Grand National Winners

7 Cheltenham Gold Cup Winners Who Ran In The Aintree Grand National

admin March 19, 2025

The pinnacle of racing at the Cheltenham Festival saw a fascinating renewal of the Gold Cup. Inothewayurthinkin, trained by Gavin Cromwell, ridden by Mark Walsh, and owned by the richest man from Limerick, J.P. McManus, proved a worthy winner. The seven-year-old gelding left Galopin Des Champs in his wake, returning at odds of 15/2. The Willie Mullins-trained horse and hope for three consecutive wins was dismissed.

The exciting victory proved the intentions of J.P. McManus, a billionaire businessman, professional gambler, and softly spoken Irishman.

McManus spends his money well.

But what added to this brilliant success was the intention and plan for Inothewayurthinkin to win the Aintree Grand National. However, those hopes were dashed with the news that he will head to Punchestown for the Ladbrokes-sponsored Gold Cup.

Considering McManus won the 2024 Grand National with I Am Maximus, trained by Willie Mullins and given a fine ride by Paul Townend, there is little doubt he has his eye on second helpings. If you take a look at the betting, you will find that J.P. has three horses high in the market, and it would take a brave bookmaker to consider he won’t take the spoils.

Go back in time and ask bookmaker Fearless Freddie Williams, who lost over a million on one thankless day at Cheltenham.

To McManus, it was little more than playing with Monopoly money.

The Aintree Grand National isn’t far away, and there is a real buzz about the most famous steeplechase in the world.

But here’s a question: How many Gold Cup winners have taken their chance in the Aintree Grand National?

Let’s take a look at seven horses that did just that.

It is worth noting that the Cheltenham Gold Cup was inaugurated in 1924.

In chronological order:

1934: Golden Miller

A true horse racing icon. Owned by Dorothy Paget, not only did Golden Miller win the Gold Cup five times in succession, but he is the only horse to achieve the Gold Cup/Grand National double in the same year (1934). Considering Golden Miller hated Aintree, it showed his class.

1975: L’Escargot

A two-time winner of the Gold Cup (1970, 1971). An exceptional horse trained by Dan Moore and owned by Raymond G. Guest. At the age of 12, he won the 1975 Grand National, beating Red Rum, who was attempting his third consecutive win. It was an imperious victory.

1991: Garrison Savannah

Jenny Pitman’s charge won the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 1991, beating The Fellow by a short head. Mark Pitman took the ride on the 7/1 shot and finished a gallant second behind Seagram, who ran out an eight-length winner.

1994: The Fellow

A very determined horse who was beaten on two occasions in the Gold Cup by a short head (1991, 1992) before tasting victory in 1994 for François Doumen. However, heading to the Grand National that same year didn’t reap rewards, as the 9/1 shot fell at Canal Turn (24th fence).

1995: Master Oats

Kim Bailey’s nine-year-old gelding ran out an easy 15-length winner at 100/30, ridden by Norman Williamson. Master Oats headed to the Grand National in the same year and was fancied to go well as the 5/1 favourite. However, a hefty weight of 11-10 saw him tire in the closing stages to finish seventh, beaten 15 ¾ lengths. Master Oats made another attempt to win the National in 1997, finishing fifth. He enjoyed an honourable retirement.

This son of Oats out of Miss Poker Face was a true star, winning 10 of his 21 starts. When you consider his first attempt at the Grand National (1994) saw him fall at the 13th fence when carrying only 10-0, you have to think it was a missed opportunity. A very talented horse.

2012: Synchronised

A very popular horse. He won the 2012 Cheltenham Gold Cup, ridden by Tony McCoy for trainer Jonjo O’Neill in the ownership of J.P. McManus. The nine-year-old beat The Giant Bolster by two and a quarter lengths (50/1), with Long Run in third. Synchronised was priced at 8/1.

He headed to the Aintree Grand National (2012) with top weight (11-10). Priced at 10/1, he was a major hope for Tony McCoy to gain his first National win. Sadly, Synchronised fell at Becher’s Brook (6th fence) and continued riderless. He fell again at the 11th fence and fractured his right hind tibia and fibula. Tragically, Synchronised lost his life.

2014: Long Run

The 2011 Gold Cup winner triumphed at odds of 7/2f, beating the mighty Denman by seven lengths, with Kauto Star in third. Ridden by Sam Waley-Cohen and owned by his father Robert.

Interestingly, Long Run made only one attempt at the Grand National in 2014. The nine-year-old carried 11-9 and was priced at 12/1. He fell at Valentine’s (9th fence).

Many horses have competed in both the Gold Cup and the Aintree Grand National. In fact, more horses have taken their chance than I would have imagined. However, the records show that winning both is a rare achievement.

Golden Miller and L’Escargot both accomplished this feat, but the former is the only horse to do the double in the same year. Clearly, all Gold Cup winners have proven class, but this means they have to shoulder extreme weight when tackling the longer distance and gruelling course of Aintree.

It is no easy task.

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.