The Grand National has long been a stage where racing’s greatest surprises unfold, where underdogs rise to glory and where betting odds are mere numbers in the face of equine determination. As we approach the 2025 renewal at Aintree, the roar of the crowd once again beckons horses and jockeys to write their names into sporting folklore.
Defending champion I Am Maximus and the promising Inothewayurthinkin currently dominate the ante-post markets, but history tells us that the National’s fabled fences have a habit of crowning the most unlikely of heroes. Indeed, the race’s rich heritage is peppered with tales of horses who defied extraordinary odds to claim victory in this most demanding of steeplechases.
As we approach the 2025 race, it’s always worth knowing that an outsider, one that could even just be worth a free bet, could write their name in the history books against the odds. Let’s journey through time to discover the remarkable stories of the longest-priced winners in Grand National history, proving that in this iconic race, anything truly is possible.
Tipperary Tim (100/1) – 1928
In what remains one of racing’s most extraordinary tales, Tipperary Tim emerged victorious from a race that saw 41 of the 42 runners fail to complete the course.
As thick fog and treacherous conditions claimed runner after runner, this rank outsider, guided by amateur jockey Bill Dutton, stayed on his feet to secure a historic victory that defied all expectations.
Gregalach (100/1) – 1929
Lightning struck twice when Gregalach matched Tipperary Tim’s odds just a year later. In what must have seemed like déjà vu for the bookmakers, another 100/1 shot claimed National glory, proving that the previous year’s shock was no mere fluke.
Under jockey Robert Everett, Gregalach powered home to victory, cementing his place in Aintree folklore.
Caughoo (100/1) – 1947
The post-war years witnessed another centenary priced winner as Caughoo stormed to a commanding 20-length victory. In challenging visibility conditions, this Irish-bred outsider demonstrated remarkable stamina and jumping ability to secure one of the most emphatic wins ever seen from a 100/1 shot at Aintree.
Foinavon (100/1) – 1967
Perhaps the most famous long-odds winner of them all, Foinavon’s victory is eternally linked to the dramatic pile-up at the 23rd fence that now bears his name.
While chaos reigned as horses refused and collided, Foinavon and jockey John Buckingham picked their way through the mayhem to secure an unlikely triumph that perfectly encapsulates the unpredictable nature of the National.
Auroras Encore (66/1) – 2013
Not quite in the 100 club, Auroras Encore’s victory in 2013 was still impressive, winning the National at odds of 66/1.
Trained by Sue Smith and ridden by Ryan Mania, the 11-year-old gelding secured a remarkable nine-length victory at Aintree. Despite being such an outsider, Auroras Encore’s prior performance as a runner-up in the Scottish Grand National hinted at his stamina and capability over long distances.
Mon Mome (100/1) – 2009
Breaking a 42-year drought for triple-figure priced winners, Mon Mome’s victory under Venetia Williams marked a modern milestone in National history. His 12-length triumph remains one of the most impressive performances ever seen from a 100/1 shot, proving that even in the contemporary era, the National retains its capacity for shock results.
Modern Day Magic: Noble Yeats (50/1) – 2022
While not matching the astronomical odds of our previous entries, Noble Yeats’ victory at 50/1 in 2022 serves as a recent reminder of the National’s ability to produce fairytale results.
The seven-year-old’s triumph under amateur jockey Sam Waley-Cohen in his final ride provided a romantic conclusion to both jockey and trainer’s National dreams, while demonstrating that even in today’s more competitive era, significant upsets remain possible.
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As we look ahead to the 2025 renewal, these historic victories remind us that when it comes to the Grand National, the impossible becomes possible, and legends can emerge from the most unlikely quarters. While the favourites may dominate pre-race discussion, somewhere in the field might lurk another 100/1 shot ready to etch their name alongside these iconic long-odds winners.
