We’ve witnessed some of the greatest Grand National events ever unfold – from shock triumphs to heroic come-backs – the Grand National is so much more than just crossing the line. Take a look at the replays to find out why each event is etched in the hearts of National Hunt enthusiasts everywhere.
Red Rum’s First Grand National Victory (1973)
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Why this race is remembered
1973 Grand National Considered one of the best horse races in history The 1973 Grand National. Australian chaser Crisp appeared to be the winner with a scintillating front-running display carrying top weight, but faded as the long Aintree run-in appeared on the horizon. Up behind, Ginger McCain-trained Red Rum, partnered by Brian Fletcher, just kept plugging away and narrowed the deficit, finally sweeping into the lead in the last few yards to win by three-quarters of a length.
It heralded one of racing’s greatest careers.
Red Rum went on to win three Nationals (1973, 1974, 1977) and was second twice.
Race Highlights
- Winner: Red Rum
- Trainer: Ginger McCain
- Jockey: Brian Fletcher
- Winning Margin: ¾ Length
- Why It Matters: The race that created a racing legend.
Foinavon Wins at 100/1 (1967)
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Why this race is remembered
The Grand National’s wildest story has to be the 1967 renewal. Approaching the 23rd jump, Loose Horse Popham Down Refused, causing all of a messy, disorganised pile-up that left the majority of the field entangled, and bouncing off horses to keep them from going down. The favourites had had all of their chances, yet on the outside Foinavon (ridden by John Buckingham), made an effort to get around it to avoid the fall. The outsider, sent off at 100/1, went to win the National a place in history – the fence that produced this chaos is to this day known as Foinavon Fence.
Race Highlights
- Winner: Foinavon
- Starting Price: 100/1
- Jockey: John Buckingham
- Why It Matters: One of the greatest sporting upsets ever seen.
Tiger Roll’s Historic Double (2019)
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Why this race is remembered
Only one horse has succeeded in winning back-to-back Grand Nationals since Red Rum and in 2019 Tiger Roll followed in the footsteps of the legend to add his name to that elite list. Having already proved his worth as a Cheltenham Festival icon, Tiger Roll was the people’s choice for a second consecutive triumph over the famous Aintree course.
The diminutive gelding ran his heart out under a superb Davy Russell to claim successive Grand National glory for trainer Gordon Elliott and was a public darling who, many argued, would have been a genuine threat to Red Rum’s triple crown if the cards had fallen differently.
Race Highlights
- Winner: Tiger Roll
- Trainer: Gordon Elliott
- Jockey: Davy Russell
- Why It Matters: First back-to-back Grand National winner since Red Rum.
Minella Times Makes History (2021)
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Why this race is remembered
2021 Grand National: the win that made history. It wasn’t just a famous win – the 2021 renewal of the world’s greatest chase was an instant classic, thanks to an incredible story, a sublime performance, and a history-making achievement. Rachael Blackmore achieved more than a place on the roll of honour – becoming the first female jockey in 181 years to land the Grand National aboard the impressive Minella Times for Henry de Bromhead – she became a household name worldwide and provided racing with a truly memorable moment in a scintillating season.
Race Highlights
- Winner: Minella Times
- Trainer: Henry de Bromhead
- Jockey: Rachael Blackmore
- Why It Matters: The first Grand National victory by a female jockey.
By Reliving Red Rum’s glory, witnessing Foinavon’s famous victory, watching Tiger Roll’s momentous back-to-back wins or being on board with Rachael Blackmore when she made history on Minella Times – these Grand National racing replays show you it is quite rightly considered to be one of the world’s greatest races.
Which Grand National replay is your favourite?Â