The Grand National is a world-famous horse racing event held annually at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool, England. It is the most prestigious steeplechase in the country, and it attracts millions of viewers and punters from around the globe. Every year, the Grand National is run over a course of 4 miles and 856 yards, with 30 fences to be jumped in total.
History of the Grand National
The Grand National is a long-standing tradition, with the first race being held in 1839. Over the years, the race has evolved, with the number of fences reduced from 38 to its current 30. The race has also been held in different locations, including Warrnambool in Australia and even at an airfield in England.
Notable Winners of the Grand National
The Grand National has seen some truly remarkable winners over the years. Red Rum is the most successful horse in the history of the event, having won the race three times in the 1970s. Other notable winners include Manifesto, who won back-to-back titles in 1897 and 1898, and Golden Miller, who holds the record for most wins in a row with five.
What Colour Horses Win the Grand National?
While the Grand National has seen a range of different horse colours win over the years, the most common colour is bay. In fact, since the first running of the race in 1839, 64.2% of the winners have been bay. Other common colours include chestnut (17.4%), grey (7.6%), and black (7.2%).
Has a GREY ever won the Grand National?
While grey horses may not be the most common winners of the Grand National, they still have an impressive record. In fact, since the first running of the race in 1839, there have been six grey horses that have won the Grand National.
The First Grey Winner – Lottery (1839)
The first grey horse to win the Grand National was Lottery, who ran in the 1839 edition of the race. Lottery, who was ridden by jockey Will Sclater, won the race by a distance of four lengths.
The Most Recent Grey Winner – Neptune Collonges (2012)
The most recent grey horse to win the Grand National was Neptune Collonges, who won the 2012 edition of the race. Neptune Collonges, who was ridden by jockey Daryl Jacob, won the race by a nose in a thrilling finish.
The Other Grey Winners
In between Lottery in 1839 and Neptune Collonges in 2012, there have been four other grey horses to win the Grand National. These are:
- The Duke (1844)
- The Colonel (1848)
- The Liberator (1869)
- Reugny (1890)
Grey Horses in the Grand National
While grey horses may not be the most common winners of the Grand National, they do still compete in the race. In fact, since the first running of the race in 1839, there have been 112 grey horses that have competed in the Grand National.
Grey Horses and Other Races
Grey horses have found success in other races as well. In the 2018 edition of the Cheltenham Gold Cup, the winning horse was Might Bite, who was grey. In the 2019 Grand National, the second-place horse was Tiger Roll, who was also grey.
Conclusion
In conclusion, grey horses have had a successful history at the Grand National, with six horses having won the race since its first running in 1839. Despite not being the most common colour of winners, grey horses have still had an impressive record at the event, as well as in other major races.