Greatest National Winners Ever |
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| The Grand National is one of the most popular events of the entire British sporting calendar. |
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The world’s greatest steeplechase has given both hardcore race goers and casual fans some wonderful memories throughout its history, and is only growing in popularity year upon year. To be in with a chance of winning the famous event, both jockey and horse must display incredible technique and stamina, along with a good amount of luck. The race is run annually at Aintree racecourse over 4 miles 3 ½ furlongs and 30 fences, including the infamous Becher’s Brook and The Chair.
Officially, the first Grand National was won in 1839 by a horse named Lottery. Apart from war time interruptions, the race has taken place every year since then. A number of horses have created Grand National stories over the years, including Mr Frisk, the 1990 winner, who has the fastest winning time of 8 minutes 47.8 seconds; Devon Loch, who, under ownership of the Queen Mother, decided to belly flop while leading with only yards to go in the 1956 Grand National; and the five 100/1 winners of the race. However, some horses have become Grand National legends.
Grand National Legends
Manifesto: Holding the record for numbers of Grand Nationals entered at eight, Manifesto also won the famous race twice and came 3rd three times between 1895 and 1904. Undoubtedly the star of the Grand National at the time, Manifesto’s achievements also helped restore prestige in the racing industry after years plagued by corruption.
Foinavon: A relative unknown, Foinavon achieved fame when winning the 1967 Grand National in bizarre circumstances. Priced at 100/1, no one expected Foinavon to go close, however, during a ‘pile up’ at the 23rd fence, the rest of the field were either unseated or badly hampered, allowing Foinavon to navigate through the carnage and take a surprise victory.
Red Rum: One of the most famous racehorses ever to live, Red Rum is the all time Grand National leader with three victories, in 1973, 1974 and 1977. During his victory in 1973, Red Rum made up 30 lengths on the leader to take victory, while his third victory in 1977 was voted the 24th greatest sporting moment of all time.
Everybody loves a bet on the famous race, and the Grand National 2014 Coral odds are available for punters to pick their runners, with all the latest odds. With every Grand National there is an opportunity for a new legend to step up and take the spotlight; we may see the fastest ever winner or another 100/1 horse take victory in the 2014 race. Whoever eventually wins, it is sure to be another thrilling race.
