The Grand National is one of the most prestigious horse racing events in the world, attracting millions of viewers every year. Over the years, the race has produced several legendary horses, each with their own unique story and impressive feats. From the iconic Red Rum to the more recent back-to-back winner, Tiger Roll, these two legendary horses both led impressive careers on the racecourse.
The Grand National Event At Aintree
The Grand National is a horse racing event that has a global viewership of 600 million people and is broadcast in 140 countries. The race takes place at Aintree Racecourse, located in Liverpool, England. As one of the most widely watched and anticipated sporting events in the world, the Grand National attracts a diverse and passionate audience of horse racing enthusiasts from all corners of the globe. With its challenging course and legendary history, the Grand National is a truly iconic event that showcases the very best of horse racing and the enduring spirit of competition.
Successful gambles at The Grand National
The Grand National has generated many famous and successful bets over the years, adding to the excitement and unpredictability of this historic race. Before riders and their horses face famous fences, like The Chair and Becher’s Brook, gamblers can bet on Grand National favourites to win. One of the earliest examples of a successful gamble came in 1839 when Lottery, the winner of the inaugural Grand National, was made the 5/1 favourite following his earlier triumph in the Cheltenham Steeplechase. Another notable bet occurred in 1866 when owner and trainer Edward Studd placed a £1,000 wager at 40/1 on Salamander, winning a substantial £40,000 that would be worth nearly £3 million in today's money.
How these racing legends were made:
Red Rum
Red Rum is widely regarded as one of the greatest horses to ever compete in the Grand National. Born in 1965, he won the prestigious race three times in 1973, 1974, and 1977, a feat that no other horse has been able to match. He also finished in second place in both 1975 and 1976. Red Rum's impressive record in the Grand National established him as a true racing legend, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of fans.
What makes Red Rum's achievement even more remarkable is the fact that he was bred for speed, not endurance. He was initially trained to compete in shorter races, but his trainer, Ginger McCain, saw his potential for success in the Grand National and worked hard to prepare him for the gruelling four-mile, four-furlong race. Red Rum's success in the Grand National cemented his reputation as one of the most versatile and determined horses in racing history.
Red Rum's legacy continues to inspire horse racing enthusiasts to this day. He was inducted into the Grand National Hall of Fame in 2011, and his statue stands at the entrance to the Aintree Racecourse, where the Grand National is held. Red Rum's remarkable career is a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and the unbreakable bond between a horse and its trainer.
Tiger Roll
Tiger Roll is a legendary racehorse that has made a huge impact on the world of horse racing in recent years. The horse won back-to-back Grand National titles in 2018 and 2019, becoming the first horse since Red Rum to achieve this feat.
Trained by Gordon Elliot, Tiger Roll is known for his speed, agility, and incredible endurance, which have helped him to become one of the most successful racehorses of his generation. Over the course of his career, Tiger Roll has earned an impressive £1,437,256 in prize money, cementing his status as one of the most valuable and successful horses in the sport.
With his incredible performances on the track and his unwavering determination to succeed, Tiger Roll has become a true legend of the Grand National and a source of inspiration for horse racing fans around the world.
The 2023 Grand National
This year’s grand national was topped by nine-year-old Corach Rambler who began as 8/1 favourite. The successful horse was trained by Lucinda Russell with Derek Fox as his jockey. The pair took home over £500,000 for their achievement. Taking second place was Vanillier, with 20/1 odds, trained by G P Cromwell who has previously led several other horses to victory in the Cheltenham festival. Third place was taken by Gaillard Du Mesnil with 10/1 odds trained by W P Mullins. Mullins is the most successful trainer in the history of the Cheltenham Festival with 94 winners over time making him a great impact to the horse’s success.
