The Grand National is arguably the biggest horse race globally. Moreover, the event usually attracts a massive following from those who don’t ordinarily support the sport. The only other tournaments that attract such a following are the Super Bowl and FIFA World Cup. Besides that, the Grand National gives everyone a chance to get involved.
For instance, a common tradition is office sweepstakes on the winner. Additionally, horse racing betting fans also get a chance to test their betting skills. You can take a look at the Grand National Bet365 offers to make your betting experience more immersive for the upcoming event. However, surprise results usually make Grand National betting even more interesting. Please read on to take a trip down memory lane as we revisit prominent surprises in Grand National history.
Mon Mome (2009) – This is one of the most notable Grand National surprises of the modern era. Mon Mome won on merit and gave two of that year’s favorites, Comply or Die and My Will, a run for their money, winning by 12 lengths.
Tipperary Tim (1928 winner) – Forty-two horses participated in this race, among them amateur jockey William Dutton. One of his friends called out that the only way he could win was if the other 41 horses fell. Surprisingly, that is what happened in the damp, misty conditions. One rider managed to remount and finish the race, but Dutton had already passed the post and written his name in horse racing history.
Gregalach (1947 winner) – While the racegoers were still shocked by what had transpired in 1928, they arrived for the 1929 race. There were 66 starters in the race, but the conditions were treacherous once more, and over 50 fell. Out of the nine that completed the race, only two started the race at odds below 20/1. However, amazingly, Gregalach, with odds of 100/1, emerged the winner.
Caughoo (1947 winner) – The two 100/1 outsiders that won in two successive years were crazy. However, Caughoo’s performance was even more impressive. The horse did not win by default. The eight-year-old left the other horses in his wake, making them look like outsiders winning the race by 20 lengths. Caughoo had put in other remarkable performances before this performance.
Foinavon (1967 winner) – Two decades went by before the horse racing industry experienced a major upset. After three jockeys turned down the opportunity to ride the black gelding, John Buckingham rose to the occasion. The horse and rider managed to navigate through the chaotic scenes at the 23rd fence, leaving others entangled in the melee and cantered to victory.
Expect the Unexpected
These are a few notable examples of surprises on the Grand National stage. It is more than ten years since Mon Mome became the fifth 100/1 shot to triumph at the Grand National stage. However, there have been other surprise winners in the intervening years, such as Auroras Encore, a 66/1 winner in 2013.
What does this mean? As you prepare for this year’s Grand National, you should also prepare for surprise results. Which horse do you think will upset the odds?