The Grand National is the ultimate test of stamina, courage, and tactics in National Hunt racing. As the 2025 edition approaches, all eyes turn to Aintree, where last year’s winner, I Am Maximus, aims to join the elite list of back-to-back champions.
Trained by Willie Mullins, the nine-year-old impressed 12 months ago with his flawless jumping and staying power, but he’ll face another tough challenge over Aintree’s demanding four-mile, two-and-a-half-furlong course.
Among his biggest threats is favourite Inothewayurthinkin as well as 9/1 Intense Raffles – both capable of causing a stir when making a bet on Grand National Festival races this year.
Few races in jump racing history have captured the sporting public’s imagination quite like the Grand National. Since its inaugural running in 1839, the iconic steeplechase has produced countless moments of drama, heartbreak and glory that have transcended the sport itself.
As we look ahead to another chapter in this storied race, let’s revisit some of the most unforgettable moments that have made the Grand National a British sporting institution.
Red Rum’s first victory – 1973
The 1973 Grand National produced arguably the greatest finish in the race’s history, marking the beginning of Red Rum’s legendary status at Aintree.
Crisp, carrying a substantial 12 stone, set a blistering pace from the start and established a commanding 30-length lead as the field approached the final stages. However, the weight began to tell as the brave front-runner tired dramatically on the punishing run-in.
Meanwhile, Red Rum, carrying 23 pounds less and expertly ridden by Brian Fletcher, produced an astonishing late surge, eating into Crisp’s advantage with every stride. In a heart-stopping finale, Red Rum caught the exhausted leader just yards from the line to win by three-quarters of a length, setting a course record in the process.
This thrilling victory marked just the beginning for Ginger McCain’s superstar, who would go on to win again in 1974 and 1977, cementing his status as the greatest Grand National horse of all time.
Mr Frisk’s record-breaking run – 1990
The 1990 Grand National stands out in the record books as the fastest-ever running of the famous race, a mark that remains unbeaten to this day and is unlikely to be topped for those assessing the racing odds.
On unusually firm ground, amateur jockey Marcus Armytage partnered Mr Frisk to a remarkable performance, setting a relentless pace throughout the race. The Kim Bailey-trained gelding maintained his momentum over the 30 formidable fences to stop the clock at an astounding 8 minutes 47.80 seconds.
What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that Armytage became the last amateur jockey to win the Grand National, adding another layer of historical significance to an already memorable triumph.
The record time is unlikely to be challenged in the modern era, as course modifications and safety improvements have necessarily slowed the race, making Mr Frisk’s victory a unique piece of Grand National history.
AP McCoy’s emotional triumph – 2010
Few Grand National victories have carried more emotional weight than AP McCoy’s long-awaited success aboard Don’t Push It in 2010.
After 14 failed attempts, the perennial champion jockey finally conquered the race that had eluded him for so long. McCoy delivered a masterful ride on the Jonjo O’Neill-trained gelding, positioning him perfectly throughout before producing a decisive move on the run to the last fence.
Don’t Push It responded generously to McCoy’s urgings, pulling clear of Black Apalachi to secure a famous victory by five lengths. The usually stoic Northern Irishman was visibly emotional as he crossed the line, later admitting that he had begun to fear he might never win the world’s most famous steeplechase.
For a jockey who had won everything else in the sport, including a record 20 consecutive jump jockeys’ championships, this Grand National triumph completed his glittering CV and remains one of the most popular victories in recent racing history.
Corach Rambler amidst protest chaos – 2023
The 2023 Grand National will forever be remembered not just for the winner’s performance but for the unprecedented scenes before the start.
Animal rights protesters caused significant disruption, resulting in a tense 14-minute delay to the race. Despite this chaotic build-up, Lucinda Russell’s Corach Rambler delivered a textbook performance under jockey Derek Fox.
Travelling with supreme confidence throughout, Corach Rambler moved effortlessly into contention as the field approached the final fence.
A good jump there gave him the momentum to surge clear on the run-in, eventually winning by a commanding margin.
This victory took on added significance against the backdrop of growing debate around the race’s safety and future, making it a pivotal moment in Grand National history – one that showcased both the enduring appeal of the race and the challenges it faces in the modern era.