The Grand National is one of the most famous and prestigious horse races in the world. It is a steeplechase race run over a distance of 4 miles and 2 furlongs (6.9 km) with 30 fences to be jumped. It is run annually at Aintree Racecourse, in Liverpool, England and is a Grade 3 handicap chase open to horses aged five and over. The race is watched by millions of people around the world and has been running since 1839.
Has a Female Horse Won the Grand National?
The answer to this question is no; no female horse has ever won the Grand National. While there have been a few female horses that have run in the race, none have ever been victorious, and the record for the closest finish by a female horse is held by two horses, Zabenya and Corbiere, who finished fourth and fifth respectively in 1983.
Reasons Why Female Horses Have Not Won the Grand National
There are a few reasons why female horses have not won the Grand National. These include:
Physical Strength and Stamina
The Grand National is a physically demanding race, and the horses need to have the strength and stamina to be able to complete it. Female horses tend to be lighter and less muscular than male horses, and this can make it difficult for them to cope with the demands of the race.
History of the Race
The Grand National has been running since 1839, and during this time there have been very few female horses that have run in the race. This means that there is a lack of experience and knowledge of how best to prepare and train a female horse for the race.
Weight Allowance for Female Horses
In some horse races, female horses are given a weight allowance to help them compete on a more equal footing with male horses. However, in the Grand National, there is no such weight allowance, and so female horses have to compete with the same weight as their male counterparts.
Difference in Style of Racing
Female horses tend to have a different style of racing to male horses, and this can make it difficult for them to compete in the Grand National. Female horses tend to be more nimble and agile, while male horses are more powerful and can maintain higher speeds for longer.
Notable Female Horses that Have Run in the Grand National
Despite the fact that no female horse has ever won the Grand National, there have been a few notable female horses that have run in the race. These include:
- Zabenya – finished fourth in 1983
- Corbiere – finished fifth in 1983
- Nicolaus Silver – finished sixth in 1976
- Gee-A – finished ninth in 1983
- Fiddlers Pike – finished tenth in 1978
Notable Female Jockeys that Have Ridden in the Grand National
In addition to the few female horses that have run in the Grand National, there have also been a few notable female jockeys that have ridden in the race. These include:
- Gee-A – finished ninth in 1983
- Ginger McCain – finished tenth in 1985
- Karen-Ann Cohen – finished twelfth in 1991
- Gina Andrews – finished nineteenth in 1998
- Katie Walsh – finished third in 2012
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is clear that no female horse has ever won the Grand National, and there are a few reasons why this is the case. Despite this, there have been a few notable female horses and jockeys that have run and ridden in the race, and it is likely that a female horse will one day win the race.
References
- Grand National History
- Has a female horse ever won the Grand National?
- Female Horses in the Grand National
- Will a female horse ever win the Grand National?