Most Famous Grand National Winners
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The Grand National is a colossal sporting event that draws spectators from all around the globe to Aintree each April. With more than 150,000 enthusiasts converging on this spectacular three-day festival, it's no surprise that bookmakers are gleefully anticipating the occasion. And they're not the only ones.
The prestigious race is widely regarded as one of the UK's most significant sporting events, comparable to the FIFA World Cup and Wimbledon. And it's easy to see why. Forty of the finest horses lay it all on the line, covering a distance of just over four miles, all in pursuit of a mighty £1 million prize. It's an experience that can send shivers down anyone's spine.
Fortunately, there is no longer a need to visit overcrowded local bookmakers on the morning of the race. Nowadays, oddschecker compares all the best odds and Grand National welcome bonuses to ensure that your hard-earned cash goes further than ever before. They have determined that reigning champion Corach Rambler is the early favourite for this April's Liverpool showdown. As the participants have yet to be confirmed for certain, it remains to be seen whether the Irish horse will even compete. Nevertheless, it is expected that both the gelding and his jockey Derek Fox will be eager to defend the title they secured so remarkably last year.
But they aren't the only iconic duo to have romped to glory on the Greatest Show on Turf. Here are three other Grand National winners that have stood the test of time and become legendary in their own right.
Tiger Roll
In 2018, Tiger Roll accomplished the unimaginable - emerging victorious in the most prestigious race of all. Despite being the underdog among a field of enormous stallions, this little fellow refused to be deterred. In a thrilling climax, he fended off the charging Pleasant Company to secure first place.
Following the race, his owner, Michael O'Leary, who also happens to be the bigwig at Ryanair, hailed jockey Davy Russell as a mastermind. And who could blame him? His extraordinary performance that day left everyone spellbound.
However, the story doesn't conclude just there. A year later, Tiger Roll demonstrated that he was not merely a flash in the pan, becoming the first horse in 45 years to secure consecutive victories in the big one, solidifying his status as a bonafide superstar.
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Red Rum
It's time to discuss a true force to be reckoned with when it comes to valuable equine specimens. Red Rum was more than just a fleeting sensation. Unlike the previously mentioned Tiger Roll, he didn't settle for a mere two triumphs. He triumphed in the prestigious Aintree race three times during the '70s, an achievement that is likely to remain unparalleled.
And listen to this - Red Rum didn't just achieve that incredible hat trick on a spur-of-the-moment decision. He secured consecutive victories in 1973 and 1974. Not content with that, he returned three years later and effortlessly claimed his third triumph. Amidst all that fame, he even managed to secure two second-place finishes, solidifying his status as the most renowned horse to ever grace the Grand National.
Red Rum remains the sole horse to triumph in the grand event thrice. It is therefore unsurprising that the individuals at Aintree desired to memorialize him distinctively - and what better approach than with an awe-inspiring sculpture of the magnificent stallion?
Minella Times
In April of 2022, Minella Times raced to victory on the esteemed Aintree course, securing an impressive five-length triumph over the 100/1 outsider Balko Des Flos. Not to be forgotten is the substantial prize of £500,000 that accompanied the win.
Making history, Rachel Blackmore became the first-ever female jockey to claim victory in the showpiece, a race that has spanned over 183 years. By doing so, she put an end to a longstanding debate in the sport. It is only a matter of time before another trailblazing female rider follows in her footsteps.