With the 2024 Grand National looming on the horizon, all eyes are on last year’s champion — Corach Rambler, and his jockey Derek Fox.
As the 9/2 favourite in the betting Grand National 2024, the anticipation is palpable as the Lucinda Russell-trained horse aims to secure a rare back-to-back victory in one of the most prestigious events in horse racing.
So, as we await this year’s renewal of the world’s greatest steeplechase, following which Fox could become a three-time winning rider, let’s delve into the race’s rich history and assess some of the most successful jockeys in Grand National history.
George Stevens
George Stevens stands as a pioneer in the realm of Grand National jockeys, holding the record for the most victories as a rider with an impressive five wins.
Stevens claimed victory aboard Freetrader in 1856, followed by consecutive triumphs with Emblem and Emblematic in 1863 and 1864.
He solidified his legacy with his fourth and fifth wins atop The Colonel (1869 and 1870), leaving a lasting mark on the history of the race.
Brian Fletcher
Brian Fletcher etched his name into Grand National folklore as the man who guided the legendary Red Rum to two of his three successes.
Fletcher’s remarkable achievements include back-to-back victories with the chestnut gelding in 1973 and 1974, but his first win was with Red Alligator in 1968.
While things ended sourly with Red Rum’s trainer Ginger McCain, Fletcher’s partnership with Red Rum remains iconic.
Jack Anthony
Alongside Fletcher, Jack Anthony is the only other three-time winner of the Grand National in the 20th century.
His string of victories aboard Glenside in 1911, Ally Sloper in 1915, and Troytown in 1920 showcase his prowess as a masterful jockey capable of navigating the formidable Aintree course to triumph.
Ruby Walsh
Ruby Walsh burst onto the Grand National scene with a victory on his first attempt, a testament to his innate talent and skill.
His maiden win atop Papillon in 2000 marked the beginning of a remarkable career that saw him claim victory again five years later with Hedgehunter.
Walsh’s impact transcends the Grand National, cementing his status as one of the most accomplished jockeys in the sport.
Leighton Aspell
Leighton Aspell showcased his prowess by achieving back-to-back victories in the Grand National, a feat rarely accomplished in the modern era.
His wins with Pineau De Re in 2014 and Many Clouds the following year in 2015 underline his ability to excel on different horses, solidifying his status as a versatile and talented jockey.
Davy Russell
Davy Russell’s back-to-back victories in 2018 and 2019 aboard the great Tiger Roll further enrich the storied history of the Grand National.
Russell’s masterful rides aboard the Gigginstown House Stud-owned horse captivated audiences, earning him a place among the elite jockeys to grace the Aintree turf.
Unfortunately, Tiger Roll never got the chance to try and emulate Red Rum’s unmatched feat of three wins due to the Coronavirus pandemic cancelling the race in 2020 and further disagreements over allocated weights in following years.
Derek Fox
As the 2024 Grand National approaches, Fox stands on the cusp of history with the opportunity to join the esteemed ranks of Anthony and Fletcher as a three-time winner.
His victories aboard One For Arthur in 2017 and Corach Rambler in 2023 showcase his ability to excel over the infamous obstacles at Aintree, setting the stage for a potential triumph in this year’s edition.
Given the testing nature of the Grand National, nothing is guaranteed even for a previous winner. However, Corach Rambler is a firm favourite in the Aintree betting.
Photo by Julia Joppien on Unsplash
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