The Grand National is the most famous steeplechase in the world, known for its thrilling races, legendary winners, and moments of sheer sporting drama. From heart-stopping finishes to underdog triumphs, the race has delivered countless unforgettable moments. Here, we take a look at some of the greatest Grand National races in history that have left their mark on the sport.
1. Red Rum’s Comeback Victory (1973) – The Ultimate Chase
Few races in Grand National history can match the 1973 edition for sheer drama. The race seemed to belong to Crisp, an Australian-bred steeplechaser who had built up an incredible 30-length lead. But in the final stretch, the relentless Red Rum, carrying a whopping 23lbs less, began an astonishing pursuit. With just strides to go, Red Rum overtook a tiring Crisp to win by three-quarters of a length—one of the greatest comebacks in racing history.
🔥 Why It’s Legendary:
Red Rum’s first of three Grand National victories.
Crisp’s heartbreak as he ran one of the greatest ever races, only to be beaten at the finish.
2. Foinavon’s Shock 100/1 Victory (1967) – The Greatest Underdog Story
The 1967 Grand National delivered one of the biggest shocks in the event’s history. At the 23rd fence, a massive pile-up saw nearly every horse either fall or refuse. One horse, Foinavon, was so far behind that his jockey John Buckingham was able to steer clear of the chaos. With no other challengers recovering in time, Foinavon galloped home to an unbelievable 100/1 victory.
🔥 Why It’s Legendary:
A complete outsider winning due to a freak incident.
The fence where the pile-up occurred was later named ‘Foinavon Fence’ in his honour.
3. Aldaniti & Bob Champion (1981) – A Fairytale Triumph – Greatest Grand National Races?
The 1981 Grand National is remembered as one of the most emotional wins in history. Jockey Bob Champion had been diagnosed with cancer just two years earlier and was given only months to live. Meanwhile, his horse, Aldaniti, had battled severe injuries and was nearly retired. Against all odds, the duo stormed to a historic victory, bringing tears and cheers from the Aintree crowd.
🔥 Why It’s Legendary:
A jockey beating cancer to win the toughest race.
A horse overcoming injuries to achieve glory.
Later immortalised in the film Champions.
4. Devon Loch’s Unbelievable Collapse (1956) – The Grand National’s Most Bizarre Moment
Owned by the Queen Mother, Devon Loch looked certain to claim victory in the 1956 Grand National, leading by several lengths as he approached the finishing line. However, in a moment of inexplicable drama, the horse suddenly leapt into the air and collapsed on the track just 40 yards from glory. This allowed ESB to pass him and claim victory.
🔥 Why It’s Legendary:
One of the most shocking and unexplained collapses in racing history.
The phrase “doing a Devon Loch” became synonymous with snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.
5. Tiger Roll’s Back-to-Back Wins (2018 & 2019) – The Modern-Day Legend – Greatest Grand National Races?
Few modern Grand National performances have been as dominant as Tiger Roll’s victories in 2018 and 2019. The Gordon Elliott-trained horse won the first time in dramatic fashion by just a head, before storming to back-to-back wins in 2019, becoming the first horse since Red Rum to win consecutive Nationals.
🔥 Why It’s Legendary:
The first back-to-back winner in 45 years.
A modern fan-favourite, adored for his heart and speed.
6. Neptune Collonges Wins by a Nose (2012) – The Tightest Grand National Finish Ever
The 2012 Grand National delivered the closest finish in the race’s 173-year history. Neptune Collonges and Sunnyhillboy went stride for stride in the final moments, with a photo finish needed to separate them. By the slimmest of margins, Neptune Collonges was declared the winner—by just a nose!
🔥 Why It’s Legendary:
The closest-ever Grand National finish.
Neptune Collonges retired immediately after the race, bowing out in style.
7. Mr. Frisk’s Record-Breaking Time (1990) – The Fastest Grand National Ever – Greatest Grand National Races?
If speed is your thing, then Mr. Frisk’s record-breaking 1990 win is the one to remember. The horse completed the Grand National in just 8 minutes and 47.8 seconds, making it the fastest ever run, a record that still stands today!
🔥 Why It’s Legendary:
The fastest Grand National in history.
The perfect combination of skill, strategy, and sheer speed.
Travel to Aintree in Style with MCR EXEC 🚘🏇
Attending the Grand National is an experience like no other, and what better way to travel than in luxury and style? At MCR EXEC, we provide VIP chauffeur services to Aintree Racecourse, ensuring a seamless, stress-free, and comfortable journey. Whether you’re a racing enthusiast or a corporate guest, our executive vehicles guarantee a grand arrival.
Luxury Fleet – Mercedes S-Class, V-Class, Rolls-Royce & more. Professional Chauffeurs – Punctual, discreet & experienced. Seamless Transfers – Door-to-doorservice from Manchester, Liverpool & beyond.
Book your Grand National chauffeur service today and arrive in absolute style! 🏇🚘
The Greatest Grand National Races in History
The Grand National is the most famous steeplechase in the world, known for its thrilling races, legendary winners, and moments of sheer sporting drama. From heart-stopping finishes to underdog triumphs, the race has delivered countless unforgettable moments. Here, we take a look at some of the greatest Grand National races in history that have left their mark on the sport.
1. Red Rum’s Comeback Victory (1973) – The Ultimate Chase
Few races in Grand National history can match the 1973 edition for sheer drama. The race seemed to belong to Crisp, an Australian-bred steeplechaser who had built up an incredible 30-length lead. But in the final stretch, the relentless Red Rum, carrying a whopping 23lbs less, began an astonishing pursuit. With just strides to go, Red Rum overtook a tiring Crisp to win by three-quarters of a length—one of the greatest comebacks in racing history.
🔥 Why It’s Legendary:
2. Foinavon’s Shock 100/1 Victory (1967) – The Greatest Underdog Story
The 1967 Grand National delivered one of the biggest shocks in the event’s history. At the 23rd fence, a massive pile-up saw nearly every horse either fall or refuse. One horse, Foinavon, was so far behind that his jockey John Buckingham was able to steer clear of the chaos. With no other challengers recovering in time, Foinavon galloped home to an unbelievable 100/1 victory.
🔥 Why It’s Legendary:
3. Aldaniti & Bob Champion (1981) – A Fairytale Triumph – Greatest Grand National Races?
The 1981 Grand National is remembered as one of the most emotional wins in history. Jockey Bob Champion had been diagnosed with cancer just two years earlier and was given only months to live. Meanwhile, his horse, Aldaniti, had battled severe injuries and was nearly retired. Against all odds, the duo stormed to a historic victory, bringing tears and cheers from the Aintree crowd.
🔥 Why It’s Legendary:
4. Devon Loch’s Unbelievable Collapse (1956) – The Grand National’s Most Bizarre Moment
Owned by the Queen Mother, Devon Loch looked certain to claim victory in the 1956 Grand National, leading by several lengths as he approached the finishing line. However, in a moment of inexplicable drama, the horse suddenly leapt into the air and collapsed on the track just 40 yards from glory. This allowed ESB to pass him and claim victory.
🔥 Why It’s Legendary:
5. Tiger Roll’s Back-to-Back Wins (2018 & 2019) – The Modern-Day Legend – Greatest Grand National Races?
Few modern Grand National performances have been as dominant as Tiger Roll’s victories in 2018 and 2019. The Gordon Elliott-trained horse won the first time in dramatic fashion by just a head, before storming to back-to-back wins in 2019, becoming the first horse since Red Rum to win consecutive Nationals.
🔥 Why It’s Legendary:
6. Neptune Collonges Wins by a Nose (2012) – The Tightest Grand National Finish Ever
The 2012 Grand National delivered the closest finish in the race’s 173-year history. Neptune Collonges and Sunnyhillboy went stride for stride in the final moments, with a photo finish needed to separate them. By the slimmest of margins, Neptune Collonges was declared the winner—by just a nose!
🔥 Why It’s Legendary:
7. Mr. Frisk’s Record-Breaking Time (1990) – The Fastest Grand National Ever – Greatest Grand National Races?
If speed is your thing, then Mr. Frisk’s record-breaking 1990 win is the one to remember. The horse completed the Grand National in just 8 minutes and 47.8 seconds, making it the fastest ever run, a record that still stands today!
🔥 Why It’s Legendary:
Travel to Aintree in Style with MCR EXEC 🚘🏇
Attending the Grand National is an experience like no other, and what better way to travel than in luxury and style? At MCR EXEC, we provide VIP chauffeur services to Aintree Racecourse, ensuring a seamless, stress-free, and comfortable journey. Whether you’re a racing enthusiast or a corporate guest, our executive vehicles guarantee a grand arrival.
Luxury Fleet – Mercedes S-Class, V-Class, Rolls-Royce & more.
Professional Chauffeurs – Punctual, discreet & experienced.
Seamless Transfers – Door-to-door service from Manchester, Liverpool & beyond.
Book your Grand National chauffeur service today and arrive in absolute style! 🏇🚘
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