Grand National facts: Assessing some of the stats that define the great steeplechase
As the 2024 renewal of the Grand National approaches on April 13, it’s a time not only for anticipation but also for reflection on the remarkable history and statistics that define this iconic steeplechase.
So, as the favourite in the Aintree Grand National 2024 odds Corach Rambler seeks to write his name in the record books as a dual winner, now seems like the right time to delve into some of the most intriguing figures that have shaped the legacy of this race over its long and storied existence.
1839: This is considered the first official running of the Grand National, but it’s also historic as Lottery recorded the longest winning time — crossing the finish line in 14 minutes and 53 seconds.
That record has stood for over 180 years.
1853: Peter Simple holds the distinction of being the oldest victor of the Grand National, winning the race at the age of 15 in 1853.
Given that, in this age, horses are usually long retired by 15, it’s a record unlikely to be surpassed due to modern racing standards.
1883: In 1883, the Grand National witnessed its smallest field ever, with a mere 10 horses participating.
Zoedone emerged victorious, crossing the finish line in a time of 11 minutes and 39 seconds.
1919: Poethyln secured victory in 1919 as the shortest-priced winner of the Grand National, prevailing at odds of 11/4.
Recent years have seen similarly short-priced favourites in the Aintree horse racing odds, such as Tiger Roll and potentially Corach Rambler this year.
1928: 1928 saw the smallest number of horses ever to finish the Grand National, with just two horses making it to the end.
Tipperary Tim, a 100/1 shot, claimed victory in this dramatic edition of the race that saw 39 horses fail to finish.
1929: Contrasting with the small field of 1883, the 1929 edition boasted the largest number of starters in the race’s history — an astonishing 66 horses.
Against the odds, another 100/1 outsider Gregalach claimed victory in this crowded field.
1977: The incomparable Red Rum etched his name into Grand National folklore in 1977 by becoming the most successful horse in the race’s history.
He claimed his third triumph in the contest three years after his back-to-back successes in 1973 and 1974. In five outings, Red Rum never finished outside the top five.
1990: Mr Frisk made history in 1990 by setting the record for the fastest-ever finish in the Grand National.
He completed the gruelling course in an astonishing eight minutes and 47.8 seconds, over six minutes faster than the aforementioned Lottery.
2019: In 2019, Tiger Roll became the first horse since Red Rum to win back-to-back renewals of the Grand National.
The Gigginstown House Stud-owned legend never got the chance to emulate Red Rum’s record as the 2020 edition of the Grand National was cancelled before disagreements over weights ensued in the following years.
2021: Rachael Blackmore made history in 2021 as the first female jockey to win the Grand National.
While there were no fans at Aintree Racecourse in 2021 to celebrate her historic triumph due to the pandemic, it was still a poignant moment to witness Blackmore piloting Minella Times to victory at odds of 11/1.