After the exciting Boxing Day horse racing events are over, the focus shifts to the upcoming 2024 season with its array of major festivals. Cheltenham stands out as a favourite among racing enthusiasts. Each race during the festival week features top-notch thoroughbreds from around the world competing for significant prizes that benefit both their trainers and bettors.
For the less formal spectator, the Grand National, encompassing both the festival and the main race, stands unparalleled. Undoubtedly, it marks the busiest day of the year for bookies, as everyone takes their pick with a few pounds on the line. Throughout its history, the event has seen significant upsets, including five horses triumphing as 100/1 underdogs. Presented here are the details of the latest three surprising victories.
2024 Grand National Preview
Before we look at the shocking rank outsider victories over the years, let’s first take a look at the upcoming showdown at the iconic Aintree. After a thrilling three-day festival where the crème de la crème of the equine world will compete, all eyes turn toward the planet’s most renowned Steeplechase, the Grand National. As the big race looms large on the horizon, punters and bookies alike are speculating on the favourites.
One name that’s causing quite a stir is the Gold Cup champion of 2021, Minella Indo, who’s currently priced way out at 33/1. He’s gearing up for the Cross Country Chase at March’s upcoming Cheltenham Festival and should the racehorse emerge victorious there, his price will surely shorten. He knows what it takes to get the victory, but whether he can manoeuvre his way around the daunting Aintree fences remains to be seen.
The full roster of racers, their odds, and an exhaustive guide to the best Grand National welcome bonus offers are available across various betting portals, including oddschecker, which compares the best prices available on the market. They have highlighted the reigning champion Corach Rambler as a contender after his spellbinding victory last year as an 8/1 favourite, but if he is to become just the sixth horse in history to win the race back-to-back he will have to do so as an outsider. That’s because the favourite for the race this year is Vanillier, with the reigning champ pushed out to a 14/1 second favourite.
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Mon Mome
Mon Mome’s win in the 2009 Grand National was highly surprising and had a significant impact on bookmakers. During that period, platforms providing complimentary horse racing wagers were emerging, revolutionizing the bookmakers’ approach to receiving bets. Regrettably for them, they were promptly stunned by a 100/1 underdog triumphing in the most significant race of the year.
The horse displayed potential before the competition but had not yet claimed victory in a significant race. Liam Treadwell rode Mon Mome, an unfamiliar figure in horse racing circles. Together, they persevered and triumphed over some of the more renowned participants in the event. It was subsequently disclosed that Treadwell had been grappling with a severe injury leading up to the race but persisted in clinching the victory.
Foinavon
Foinavon’s victory in the 1967 Grand National stands out as one of the most iconic upsets in the event’s history. The horse, named after a specific fence on the course, faced challenges in the lead-up to the race. On race day, pandemonium ensued when a stray horse disrupted the event, causing a significant pile-up at the 23rd obstacle. Foinavon, positioned at the rear of the field, skillfully manoeuvred around the chaos and cleared the fence effortlessly. Surging ahead, he clinched victory by a remarkable 15 lengths, etching his name into Grand National legend.
Caughoo
Caughoo became the third 100/1 victor of the 1947 Grand National, following the back-to-back wins of Tipperary Tim and Gregalach in 1928 and 1929. Despite scepticism from many bettors, Caughoo defied the odds with a stellar performance, showcasing impeccable jumping skills and a strong finish to clinch victory. His triumph was particularly noteworthy as it occurred amidst the nation’s recovery from hard times. Caughoo’s unexpected win uplifted the spirits of the country, solidifying his place as one of the most memorable underdogs in history.
