win rate. However, when you divide it by 5000 horses, the odds are probably horrenous. I really don’t know how many horses have run in the Grand National at odds of 100/1 or more. I have no idea. In fact, I doubt there are many people on the planet who do.

One or two Anoraks (people who obssess over data).

Anyway, perhaps we have learned something, it doesn’t pay to bet over 100/1.

Just saying.

But what about betting on the favourite? Less winnings, but, supposedly, more chance of winning.

2024: I Am Maximus won at odds of 7/1.

In the last 14 runnings, there have been 4 favourites go in. The good old jolly as they call it.

Let’s have a look at the winners:

2010 – Don’t Push It 10/1

2019 – Tiger Roll 4/1

2023 – Corach Rambler 8/1

2024 – I Am Maximus 7/1

Decisions, decisions.

Is it better to think somewhere in the middle? Halfway house and all that.

The average odds of recent winners is 22/1.

That average includes: 10/1, 14/1, 33/1, 66/1, 25/1, 25/1, 33/1, 14/1, 10/1, 4/1, 11/1, 50/1, 8/1 & 7/1.

The form students will tell you to look at the form. The optimist will tell you to bet the outsider. The pesimist will put their stamp on the favourite.

While your old aunt will pick a horse because of its name.

Which jockey won the Grand National, at the fifteenth attempt, in 2010?

admin December 10, 2024

Sir Anthony McCoy began his riding career in low-key fashion when, as a 17-year-old, claiming 10lb, he finished unplaced on favourite Nordic Touch, trained by Jim Bolger, in a 6-furlong handicap at Phoenix Park on September 1, 1990. At that early embryonic stage, few could have predicted that, the best part of a quarter of century later, on April 25, 2015, a day like no other at Sandown Park, McCoy would bid a tearful farewell to National Hunt racing after one of the most incredible careers in that sport or any other.

However, for all his success elsewhere, McCoy seemed destined, for much of his career, to join the likes of Jonjo O’Neill, John Francome and Peter Scudamore, among others, on the list of multiple champion jockeys never to have won the Grand National. His first foray into the celebrated steeplechase, in 1995, lasted less than a circuit, with his mount, Chatham, trained by Martin Pipe, coming a cropper at the twelfth fence, immediately before the Anchor Bridge Crossing of the Melling Road. Indeed, that initial non-completion was followed by four more, on Deep Bramble, trained by Paul Nicholls, in 1996, and three more Pipe-trained runners, Challenger Du Luc, Eudipe and Dark Stranger, in 1996, 1998, 1999 and 2000, respectively.

McCoy also failed to complete the course, at least at the first time of asking, on Blowing Wind, also trained by Pipe, in the 2001 Grand National. However, in an eventful renewal, following a refusal early on the second circuit, he remounted (at a time when the practice was still allowed) to eventually finish third, albeit beaten a distance and the same by the only two horses to jump all 30 fences without mishap, Red Marauder and Smarty.

Over the next seven years, McCoy completed the Grand National Course three times, but never finished better than third. That placing came aboard Clan Royal, owned by John Patrick ‘J.P.’ McManus and trained by Jonjo O’Neill, in 2006. Sent off joint-favourite, after finishing second in 2004 and being carried out by a loose horse, when in the lead, in 2005, Clan Royal challenged at the third-last fence, but ultimately had to give best to the Irish-trained pair, Numbersixvalverde and Hedgehunter.

Of course, it was on another horse in the famous gold and green hoops of J.P. McManus, Don’t Push It, also trained by O’Neill, that would finally provide McCoy with a Grand National winner, in 2010. The subject of a late gamble, into 10/1 joint-favourite, the Old Vic gelding took closer order early on the second circuit, led over the final fence and forged clear on the run-in to win by 5 lengths.

Born in County Antrim on May 4, 1974, McCoy became Champion Conditional Jockey in 1994/95, his first season in Britain, and subsequently became Champion Jockey every year until his retirement, at the end of the 2014/15 season. He was still only 27 when, in April 2002, he beat Sir Gordon Richards’ long-standing record of 269 winners in a single season and went on to amass an astonishing 289 in the 2001/02 season as a whole.

The following August, McCoy became the most successful National Hunt jockey in British history, beating the previous record of 1,699 winners, set by Richard Dunwoody. By the end of his career, he had racked up and eye-watering 4,348 winners under National Hunt rules, plus another 10 on the Flat, thereby setting a record that may never be broken. McCoy was awarded a knighthood for his services to horseracing in the 2016 New Year Honours, but nonetheless later singled out breaking Richards’ record as his ‘greatest achievement’, adding, ‘nothing else comes close’.

In which year did most horses complete the Grand National course?

admin December 10, 2024

Ironically, the year in which most horses completed the Grand National course was 1984, when a safety limit of 40 runners, which has remained in place ever since, was imposed for the first time. On March 31, 1984, on good going, the well-backed ten-year-old Hallo Dandy, trained by Gordon W. Richards and ridden by Neale Doughty, led home a total of 23 finishers, thereby setting a record which has yet to be beaten. In so doing, Hallo Dandy, who had finished fourth behind Corbiere, Greasepaint and Yer Man in the 1983 renewal of the Grand National, reversed the previous form with that trio, who finished third, second and seventeenth, respectively.

For the record, the horse who finished twenty-third, and last, of the finishers was the nine-year-old Canford Ginger, a 100/1 shot trained by David Elsworth and ridden by Colin Brown. Of the nine casualties on the first circuit, four horses fell at Becher’s Brook and two more at The Chair but, remarkably, 31 of the 40 starters headed out onto the second circuit. That said, the first open ditch put paid to the chances of Fortune Seeker, Kumbi and Pilot Officer, as it had to those of Golden Trix on the first circuit. Thereafter, though, the only faller was Imperial Black at Becher’s Brook and, while Burnt Oak and Silent Valley were pulled up late on, a record number of finishers was assured.

By contrast, the fewest number of finishers in the Grand National came in 1928, when 42 runners went to post but, on bottomless ground, all bar the eventual winner, the unconsidered 100/1 shot Tipperary Tim, failed to complete the course unscathed. The eventual second, Billy Barton, took a tired fall at the final fence, but was remounted – remounting horses after the start was not banned until November, 2009 – to complete the course, tailed off, but only two finished.