Grand National
The five most famous Grand National upsets
On Saturday, 15th April, some of the biggest names in horse racing descend on Aintree for the 176th running of the Grand National.
The handicap chase brings the world to a standstill, with over 500 million people across the globe watching the action unfold, as the 40 runners and riders battle it out for one of racing’s ultimate prizes.
Just about anything can happen on the day and that’s the reason the race is so popular. From false starts to heart-in-mouth moments and dramatic finishes, who’ll be crowned the 2023 champion?
The Grand National has thrown up some big-price winners in its history, just like Noble Yeats (50/1) last year, as Sam Waley-Cohen bowed of the saddle in style.
So, let’s take a look at some special Grand National upsets from years gone by.
1. Auroras Encore – 2013
Ryan Mania (third right) returns to the winning enclosure with Auroras Encore after winning the Grand National.
Sue Smith became the third female trainer to win the race as Auroras Encore romped home to win by nine lengths in 2013. The bay gelding was sent off as a 66/1 shot but proved his chance had been underestimated with a clean round of jumping under Ryan Mania.
2. Mon Mome – 2009
Jockey Liam Treadwell on Mon Mome heads home to win the Grand National.
The last horse to win the Grand National at 100/1 was Mon Mome back in 2009. If you know somebody who backed him, they’ll have told you plenty of times, dropping it into any conversation where possible! Liam Treadwell gave the nine-year-old a good ride to come home clear by 12 lengths of runner-up Comply Or Die, who had won the race the year before.
3. Last Suspect – 1985
Hywell Davies on Last Suspect, the eventual winner of the Grand National, on his way after clearing The Chair.
We’re digging through the archives to find this battler. Last Suspect was guided around Aintree by the steady hands of Welsh pilot Hywel Davies with the 11-year-old responding when it mattered most. He found a change of gear to win by 1½ lengths at 50/1 from Mr Snugfit. A gripping race with a game winner.
4. Foinavon – 1967
Foinavon, ridden by John Buckingham, lands confidently after sailing over the last fence in the Grand National.
We did say 100/1 winners don’t pop up all that often – much to the relief of bookmakers – and we’re scrolling back to 1967 to find Foinavon, who secured a place in the history books off a monster price. The victor was given a helping hand by chaos at the 23rd fence; a steady jump was the difference between winning and finishing as just another stat. Loose horse Popham Down caused a pile-up, which Foinavon was able to avoid.
5. Ayala – 1963
Ayala passes the post to win the National.
Pat Buckley was only 19 when he was handed the reigns to Ayala for the 1963 Grand National. His inexperience didn’t matter as the horse he sat on was given little chance by many. However, Ayala and Buckley didn’t read the script as they came clear of Carrickbeg to win by ½ a length. A special moment for trainer and owner Keith Piggott – father of legendary Flat jockey Lester.
