The Grand National is the most famous steeplechase in the world. Millions tune in to the race from Aintree in Liverpool, UK, every year. Winners of this marathon contest go down in history, with the likes of Red Rum, Foinavon and Tiger Roll forever set to be associated with the Grand National.
Here is a look at some facts and trends ahead of the 4m2½ race. In 2022 it will be the 174th renewal of the chase contest.
Red Rum’s Three Wins Will Take Some Beating
Red Rum holds the record for the most wins in the Grand National. He was successful in 1973, 1974 and 1977. The three-time winner also finished second in 1975 and 1976. This race brought out the best in ‘Rummy’.
Connections of Minella Times will be hoping their horse can get within one victory away from Red Rum this year. The 2021 winner can be backed at 16/1 for those looking to place a bet on the Grand National in 2022.
Dual-winner Tiger Roll was successful in 2018 and 2019, but he will not get a chance to land a hat-trick this year. He has now retired from the sport, after finishing second in the 2022 Cross Country Chase.
Jockeys, Trainers and Owners Who Have Dominated
Jockey George Stevens’ record of five wins in the Grand National may never be matched. He was victorious with Freetrader (1856), Emblem (1863), Emblematic (1864) and the Colonel (1869, 1870).
George Dockeray, Fred Rimell and Ginger McCain have all won the Grand National four times as trainers. Gordon Elliott will join that list if he is the winning trainer in 2022. The Irishman could have as many as seven horses in the race, including the ante-post favourite Delta Work.
There are five different owners who have won the Grand National three times. Gigginstown House Stud became the most recent when Tiger Roll came out on top in the race in 2019. Their silks will be worn by Delta Work, Run Wild Fred and Farclas this year.
Mr Frisk Broke the Course Record in 1990
The fastest time ever recorded in the Grand National was produced by Mr Frisk in his success in 1990. He finished with a time of 8mins 47secs. That time has not been troubled since then, despite the distance being shortened by 342 yards in 2013.
When he was victorious in 2021, Minella Times crossed the line after 9mins 16secs. The field tends to go off at a much slower pace in the race now, in order to give themselves the best chance of completing the course.
Biggest Priced winner
With the Grand National being a handicap, with all 40 horses on paper having an equal chance of success, it can often throw up a big prize winner. Five horses have been victorious at odds of 100/1.
Foinavon was one of the most famous outsiders to prevail. He took full advantage of a melee at the 23rd fence in the race in 1967 to break away from his rivals. More recently, Mon Mome was successful at three-figure odds.
Hopefully there will be more excitement at the 2022 Grand National and beyond. This race continues to capture the public’s imagination like no other in the sport.
