Which horse has made the most appearances in the Grand National?
Red Rum, of course, famously made five appearances in the Grand National, winning three times, in 1973, 1974 and 1977, and finishing second twice, behind L’Escargot in 1975 and Rag Trade in 1976, respectively. However, the horse that holds the record for the most appearances in the Grand National is Manifesto, who contested eight renewals between 1895 and 1904.
Bred and originally owned by Harry Dyas, Manifesto finished fourth on his first attempt, as a 7-year-old, in 1895, but the following year, ridden by Dyas, got no further than the first fence. In 1897, professionally trained by Willie McAuliffe and ridden by leading jockey Terry Kavanagh, as he had been on his first attempt, Manifesto won the Grand National by 20 lengths. He missed the 1898 renewal through injury but, having been sold and transferred to Willie Moore, was back again in 1899; despite the welter burden of 12st 7lb, he justified favouritism by winning, again, by 5 lengths.
Third, under an eye-watering 12st 13lb, in 1900, Manifesto missed the 1901 National, but tried three more times, without success, to win the celebrated steeplechase. That said, he finished third in 1902 and 1903, under 12st 8lb and 12st 3lb, respectively and eighth, under 12st 1lb, on his final attempt, as a 16-year-old, in 1905.