The Grand National is one of the most iconic horse races in the world. It is a steeplechase race that is held annually at the Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool, England. The Grand National has been running since 1839, making it one of the longest-running sporting events in the world. It is one of the most watched events in the UK, with an estimated 600 million viewers around the world. The event attracts the best jockeys, trainers and horses from around the world, making it an exciting and competitive event.
Has an Outsider Ever Won the Grand National?
The Grand National is one of the most difficult races to win, and it has seen many great horses come close, only to miss out on glory. But has an outsider ever managed to win the Grand National? The answer is yes. In fact, there have been several instances of outsiders winning the race over the years.
Outsiders Who Have Won the Grand National
The most famous example of an outsider winning the Grand National is Foinavon in 1967. Foinavon was a long shot, with odds of 100-1, making him a huge outsider. On the day of the race, Foinavon was involved in a huge pile-up, but due to his jockey’s quick thinking, he managed to avoid the chaos and win the race.
2. Mon Mome (2009)
Mon Mome was another huge outsider who managed to win the Grand National in 2009. He was ridden by amateur jockey Liam Treadwell, and had odds of 100-1. Mon Mome was one of the slowest horses in the race, but managed to stay out of trouble and eventually win the race.
3. Auroras Encore (2013)
Another example of an outsider winning the Grand National is Auroras Encore in 2013. Auroras Encore was ridden by Ryan Mania, and had odds of 66-1. He was an unknown horse and was not expected to win the race, but he managed to avoid the chaos and win the race.
4. Tiger Roll (2018 and 2019)
The most recent example of an outsider winning the Grand National is Tiger Roll in 2018 and 2019. Tiger Roll was ridden by jockey Davy Russell and had odds of 10-1 in 2018 and 9-1 in 2019. He was a relatively unknown horse, but managed to win the race both years.
What Makes an Outsider Win the Grand National?
There are several factors that can contribute to an outsider winning the Grand National. The most important factor is luck. Outsiders often have long odds, and it is often a case of getting lucky on the day. The jockey also plays an important role, as they have to be able to manoeuvre through the chaos and get the horse to the finish line.
Other Factors:
- The condition of the horse – The horse needs to be in good condition and fit enough to run the race.
- The jockey’s experience – The jockey needs to be experienced enough to handle the pressure of the race.
- The course – The course needs to be in good condition, with no unexpected obstacles.
- The weather – The weather needs to be suitable for the horse to perform at its best.
Conclusion
The Grand National is one of the most difficult races to win, and it is often a case of luck that determines the winner. However, it is possible for an outsider to win the race, as there have been several examples over the years. Outsiders often have long odds, but with the right combination of luck, skill and preparation, they can win the race.