In the storm of hooves and heartbeats that is the Grand National, the history books are written not by favourites, but by the unlikeliest of heroes.
When 100/1 outsiders cross the line first, the shockwaves ripple far beyond Aintree, creating legends and rewriting what we thought possible in racing. It is these moments that make the Grand National more than a race - they turn it into an unpredictable theatre of dreams, revered by fans and punters at 888sport alike.
Every spring, Aintree welcomes hopefuls, experts, and dreamers, all searching for their place in horse racing’s most unpredictable marathon. The Grand National’s brutality - four-and-a-quarter miles, 30 fences, and a mammoth field 0 means chaos is never far away.
Here, the line between triumph and disaster is razor-thin, and the outsider can become immortal with one run.
Let’s relive the tales of the ten greatest upsets, where the Grand National biggest upsets became folklore and outsiders took their seat among the sport’s immortals.
Tipperary Tim (1928): The Last Horse Standing
A mist rolled over Aintree as 42 horses lined up, none more overlooked than Tipperary Tim. The story goes that a friend quipped, “You’ll win if all the others fall.” That day, under William Dutton, 41 did.
Only Tim and one rival finished, with Tim crossing the line in front. As the first to join the Grand National outsider winners list at 100/1, his unlikely victory remains a yardstick for shock horse racing results in the UK.
Gregalach (1929): Lightning Strikes Twice
A year later, and history looked set to repeat itself. The field ballooned to a record 66 - still the Grand National’s largest.
Gregalach, another 100/1 shot, survived the mayhem as more than 50 fell, leaving only nine to finish. Gregalach’s win proved that in the National, lightning really can strike twice, cementing his name among Grand National rank outsider legends.
Caughoo (1947): Fog, Rumours, and a Runaway Outsider
Caughoo’s triumph feels almost mythical. Shrouded in fog, he surged clear of 55 rivals by 20 lengths. Rumours swirled that he’d missed a circuit, but nothing was ever proven.
Caughoo’s 100/1 shock not only crowned him the lowest rated horse to win Grand National in his year, but added a layer of mystery to the outsider’s script.
Foinavon (1967): The Fence That Named a Legend
Foinavon was so unfancied that his owner didn’t bother attending. Behind the pack, his moment came at the 23rd fence - a loose horse caused chaos, but Foinavon picked his way through the carnage.
He won as the field regrouped, and the now-famous Foinavon fence stands as a memorial to one of the biggest Grand National shock winners ever.
Mon Mome (2009): The Modern Miracle
For decades, 100/1 triumphs seemed consigned to history. Then Mon Mome, written off by the market, stormed through the mud to win by 12 lengths.
Venetia Williams became just the second female trainer to win, while jockey Liam Treadwell delivered a ride for the ages. Mon Mome’s win reminded everyone that the race still rewards the improbable, and sometimes, the Grand National longest odds winner can appear when you least expect.
Aurora’s Encore (2013): A 66/1 Dream
Few saw Aurora’s Encore coming. Starting at 66/1, this outsider joined the list of Grand National surprise results, romping home to a nine-length victory.
His clean jump and stamina saw off better-fancied rivals and turned an unheralded runner into a Grand National legend.
Last Suspect (1985): The Reluctant Hero
At 50/1, Last Suspect was considered more trouble than talent - a quirky, unpredictable competitor. But on National day, he relished the test, coming through late to claim victory.
His story is a reminder that even horses with patchy form can rise to the top when the fences and field conspire.
Ayala (1963): Youthful Nerve
Ayala was just seven when he lined up at 66/1. With little reason for optimism, he battled through to win, stamping his name among the National’s great outsider winners.
Every Aintree spring, his story reminds punters that youth and nerve can sometimes outshine experience and expectation.
ESB (1956): Drama at the Last
ESB’s shock win came after the long-time leader, Devon Loch, inexplicably collapsed just yards from victory.
ESB, seen as a 100/1 outsider by some bookmakers, swept by to claim an extraordinary win in a finish that still baffles and delights racing fans.
Shaun Spadah (1921): Against the Odds
Though not always recorded at 100/1, Shaun Spadah’s win in near-impossible muddy conditions remains one of the race’s most dramatic upsets. His stamina and courage saw him home in a year when the ground and fences defeated nearly all others - a true outsider’s triumph.
The Grand National’s greatest upsets live on because they shatter expectations. They offer proof that, at Aintree, chaos breeds possibility and even the longest shots can gallop into legend.
This article celebrates the Grand National’s history as a festival of unpredictability. If you choose to participate, please remember to gamble responsibly. For help and support, visit BeGambleAware.org.
