Every April, the Grand National brings drama, heartbreak, and moments of sheer inspiration. The good news for racing fans is that the greatest show on turf is just around the corner. The 2025 instalment of the showpiece thrill ride takes place on April 5th, and excitement is already reaching a fever pitch as to who will eventually reign supreme at Aintree.
Over the years, however, some unlikely candidates have managed to outlast the opposition. This year, the likes of Intense Raffles and reigning champion I Am Maximus will be gunning for glory in the absence of Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Inothewayurthinkin. But there is always the possibility of a shocking upset, just as these five 100/1 winners will prove.
Mon Mome
Online betting sites already have their ante-post odds posted for the Grand National. The latest horse racing betting odds currently have runners such as Busselton and Chemical Energy priced at 100/1, the longest odds available at the time of writing.
If either of them lives up to the billing they will be following in the footsteps of Poniros, who won at that price at Cheltenham. But also, they will be continuing the legacy of Mon Mome, Aintree’s most recent 100/1 winner.
Mon Mome’s win in 2009 felt like lightning striking out of nowhere. Trained by Venetia Williams, he went into the race almost ignored by punters. After all, a 100/1 horse hadn’t won the Grand National in over four decades. But that year, the shock was on the cards.
With the skilled Liam Treadwell on board, the outsider remained in contention throughout the race. Then, as the leaders started tiring at the business end, Mon Mome dug deep and charged through the field. He powered over the finish line, leaving the heavily backed favourite, Comply or Die, trailing in his wake.
For Williams, the victory was even sweeter. Not only did she become the second female trainer to win this legendary race, but it was also a triumph against adversity. The result was a reminder to everyone watching that, in the Grand National, anything is possible.
2009 Grand National – Mon Mome pic.twitter.com/TDf8tnRhkE
— History of Horse Racing (@horsevault) March 29, 2023
Foinavon
Foinavon’s victory in 1967 was pure chaos, so much so that the 23rd fence in the storied race remains named Foinavon Fence even almost 60 years on. Heading into that fateful hurdle, a loose horse veered sharply, causing a domino-effect pile-up that saw almost every other runner brought to a sudden halt. Enter Foinavon, a modest 100/1 shot lagging far behind. By the time the chaos unfolded, he was far enough back to swerve around the carnage and clear the fence smoothly.
The stunned crowd watched as Foinavon galloped on alone, with the remaining runners scrambling to remount. Despite their furious chase, Foinavon held his lead and won by 15 lengths. His name now stands eternal, immortalized in Grand National lore and literally has its place on the storied racecourse.
Caughoo
Weather often plays a role in shaping Grand National outcomes, and in 1947, fog gave 100/1 outsider Caughoo the chance of a lifetime. Visibility at Aintree that day was so poor that even experienced jockeys struggled to find their way, but Eddie Dempsey had no such difficulties… and if he did, he hid them well.
While more fancied horses floundered in the near-zero visibility, Caughoo navigated the course with stunning poise. He stormed to victory, an incredible 20 lengths ahead of the nearest rival. His win inspired disbelief among some competitors, with accusations flying that his jockey had taken a shortcut in the fog. But no proof of wrongdoing was found, and the victory stood.
Gregalach
The Grand National of 1929 started with a staggering 66 runners, the largest field in its history. With odds of 100/1, few believed Gregalach, a relatively unremarkable horse, had any real chance. But what unfolded was nothing short of spectacular.
Despite a chaotic race filled with fallers and unseated riders, Gregalach stayed calm and steady. He bided his time amidst the madness, saving his energy for the critical moments. When it counted most, he surged to the front and snatched victory, leaving pre-race favourite Easter Hero in his wake.
Tipperary Tim
(Original Credit: Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News, now public domain)
Some say destiny was at play in Tipperary Tim’s jaw-dropping 1928 win. Before the race, his amateur jockey, William Dutton, overheard a friend joking, “Billy boy, you’ll only win if all the others fall!” Little did they know that’s exactly what would happen.
The 1928 Grand National was a disaster zone. Out of 42 starters, a series of falls, refusals, and unseated riders left just two horses attempting the final few hurdles. Tipperary Tim led over the last fence and crossed the finish line as the sole finisher, delivering one of the most astonishing victories in the event’s history.
