Illustrated: 10 of the best Grand National moments, as voted by William Hill

From the exploits of Red Rum to Corbiere’s landmark win, Grand National history is full of great characters and great stories. In celebration of this year’s upcoming race on April 6, we have created illustrations of our top 10 all-time favourite moments. 

Whether it’s winning big on Red Rum’s iconic third first-place finish or losing out at the very last moment with Neptune Collonges pipping Sunnyhillboy in a nail-biting finish, every racing fan has a memorable Grand National moment – good or bad.

This years race is a possible historic one as the favourite Tiger Roll attempts to emulate one of the greatest Grand National accomplishments by winning back to back Grand Nationals.

To celebrate this historic occasion our horse racing team (who have almost 500 years of industry knowledge between them) have put together their 10 all-time favourite moments from the 180 years of this iconic race and have been brought to life through delightful illustrations.

1) 1956: Devon Loch falls on the final straight

In 1956, it seemed that the Grand National would experience its first royal victory in over half a century. However, on the final straight, the Queen Mother’s horse, Devon Loch, appeared to suddenly slip, land on his belly and come to a stop, handing victory to E.S.B.

“1956 was an iconic race – famous for the non finish of Devon Loch who mysteriously collapsed while about to win for the Queen Mother.” Damian Ainsworth, Horse Racing Compiler

2) 1967: Foinavon’s shock win

In 1967, the 100-1 outsider Foinavon picked his way through a pile-up at the 23rd fence and went on to complete a shock win. In celebration of this shock win, the fence was officially named after the horse in 1984.

“An unbelievable story of a moderate animal winning at 100/1 because he was so far behind when carnage ensued that he managed to avoid it all.” Damian Ainsworth, Horse Racing Compiler

“This is my favourite piece of sporting TV ever – tremendous TV scenes and brilliant commentary.” Craig Thompson, Horse Racing Trader

“This is still the race that the over 40s remember and the race that is shown every year.” Mick Henshaw, Horse Racing Trader

3) 1973: Red Rum vs Crisp

For the majority of the race, the Australian thoroughbred Crisp, who started as equal favourite, led the pack and seemed to be on track for a deserved win. However, in the dying moments, he was pipped by Red Rum. This would become the first of Red Rum’s three Grand National wins.

“Iconic race and an amazing yet heartbreaking effort from Crisp.” Jamie McBride, Senior Horse Racing Compiler

4) 1977: Red Rum wins his third Grand National

Red Rum, this time ridden by Tommy Stack, made National Hunt history in 1977 by winning the Grand National for a record third time (the second time was in 1974). He is still the only horse to do so.

“Red Rums 3rd National and commentary from Sir Peter are still definitive to me.” Mick Henshaw, Horse Racing Trader

5) 1981: Jockey Bob Champion wins after cancer diagnosis

Jockey Bob Champion and his horse Aldaniti faced many obstacles in the run up to their Grand National victory in 1981. Champion was recovering from cancer, while Aldaniti has suffered a serious, career-threatening injury. So inspiring was the story that it was made into a movie in 1983.

“Bob Champion and the horse both back from the brink, along with Peter O’Sullivans brilliant commentary when Spartan Missile closes is iconic.” Craig Thompson, Horse Racing Trader

“This is a top story of man beating cancer to win the Grand National.” Damian Ainsworth, Horse Racing Compiler

6) 1983: First ever horse trained by a woman wins

Ridden by Ben De Haan, and with odds of 13/1, Corbiere made history with his victory in 1983. He was the first ever Grand National winner to be trained by a woman – the highly respected Jenny Pitman (who would go on to train another Grand National Winner, 1995’s Royal Athlete).

“It was an inspiring moment when she became the first female to train the winner of the Grand National and she took some time out to sign my racecard and speak to me when I attended the meeting as a teenager. Hopefully it will not be too much longer before we are celebrating the first female jockey winning the race,” said Wendy Roberts Horse Racing compiler.

7) 1993: Void Race

There has never been a Grand National like the one in 1993, with 30 of the 39 riders failing to notice that there had been a false start. While it was eventually won by Esha Ness, in what would have been the second-fastest time, it didn’t count for much – the race was eventually declared void.

“You could wait a lifetime and only have one good shot at winning the National. The first inkling I had that something might be wrong was when fellow jockey Dean Gallagher came up to me just past the winning post to say that he thought the race was off. I was stunned,” said John White Esha Ness jockey who won the void race.

8) 2001: Only four horses complete the race

In 2001, only two horses completed the race unscathed – although two others also finished after their jockeys remounted their horses. While bad conditions at Aintree has a role to play in the melee, it was mainly down to the loose horse Paddy’s Return who caused major disruption at the Canal Turn. Red Marauder was the winner at 33/1.

“Red Marauder won in atrocious conditions and one in which after the race jockey, Richard Guest, said that he is probably one of the worst jumpers of a fence to ever win the Grand National.” Mark Howarth, Group Racing Coordinator

“This is my top race – just for personal chop off’s on the race and the incredible scenes of just 2 finishers.” Stephen Addy, Horse Racing Trader

“This probably wouldn’t be a popular choice but I liked the fact that the race could still produce mayhem, thrills/spills and some laughable incidents.” Damian Ainsworth, Horse Racing Compiler

9) 2010: Tony McCoy’s iconic win

In 2010, champion jockey Tony McCoy finally won the Grand National on his 15th attempt with Don’t Push It – who came home five lengths clear of any other horse in the race.

“I will always remember when 20 time Champion AP McCoy won for the first time” Craig Thompson, Horse Racing Trader

10) 2012: Neptune Collonges beats Sunnyhillboy

2012’s race was another epic and featured the closest-ever Grand National finish. Neptune Collonges became the first grey winner of the Grand National for 62 years when he pipped Sunnyhillboy to victory.

“Neptune Collonges was a 33/1 outsider, who I always thought was unlucky to be in the same era as both Denman & Kauto Star. It came from nowhere in what was the most exciting finish I have seen,” said Rupert Adams, Racing PR

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