The biggest upsets in the history of the Grand National

The Grand National is one of the most prestigious horse racing events on the sporting calendar, with a long and illustrious history that dates back to the mid-19th century.

After spectators returned to Aintree’s famous stands last year following two years of cancellations and races behind closed doors, many were reminded just how much they missed and you felt the atmosphere was cranked up a few notches ahead of one of the showpiece events of the year.

Fortunately, with normality resumed there can be more of the same this year, with thousands expected to make the trip, assessing the best racing odds.

The race is known for its unique and challenging course, just over four miles long and featuring 30 fences, some becoming infamous for their ability to change the races — these include the famous Becher’s Brook and The Chair.

One of the things that makes the Grand National so exciting is its unpredictability. The race is notorious for producing surprise winners, with underdogs triumphing over more fancied horses.

You only have to look at last year’s winner, 50/1 shot Noble Yeats who won for Sam Waley-Cohen as testament to the race’s unpredictability, and the showpiece at Aintree can often lead to a frustrating day for the bookies.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at the National’s long history and go through some of the best outsiders to win the famous race.

Tipperary Tim – 1928

Let’s start almost a century ago now, when Tipperary Tim won the 1928 edition of the National at odds of 100/1. Back before the facilities at Aintree were state of the art you can imagine just how quickly the conditions played their part and after every horse managed to fall over at some stage or another, Tipperary Tim, with amateur jockey Bill Dutton in the saddle, stayed on to cross the finishing line. Dutton owes the victory to one of his friends, who famously said: “You’ll only win if all the others fall”.

Mon Mome – 2009

Another 100/1 shot, this time it was Venetia Williams-trained Mon Momme who secured victory, in doing so making Williams just the second-ever female trainer to win the National.

Not many had expected much of the horse after six consecutive losses, but Mon Momme looked inspired at Aintree, seeing off competition from Comply Or Die, also punching above their weight at 14/1 as well as famous jockey Ruby Walsh and My Will, who eventually finished third.

Auroras Encore – 2013

Flashing back a decade ago now, with Auroras Encore’s victory in the 2013 National. There have certainly been faster horses in the race’s history, but Ryan Mania won’t care as his horse overcame odds of 66/1 to win by nine lengths. It was a proud day for the Scottish jockey, who heaped on the praise for Auroras Encore after the race.

“I just cannot believe it has happened,” said Mania. “It’s a dream and you cannot explain what it’s like. My only ambition was to get round, although I knew he stayed the trip. He hasn’t been himself all season and has needed this better ground and the sun on his back. He’s not had the sunshine but he got the ground and he’s class on his day.”

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