Category: Grand National

The Grand National is not just a race—it’s a theatre of human drama, emotion, and triumph. Over the years, the event has given us unforgettable moments, not just on the track but also in the aftermath, when winners step into the spotlight to reflect on what they’ve achieved. Here are some of the most memorable post-race interviews that captured the heart and soul of the world’s most famous steeplechase.

Davy Russell and Tiger Roll – A Dreamlike Double (2018 & 2019)

Few horses have captured the public’s imagination quite like Tiger Roll, and fewer jockeys have shared the emotional clarity of Davy Russell. After winning back-to-back Nationals in 2018 and 2019, Russell’s post-race interviews were full of awe and emotion.

Describing the moment as “a haze… dreamland,” Russell conveyed just how surreal and overwhelming the victory was. He recounted the near-misses, the mental focus required, and the sheer disbelief upon crossing the finish line first. His reflections—later explored in his autobiography—highlighted the years of perseverance that led to those euphoric moments.

AP McCoy and Don’t Push It – The Weight of Expectation (2010)

For years, Tony “AP” McCoy had been the face of jump racing, yet the Grand National victory eluded him—until 2010. Riding Don’t Push It, McCoy finally conquered the course on his 15th attempt. The raw emotion in his post-race interview was palpable.

“If you get enough goes at something and you keep going, once you’re in there, you’ve always got a chance,” he said, clearly moved. McCoy also paid tribute to owner JP McManus, calling him “the best supporter this game has ever had and ever will have.” It was a cathartic moment for McCoy and a victory that resonated with racing fans everywhere.

Jenny Pitman and Corbiere – Breaking Barriers (1983)

In 1983, Jenny Pitman became the first woman to train a Grand National winner, smashing a major glass ceiling with Corbiere. Her post-race interviews offered more than just celebration—they were powerful affirmations of female ambition in a male-dominated sport.

Pitman’s reflections on the journey, the training process, and her horse’s character made it clear that her place in history was well earned. Her success paved the way for future generations of women in racing, both in the saddle and behind the scenes.

John Buckingham and Foinavon – The 100/1 Miracle (1967)

In one of the most bizarre and legendary moments in Grand National history, Foinavon— at Aintree Grand National odds of 100/1—avoided a massive pile-up at the 23rd fence to take a surprise win. Jockey John Buckingham’s interview after the race perfectly captured the bewilderment of the moment.

“Everything seemed to stop in front of me,” he said, recalling how he navigated through the chaos while others fell. The underdog story and Buckingham’s stunned reaction became an iconic part of racing folklore.

Lucinda Russell and One For Arthur – Scotland’s Star (2017)

In 2017, Lucinda Russell became just the fourth female trainer to win the Grand National, with One For Arthur bringing victory back to Scotland for the first time in nearly four decades. Her interview, alongside partner and former champion jockey Peter Scudamore, radiated pride and teamwork.

Russell spoke of her admiration for the horse’s heart and bravery, while Scudamore reflected on the behind-the-scenes dedication that made the win possible. Their combined emotion made the victory not only a personal triumph but a proud moment for Scottish racing.

Conclusion

The Grand National is defined not just by the horses and the fences, but by the people behind them—their hopes, struggles, and ultimate glory. These interviews have become as legendary as the wins themselves, capturing the humanity behind the spectacle. Each story serves as a reminder: at the Grand National, every winner has a journey worth telling.

Being one of the most prestigious and well-known events throughout the horse racing calendar, The Grand National garners lots of attention across the UK and the entire world! Typically taking place in early April at the Aintree Racecourse, The Grand National is famous for many reasons, and the event features some of the most famous horses in the business. It is one of the most exciting events in the National Hunt season! Whether you are someone who enjoys horse racing for the spectacle or you like to take advantage of Grand National free bets, there are plenty of questions asked about the event. Here, we are going to run through some of these questions, providing readers with a better understanding of The Grand National event as a whole.

 

What Is The Grand National?

 

The Grand National is a famous annual horse race held at Aintree Racecourse, which is located near Liverpool, England. This event attracts together some of the best horses, jockeys, and trainers to compete. The titular race of this festival is filled with 30 fences over around 6.9 kilometres, which is approximately 4 miles and 500 yards.

 

What Makes The Grand National So Popular?

 

The Grand National is arguably one of the most well-known horse racing events throughout the year, with plenty of spectators either travelling to Aintree or tuning in through the television broadcast to watch this spectacular race. Yet, there are plenty of different reasons why the Grand National is one of the most special events throughout the year.

 

For example, The Grand National was first run in 1839, meaning it has an incredibly rich history, becoming a central part of British sporting culture. Over the years, it has grown to be one of the most famous horse races globally.

 

Another reason for its popularity is the challenges that the race poses, being a test of stamina, agility and endurance for both horses and jockeys. As one of the longest races in the sport and featuring 30 fences, the Grand National is one of the most gruelling challenges for competitors.

 

Who Are Some Of The Most Successful Jockeys And Horses At The Grand National?

 

Over the years, The Grand National has seen some jockeys and horses build up a legendary reputation at the Aintree racecourse. When we look at past competitors, we can see that some brilliant jockeys have ridden in the Grand National. Looking back towards the early years of this festival, George Stevens rode no less than five Grand National winners between 1856 and 1870, and he was able to win the Grand National on four separate horses, showcasing his talent as a jockey.

 

Former Irish jockey Ruby Walsh is widely regarded as one of the finest National Hunt jockeys of all time. He won the Grand National at his first attempt in 2000, and he ranks third behind AP McCoy and Richard Johnson in terms of jump racing!

 

Becoming the first female winner at Aintree, Rachael Blackmore is another incredibly impressive jockey who won the Grand National in 2021, guiding Minella Times to victory by six and a half lengths!

 

When looking at the different horses that have etched their name into the history of The Grand National, Red Rum is perhaps one of the most notable names, regarded to be one of the most dominant horses in Grand National history. Winning the race three times and finishing second in two years, the horse never fell in over 100 races! Being the only horse to have ever won three Grand Nationals at the time of writing, Red Rum dominated the event throughout the 1970s.

 

Since the incredible performances of Red Rum throughout the 1970s, over 45 years had passed since a horse won back-to-back Grand National events, but Tiger Roll was no ordinary horse. After dazzling fans with a victory in 2018, the popular horse was able to defend his Grand National crown and win the event once again in 2019. It was only the Covid-19 pandemic which could stop Tiger Roll from attempting the elusive three successive wins.

 

What Is The Prize Money For The Grand National?

 

The total prize money for the Grand National is quite substantial, with the prize pool often exceeding £1 million. Of course, the winner typically takes home a significant portion of the prize pool as whoever takes first place is awarded around £500,000.

 

Summary

 

To conclude, the Grand National is one of the most highly anticipated events throughout the world of horse racing. With plenty of fascinating facts and unique qualities, the Grand National will continue to stand out throughout the sport of horse racing and the National Hunt calendar.

 

Notwithstanding the change of date in 2022, made to accommodate Easter, on April 17, the Scottish Grand National, run over 3 miles, 7 furlongs and 176 yards at Ayr, is traditionally staged a week or two after the Grand National at Aintree. Consequently, few horses attempt the Aintree-Ayr double and those that do have precious little recovery time between the two races.

However, one horse has won the Grand National and the Scottish Grand National in the same season. That horse was, of course, the incomparable Red Rum, who did so in 1974. That year, the Grand National fell on March 30 and the Scottish Grand National on April 20, fully three weeks later.

At Aintree, Red Rum was sent off 11/1 third favourite to become the first horse since Reynoldstown, in 1936, to win back-to-back renewals of the Grand National. Despite top weight of 12st 0lb, he did so in style, drawing clear in the closing stages to beat L’Escargot by 7 lengths, eased down.

Despite misgivings from various quarters, including jockey Brian Fletcher, trainer Donald ‘Ginger’ McCain sent Red Rum to Ayr where, under a 6lb penalty, he was saddled with 113st 13lb. The rest, as they say, is history; under a patient ride, Red Rum jumped upsides the leader, Proud Tarquin, three fences from home, led over the final fence and readily asserted on the run-in to win by 4 lengths.

Fast Forwarding to 2024 and can history repeat itself? In 2023 Kitty’s light won both the Scottish Grand National and the Gold Cup, an impressive double. This year though the thoroughbred is around 12-1 with horse racing betting sites to win the Grand National and similar odds with bookmakers to win the Scottish Grand National too. Now that would be a nice double to have come up and I’m sure some punters will be temped to put a few quid on just that outcome!

The short answer is yes, he did. Nowadays, Michael Anthony ‘Mick’ Fitzgerald is best known as a presenter on ITV Racing but, between 1993 and the end of his riding career in 2008, he was stable jockey to Nicky Henderson. Fitzgerald broke his neck in a fall at Market Rasen in 2005 and, having returned to race riding, damaged his spinal cord in another in the Grand National in 2008, which ultimately brought an end to his career four months later. Nevertheless, he was one of the most successful jump jockeys of all time, with 1,280 winners to his name, more than half of which were for Henderson.

His Grand National victory, though, came aboard Rough Quest, owned by Andrew Wates and trained by Terry Casey in Beare Green, near Dorking, Surrey. Fitzgerald had ridden the 10-year-old to finish second, beaten 4 lengths, behind Imperial Call in the Cheltenham Gold Cup 16 days previously; carrying just 10st 7lb in the National, Rough Quest was sent off 7/1 favourite.

Held up in the early stages, Rough Quest made steady headway on the second circuit and, turning for home, was one of half a dozen still in contention. He jumped the last in second place, but tackled the leader, Encore Un Peu, passing the Elbow and, despite hanging left in the closing stages, stayed on well to win by 1¼ lengths. Having survived a lengthy stewards’ inquiry, Fitzgerald famously told BBC anchorman Des Lynam, ‘After that, Des, even sex is an anti-climax’.