Updates - Grand National Winners

Grand National Winners 1890 – 1899

admin September 10, 2025

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

Manifesto Aintree Grand National Race record:

1895 – 4^th

1896 – Fell (first fence)

1897 – 1^st

1899 – 1^st

1900 – 3^rd

1902 – 3^rd

1903 – 3^rd

1904 – 8^th

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 – 2^nd 20/1

1892 – 2^nd 11/2

1893 – 1^st 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

admin September 8, 2025

Race 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?

admin August 27, 2025

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.

Questions

Grand National Winners List

admin March 22, 2025

Below is a list of Grand National Winners by year and horse name only, starting from 1839 when Lottery was the winner all the way to the present day and Grand National 2025.

2025 – Nick Rockett

2024 – I Am Maximus
2023 – Corach Rambler
2022 – Noble Yeats
2021 – Minella Times
2020 – Abandoned – Covid-19
2019 – Tiger Roll
2018 – Tiger Roll
2017 – One For Arthur
2016 – Rule The World
2015 – Many Clouds
2014 – Pineau De Re
2013 – Auroras Encore
2012 – Neptune Collonges
2011 – Ballabriggs
2010 – Don’t Push It
2009 – Mon Mome
2008 – Comply Or Die
2007 – Silver Birch
2006 – Numbersixvalverde
2005 – Hedgehunter
2004 – Amberleigh House
2003 – Monty’s Pass
2002 – Bindaree
2001 – Red Marauder
2000 – Papillon
1999 – Bobbyjo
1998 – Earth Summit
1997 – Lord Gyllene
1996 – Rough Quest
1995 – Royal Athlete
1994 – Miinnehoma
1993 – VOID RACE
1992 – Party Politics
1991 – Seagram
1990 – Mr Frisk
1989 – Little Polveir
1988 – Rhyme ‘N’ Reason
1987 – Maori Venture
1986 – West Tip
1985 – Last Suspect
1984 – Hallo Dandy
1983 – Corbiere
1982 – Grittar
1981 – Aldaniti
1980 – Ben Nevis
1979 – Rubstic
1978 – Lucius
1977 – Red Rum
1976 – Rag Trade
1975 – L’Escargot
1974 – Red Rum
1973 – Red Rum
1972 – Well To Do
1971 – Specify
1970 – Gay Trip
1969 – Highland Wedding
1968 – Red Alligator
1967 – Foinavon
1966 – Anglo
1965 – Jay Trump
1964 – Team Spirit
1963 – Ayala
1962 – Kilmore
1961 – Nicolaus Silver
1960 – Merryman II
1959 – Oxo
1958 – Mr What
1957 – Sundew
1956 – E.S.B.
1955 – Quare Times
1954 – Royal Tan
1953 – Early Mist
1952 – Teal
1951 – Nickel Coin
1950 – Freebooter
1949 – Russian Hero
1948 – Sheila’s Cottage
1947 – Caughoo
1946 – Lovely Cottage
1941/45 – No Race
1940 – Bogskar
1939 – Workman
1938 – Battleship
1937 – Royal Mail
1936 – Reynoldstown
1935 – Reynoldstown
1934 – Golden Miller
1933 – Kellsboro’ Jack
1932 – Forbra
1931 – Grakle
1930 – Shaun Goilin
1929 – Gregalach
1928 – Tipperary Tim
1927 – Sprig
1926 – Jack Horner
1925 – Double Chance
1924 – Master Robert
1923 – Sergeant Murphy
1922 – Music Hall
1921 – Shaun Spadah
1920 – Troytown
1919 – Poethlyn
1916-1918 – No Race At Aintree
1915 – Ally Sloper
1914 – Sunloch
1913 – Covertcoat
1912 – Jerry M
1911 – Glenside
1910 – Jenkinstown
1909 – Lutteur III
1908 – Rubio
1907 – Eremon
1906 – Ascetic’s Silver
1905 – Kirkland
1904 – Moifaa
1903 – Drumcree
1902 – Shannon Lass
1901 – Grudon
1900 – Ambush II
1899 – Manifesto
1898 – Drogheda
1897 – Manifesto
1896 – The Soarer
1895 – Wild Man
1894 – Why Not
1893 – Cloister Bill
1892 – Father O’Flynn
1891 – Come Away
1890 – Ilex
1889 – Frigate
1888 – Playfair
1887 – Gamecock
1886 – Old Joe
1885 – Roquefort
1884 – Voluptuary
1883 – Zoedone
1882 – Seaman
1881 – Woodbrook
1880 – Empress
1879 – The Liberator
1878 – Shifnal
1877 – Austerlitz
1876 – Regal
1875 – Pathfinder
1874 – Reugny
1873 – Disturbance
1872 – Casse Tete
1871 – The Lamb
1870 – The Colonel
1869 – The Colonel
1868 – The Lamb
1867 – Cortolvin
1866 – Salamander
1865 – Alcibiade
1864 – Emblematic
1863 – Emblem
1862 – The Huntsman
1861 – Jealousy
1860 – Anatis
1859 – Half Caste
1858 – Little Charley
1857 – Emigrant
1856 – Freetrader
1855 – Wanderer
1854 – Bourton
1853 – Peter Simple
1852 – Miss Mowbray
1851 – Abd-EI-Kader
1850 – Abd-El-Kader
1849 – Peter Simple
1848 – Chandler
1847 – Matthew
1846 – Pioneer
1845 – Cure-All
1844 – Discount
1843 – Vanguard
1842 – Gay Lad
1841 – Charity
1840 – Jerry
1839 – Lottery

Horses

Auroras Encore

admin March 19, 2025

For most punters the dream is to bet on a winning outsider and pocket a lot of cash. When you consider since 1839 there have been just a handful of winners at 100/1 you may be pushing your luck for something more. However, never say never because one day you may be surprised.

For example, in 1967 Foinavon won at odds of 100/1. However, his price on the Tote was 444/1. Now that is what you call a big win. A bet of £50 (a lot of money in the 60s) would have seen a profit of £22,200.

So what was all the fuss about in 2013?

Auroras Encore won the 166^th Aintree Grand National for trainer Sue Smith and jockey Ryan Mania in the ownership of Douglas Pryde, Jim Beaumont & David van der Hoeven. They pocketed a prize of £547,268. Not bad for a horse that cost just 7,000 (Euros) as a yearling, when purchased by Frank Barry. He was later purchased by the trainer’s husband Harvey Smith for 9,500 (3yo). Considering this son of Second Empire out of a once-race mare went on to win total prize money of £725,737 it was a good time had by all.

Auroros Encore was with his trainer (Sue Smith) for his entire career which started as a five-year-old making his debut on the 19^th February 2007. He finished second at Market Rasen at odds of 25/1 in a National Hunt Flat Race (2m 1 1/2f).

He proved victorious on his fifth start of his formative season at Sedgefield (11^th December).

In total, he ran 47 times and achieved 8 wins.

Noted wins included:

3^rd April 2008 – Aintree John Smith’s Handicap Hurdle (Listed Race) £34,206 (50/1)

Another outstanding effort when runner-up in the Scottish Grand National (when headed close home, beaten a head.) He went for home at the fourth last, held a length lead at the last but couldn’t quite hold on. A brave effort and he lost nothing in defeat.

He won prize money of £38,466.

In a masterful decision, Auroras Encore would only race in the Aintree Grand National. On the 6^th April 2013 this gelding took his chance with Ryan Mania in the saddle. The eleven-year-old ran off a light weight of 10-3 on going described as ‘good to soft’. A 40-strong field saw just 17 horses complete the course. Seabass, the 11/2f, finished tired in 13^th place.

In an inspired ride, Auroras Encore tracked the leaders, made a mistake at the 10^th, hit 4 out, stayed on to lead last, driven out to win by nine lengths at odds of 66/1 (133/1 on the Tote). Sue Smith said regarding the apparent improvement in form: ‘The gelding appreciated the better ground and the greater distance.’

All horses returned safely to their stables.

Sue Smith said: ‘I would have been happy to have been in the first four or five and we’ve won it. The horse ran a fantastic race, Ryan gave him a fantastic ride and always had the horse where he wanted to be. He ran so well in the Scottish National (2^nd) that we knew he would get the trip.’

Ryan Mania said: ‘Everything went right. Crossing the Melling Road I thought we could be in the first three or four. I couldn’t believe the way the front two stopped in front of me at the last.’

He may have been an outsider but there was no fluke about this.

Auroras Encore would race just race three more time retiring after finishing 9^th at Doncaster on the 25^th January 2014 after he suffered a fracture to his right foreleg. He had an operation to insert screws into his leg.

Smith said: ‘I just want him to have a happy retirement. They got him up successfully after surgery and he was staying overnight in the operation box. Fingers crossed. He won the National for us. It doesn’t get bigger than that. He doesn’t owe us anything. This is a racing injury and I’m afraid that is what you have to expect from the job on occasion. I just want him back to his retirement.’