As the 2025 Grand National approaches, Aintree once again prepares to host the world’s most storied steeplechase.
The course, with its iconic fences stretching across the Merseyside landscape, stands as a living monument to nearly two centuries of equine courage and human ambition.
These hallowed grounds have witnessed triumph and heartbreak in equal measure— moments that go beyond sports to become cultural milestones embedded in our collective memory.
This year, whispers of potential history-making performances circulate through racing circles, while 34 sets of connections nurture their own aspirations of joining the select pantheon of National victors. The goal for them is simple – stop I Am Maximum from making history and defy the horse racing tips.
Each runner represents not merely a sporting opportunity but the culmination of years of patient preparation, careful strategy, and unwavering faith.
However, for Willie Mullins, Aintree could well be a date with destiny. But how would his horse’s double compare to some of the most iconic moments on Merseyside turf? In this article, we look at some of the defining moments in the recent history of the Grand National.
Foinavon’s unexpected success (1967)
The 1967 Grand National produced perhaps the most improbable outcome in the race’s storied history when 100/1 outsider Foinavon emerged victorious following extraordinary drama at the 23rd fence.
A loose horse veered dramatically across the obstacle, triggering a chain-reaction pile-up that brought virtually the entire field to a standstill.
Foinavon, ridden by John Buckingham and labouring some distance behind the leaders, found a clear passage through the chaos.
This remarkable stroke of fortune enabled the unfancied challenger to build an unassailable advantage, securing a victory so unlikely that the fence where the melee occurred now permanently bears his name.
Red Rum’s historic third victory (1977)
Red Rum’s unprecedented third Grand National triumph in 1977 represented the pinnacle of Aintree excellence—a crowning achievement for a horse whose very name became synonymous with the race.
Having previously secured victory in 1973 and 1974 before finishing runner-up in both 1975 and 1976, the 12-year-old veteran delivered a performance of metronomic precision under Tommy Stack.
Ginger McCain’s remarkable steeplechaser tracked the leaders patiently before producing his decisive move at the third last fence, drawing clear up the famous run-in to an emotional reception that resonated far beyond racing’s boundaries.
Aldaniti and Bob Champion’s story (1981)
In the 1981 Grand National, jockey Bob Champion and his horse Aldaniti achieved a remarkable victory that resonated beyond the racing community.
Champion had been diagnosed with testicular cancer in 1979 and was given a slim chance of survival, while Aldaniti had faced serious leg injuries that threatened his racing career. Their joint recovery led to a triumphant win, inspiring many and later being portrayed in the film “Champions.”
Neptune Collonges’ photo-finish (2012)
The 2012 Grand National delivered the closest finish in the race’s modern history, with the distinguished grey Neptune Collonges securing victory by the smallest possible margin.
Under an inspired Daryl Jacob ride, Paul Nicholls’ valiant steeplechaser engaged in a pulsating battle with Sunnyhillboy throughout the final furlong.
As they flashed past the post together, neither jockey knew the outcome until the photo-finish verdict confirmed Neptune Collonges had prevailed by a nose—just five inches after four-and-a-half miles of intense competition.
The victory marked both the first grey winner since Nicolaus Silver in 1961 and the final professional triumph for a horse who exemplified courage at the highest level.
