Dating back to the 1970s, this list will delve through archives to find you the most memorable Grand National.
There are some selections that are standouts, and some unlikely entrants into the list included also.
7 – Corbiere – 1983 Grand National
History was made in the 1983 Grand National as Jenny Pitman became the first female trainer to win the marathon event. A feat only achieved by three others, Venetia Williams (above), Sue Smith with Aurora’s Encore (2013) and Lucinda Russell with One For Arthur (2018).
On his first run in the race, Corbiere raced with the leaders throughout and led after Valentine’s Brook on the second circuit. Two fantastic leaps over the last two gave him the race before the Elbow, even though pressed by Greasepaint who was a length down in second.
6 – Mr Frisk – 1990 Grand National
An Aintree record never to be broken? Probably the case here with Mr Frisk. The course and distance record time of 8m47s will not be broken anytime soon because of the firm ground on this day in 1990.
Even now that the Aintree feature is nearly two furlongs shorter, this is still phenomenally quick. The most recent time figure of Tiger Roll was just over the nine minute mark, so shows how speedy Mr Frisk was!
The Kim Bailey trained horse was left in the lead at the 22nd fence, after Uncle Merlin unseated his jockey. He and jockey Marcus Armytage stayed on well to win by under a length.
5 – Mon Mome – 2009 Grand National
A dream came true for Venetia Williams in 2009 when the rank outsider of the 40-strong field won the Grand National.
On his National debut, Liam Treadwell was the man who sailed to victory. He did so, in rather comfortable style on the 100/1 shot. Twelve lengths being the gap to Comply Or Die in second.
A day to forget for BBC Presenter Clare Balding, however. She later apologised to the winning jockey for making a derogatory comment about the riders teeth. A comment which Treadwell laughed off the following year.
In 2010, Mon Mome was exceptional in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, coming third to Imperial Commander and Denman.
4 – Don’t Push It – 2010 Grand National
Sir AP McCoy’s first success in the race after fifteen failed attempts. A huge gamble landed after a move from 20-1 into 10-1 favourite.
McCoy was quietly confident heading towards the Canal Turn, and even more so between the last two fences. In an interview with William Hill he said: “I kind of knew he was going well and I jumped upsides Black Apalache, squeezing him away…When I got to the elbow I committed him.”
3 – Tiger Roll – 2019 Grand National
The horse of a of a lifetime some would say, others would just say he is flirting with Red Rum’s records, the back-to-back winner in 2018 and 2019 is Tiger Roll.
The second time over the course was a breeze for the Gordon Elliott horse, and he will be remembered in style for the way he was guided round by Davy Russell. Late rallies from Magic Of Light and Rathvinden could not stop the nine-year-old from collecting the Aintree glory again.
Unfortunately for this Gigginstown hero, the 2020 running of the Grand National is obviously not going to be held, he will have to try to retain his crown next year, but he will surely be fancied once more, even after his recent Cheltenham loss to Easysland.
2 – Aldaniti – 1981 Grand National
The story for this winner begins in 1979 when both horse and rider were given unbelievable setbacks. Bob Champion was diagnosed with testicular cancer, and Aldaniti was injured in a fall at Sandown. He would not race again for 14 months, after an injury to his leg.
After returning to Ascot in 1981, winning the Whitbread Chase Trial, put him firmly in contention to win the Grand National. Meanwhile Champion was beginning to overcome his cancer having received chemotherapy throughout the 1980/81 season.
Aldaniti raced prominently on the first circuit, and led from the 17th, going further clear by Becher’s Brook. A few edgy jumps before crossing the Melling Road meant that Champion had to work harder towards the Elbow.
He was pressed late by Spartan Missile, and 54 year-old amateur jockey John Thorne, but held on well.
A book was written on the back of this, called Champions Story and a film called Champions.
1 – Red Rum – 1977 Grand National
The two-time winner in 1973 and 1974, Red Rum is still the most successful horse to have competed in the Aintree Grand National. He came second in 1975 and 1976, and to return as a 12-year-old to win his third National, is some achievement.
Tommy Stack was the man who won aboard Red Rum in the 1977 running, and did so in great style. A huge 25 lengths separated he and and second place, one of the widest margin victories to date.
Hailing from nearby Southport, the Donald “Ginger” McCain runner will forever be associated as the greatest horse to have jumped National fences. He passed the training reins over to his son Donald Jnr, who trained Ballabriggs to go in his fathers footsteps in 2011.
