The Greatest Grand National Winners of All Time
5 minutes Let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit some of the greatest Grand National champions of all time.
The Grand National isn't just another horse race, it's a British institution. Every year, millions of fans, from seasoned punters to casual viewers, tune in to watch 34 horses take on the most grueling test in jump racing. From dramatic finishes to awe-inspiring displays of stamina, the Grand National has given us some of the most legendary winners in racing history.
But which winners have stood the test of time? Which Grand National icons stand above the rest? Let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit some of the greatest Grand National champions of all time.
1. Red Rum (1973, 1974, 1977) – The Undisputed King
You can’t talk about the Grand National without mentioning Red Rum. The only horse to win the race three times, his name is synonymous with Aintree’s hallowed turf. His first victory in 1973 remains one of the most extraordinary in history. Red Rum was trailing 30 lengths behind Crisp, before producing an impossible late charge to snatch victory at the line.
He defended his title in 1974 with another masterclass in jumping and endurance. Then, after finishing second in both 1975 and 1976, Red Rum returned as a 12-year-old in 1977 to etch his name into history with an unprecedented third win. No horse has matched his record since and perhaps none ever will.
2. Tiger Roll (2018, 2019) – The Modern-Day Legend
In an era where Grand National winners often retire after a single triumph, Tiger Roll rekindled memories of Red Rum by securing back-to-back victories in 2018 and 2019. Trained by Gordon Elliott and owned by Gigginstown House Stud, this pint-sized warrior (standing at just 15.2 hands) defied expectations every time he stepped onto the track.
His second victory in 2019 saw him gallop into the record books, becoming the first horse since Red Rum to defend his title. Had COVID-19 not forced the cancellation of the 2020 National, who knows if he might have completed the elusive hat-trick?
3. Aldaniti (1981) – The Comeback Kings
Few Grand National stories are as heartwarming as that of Aldaniti and his jockey, Bob Champion. Two years before their famous win, Aldaniti suffered a serious leg injury that should have ended his career. Meanwhile, Champion was diagnosed with cancer and given just months to live.
But fate had other ideas. Champion overcame his illness, Aldaniti defied veterinary advice and together, they galloped to a fairy-tale victory in the 1981 Grand National. Their triumph was later immortalised in the film Champions and their story remains one of the most inspirational in racing history.
4. Foinavon (1967) – The Luckiest Winner Ever
The name Foinavon doesn’t carry the same prestige as Red Rum or Tiger Roll, but his 1967 victory is one of the most remarkable Grand National wins ever. Priced at 100/1, he was considered a no-hoper. But when a huge pile-up at the 23rd fence wiped out nearly the entire field, Foinavon, who was trailing well behind, managed to avoid the chaos and sail into an uncatchable lead.
His owner wasn’t even at Aintree that day, assuming he had no chance of winning. The fence that caused the carnage is now known as Foinavon’s Fence, a fitting tribute to the most unlikely Grand National winner of all time.
5. Mr Frisk (1990) – The Fastest Grand National Ever
The Grand National is known for its grueling distance, but Mr Frisk made it look like a sprint in 1990. Under amateur jockey Marcus Armytage, he completed the course in a staggering 8 minutes and 47.8 seconds, a record that still stands today.
With the Aintree ground firm that year, the usual stamina-sapping slog turned into a speed test and Mr Frisk thrived in the conditions. His win may not be the most dramatic, but it remains the fastest in National history and that alone secures his place on this list.
6. Many Clouds (2015) – The Warrior Who Gave Everything
Few Grand National winners have displayed the sheer heart and determination of Many Clouds. In 2015, he carried one of the highest weights ever assigned to a winner (11st 9lbs) and still powered home in front. His trainer, Oliver Sherwood, called him “the horse of a lifetime.”
Tragically, Many Clouds collapsed and passed away after winning the 2017 Cotswold Chase, having given his absolute all in battle. He remains one of the bravest Grand National winners the sport has ever seen.
7. Reynoldstown (1935, 1936) – The Double Champion
Before Red Rum, Reynoldstown was one of the most dominant Grand National winners. He secured back-to-back victories in 1935 and 1936, with his second win being even more impressive, as his jockey dropped the reins near the finish line but still managed to guide him home.
Reynoldstown’s victories came in an era when the Grand National was even more of a test of sheer grit and jumping ability, cementing his place among the legends.
8. Golden Miller (1934) – The Only Cheltenham & National Double Winner
Many have tried, but only Golden Miller has ever won the Gold Cup and the Grand National in the same year. In 1934, he achieved this historic feat, proving himself one of the greatest staying chasers of all time.
He had attempted the National in previous years but struggled with the demanding fences. However, in 1934, he put it all together, winning in record time. His unique double remains unmatched.
9. Don’t Push It (2010) – AP McCoy’s Long-Awaited Triumph
For years, Tony "AP" McCoy was the best jockey never to have won the Grand National. He had dominated the sport for over a decade, yet Aintree’s biggest prize always eluded him.
That all changed in 2010 when Don’t Push It, trained by Jonjo O’Neill and owned by JP McManus, carried McCoy to an emotional victory. It was a hugely popular win, finally giving the legendary jockey the Grand National success he so desperately craved.
10. Neptune Collonges (2012) – The Closest Finish Ever
The Grand National is no stranger to dramatic finishes, but none have been closer than Neptune Collonges' victory in 2012. In a breathtaking final stretch, he edged out Sunnyhillboy by just a nose, the narrowest margin in the race’s long history.
Unlike many National winners, Neptune Collonges retired immediately after his victory, going out on the highest possible note. His win remains one of the most thrilling conclusions the race has ever seen.
