2006 Grand National
Encyclopedia
The 2006 Grand National was the 159th official annual running of the Grand National
steeplechase
which took place at Aintree
near Liverpool
, England
, on 8 April 2006 and attracted the maximum permitted field of forty competitors for total prize money of £689,360 including £399,140 to the winner.
11-1 Irish
shot Numbersixvalverde
, ridden by Niall 'Slippers' Madden
, won the race, ahead of 5-1 joint-favourite and the previous year
's winner Hedgehunter
in second place. The other joint-favourite, Clan Royal, was deemed third in a photo finish
ahead of Nil Desperandum at 33-1. Nine of the forty runners completed the course, the fewest since 2001
.
and being carried out while leading in 2005
, as well as being partnered with champion jockey Tony McCoy
. But significant money on race day went on the 2005 winner Hedgehunter who was again to be partnered by Ruby Walsh
. The pair went off as joint-favourites while other popular choices among the public were Racing Post Chase
winner Innox from France
, Garvivonnian, the winner of the Becher Chase
over one circuit of the National course five months earlier, 2005 Betfred Gold Cup
winner Jack High, 2005 Irish Grand National
winner Numbersixvalverde, and the grey Ross Comm, considered to have been underestimated in the handicap by 10 lbs.
, also ended the hopes of Baron Windrush at the third, Ross Comm at the fourth and Ebony Light at the fifth, with Just In Debt failing to negotiate the famous sixth.
Shotgun Willy was headed at the Canal Turn
by the tighter jump of Ballycassidy but it was Puntal who moved to the front at the ninth (Valentine's) and led the field back to the racecourse minus Le Duc who had unseated his rider back at the Turn.
Thirty of the original forty starters continued onto the racecourse to The Chair, where Jack High, Silver Birch and Heros Collonges all came to grief. Garvivonnian also blundered there and was pulled up before taking the next, the Water Jump, which marks the end of the first circuit.
Ballycassidy and Puntal had enjoyed a lead of about six lengths on the first circuit but the former began to draw away from the latter and the rest of the field on the run to Becher's for the second time. Behind, Lord Of Illusion, Iris Royal, Shotgun Willy, Cornish Rebel, Le Roi Miguel, Direct Access and Amberleigh House all pulled up with Haut De Gamme falling at the 20th fence.
Becher's itself claimed tail-ender Sir Oj and the Foinavon fence saw the tiring First Gold unseat his rider, to leave sixteen runners still in the contest as the field turned at the Canal for the second time.
Ballycassidy still led by four lengths at this point, with only the struggling Rince Ri and Iznogoud too far behind to challenge.
The leader hesitated at Valentine's however and fell to leave Hedgehunter leading the still tightly-packed survivors back towards the finish while behind him the 27th fence was far enough for Native Upmanship and Rince Ri who both refused after seeing Therealbandit, Iznogoud and Colonel Rayburn all pulled up. It Takes Time also called it a day after taking the third-last flight to leave nine runners still in the race.
The long run towards the second-last fence paid for Joe's Edge and Forest Gunner, while Hedgehunter, Clan Royal and Numbersixvalverde jumped abreast with their three rivals still tucked in behind. Inca Trail and Risk Accessor were both beaten by the last fence which Numbersixvalverde jumped just ahead of Hedgehunter and Clan Royal, with Nil Desperandum still in touch in fourth.
Numbersixvalverde was now pushed out to take the run-in, and reached the elbow one-and-a-half lengths up on Hedgehunter with equal distances to Nil Desperandum and Clan Royal. From there on the leader increased his advantage over the other three to win by six lengths. Hedgehunter came in second and Clan Royal was given third in a photo finish ahead of Nil Desperandum in fourth.
Of those that did not complete the course only one rider, Tony Dobbin, pulled up because the horse, Direct Access, was not enjoying it, while Jason Maguire was forced to pull up Lord of Illusion when the horse bled. J. P. McNamara felt he was unlucky to be unseated from Heros Collonges at The Chair because his horse was baulked while Andrew McNamara confessed that Rince Ri was stopped by a loose horse falling into the ditch in front of him rather than actually refusing. Leighton Aspell was the only rider to exit the race while lying in the first half dozen when long-time leader Ballycassidy fell but he stopped short of saying that he felt they would win, merely feeling that they deserved to get round after their front running performance.
Tyneandthyneagain continued riderless after falling at the first fence until he fell into the open ditch along the canal side. Upon being returned to the stables he was found to have a serious spinal injury and had to be euthanised. 2004 winner Amberleigh House was retired after the race.
Stephen Craine was taken to hospital with a broken collarbone after his fall from Ebony Light, while Paul Carberry suffered a sprained ankle after his fall from Sir Oj.
television and radio. The television coverage was as a Grandstand
special for the 47th consecutive year. The televising of the race included cameras inside the first fence and three inside jockey's caps (Christian Williams on Royal Auclair, Leighton Aspell on Ballycassidy and Sam Thomas on Silver Birch). The programme was presented by Sue Barker
and Clare Balding
with summary from Richard Pitman
, Peter Scudamore
and Norman Williamson
. John Parrott
and Rishi Persad interviewed spectators and celebrity racegoers on course with Angus Loughran
reviewing the betting market. The race commentary team was Ian Bartlett
, Tony O'Hehir, Darren Owen
and lead commentator Jim McGrath
who called the runners home for the ninth year.
Prior to the race, nineteen leading racing correspondents were asked to pick their top four. Only one, the BBC website's 'Honest Frank' correctly predicted the winner.
in which he took part. Llewellyn retired before the end of the year though he did briefly consider returning for a 17th crack at the race in 2008.
Seven riders made their debut including Niall Madden who became the twenty-first rider to win the race at the first attempt as well as the first in the 21st century. Nina Carberry also completed the course while Stephen Craine, Sam Thomas, Liam Heard, Andrew McNamara and Keith Mercer all failed to reach the finishing post.
Grand National
The Grand National is a world-famous National Hunt horse race which is held annually at Aintree Racecourse, near Liverpool, England. It is a handicap chase run over a distance of four miles and 856 yards , with horses jumping thirty fences over two circuits of Aintree's National Course...
steeplechase
Steeplechase
Steeplechase may refer to:* Steeplechase, an event in horse racing* SteepleChase, a Danish jazz label* Steeplechase , a 1975 arcade game released by Atari...
which took place at Aintree
Aintree Racecourse
Aintree Racecourse is a racecourse in Aintree, Merseyside, England.It was served by Aintree Racecourse railway station until the station closed in the 1960s....
near Liverpool
Liverpool
Liverpool is a city and metropolitan borough of Merseyside, England, along the eastern side of the Mersey Estuary. It was founded as a borough in 1207 and was granted city status in 1880...
, England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
, on 8 April 2006 and attracted the maximum permitted field of forty competitors for total prize money of £689,360 including £399,140 to the winner.
11-1 Irish
Ireland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
shot Numbersixvalverde
Numbersixvalverde
Numbersixvalverde is an Irish race horse who won both the 2005 Irish Grand National and 2006 Aintree Grand National steeplechase, beating Hedgehunter by six lengths with Niall 'Slippers' Madden in the saddle....
, ridden by Niall 'Slippers' Madden
Niall Madden
Niall "Slippers" Madden is an Irish jockey who rode the racehorse Numbersixvalverde to win the 2006 Grand National steeplechase at Aintree Racecourse....
, won the race, ahead of 5-1 joint-favourite and the previous year
2005 Grand National
The 2005 Grand National was the 158th official annual running of the world-famous Grand National steeplechase which took place at Aintree near Liverpool, England, on 9 April 2005 and attracted the maximum permitted field of forty competitors for total prize money of £700,000 including £406,000 to...
's winner Hedgehunter
Hedgehunter
Hedgehunter is an Irish race horse, who won the 2005 Grand National steeplechase, ridden by Ruby Walsh and trained by Willie Mullins. He had fallen at the final fence the previous year when well placed. He then finished second in 2006 to Numbersixvalverde...
in second place. The other joint-favourite, Clan Royal, was deemed third in a photo finish
Photo finish
A photo finish occurs in a sporting race, when two competitors cross the finishing line at near the same time. As the naked eye may not be able to discriminate between which of the competitors crossed the line first, a strip photo, a series of rapidly triggered photographs, or a video taken at the...
ahead of Nil Desperandum at 33-1. Nine of the forty runners completed the course, the fewest since 2001
2001 Grand National
The 2001 Grand National was the 154th official renewal of the world-famous Grand National horse race that took place at Aintree near Liverpool, England, on 7 April 2001....
.
Runners and betting
Clan Royal was the long-time ante-post favourite with the public on the back of finishing second in 20042004 Grand National
The 2004 Grand National was the 157th official annual running of the world-famous Grand National steeplechase which took place at Aintree near Liverpool, England, on 3 April 2004 and attracted the maximum permitted field of 40 competitors for total prize money of £600,000 including £348,000 to the...
and being carried out while leading in 2005
2005 Grand National
The 2005 Grand National was the 158th official annual running of the world-famous Grand National steeplechase which took place at Aintree near Liverpool, England, on 9 April 2005 and attracted the maximum permitted field of forty competitors for total prize money of £700,000 including £406,000 to...
, as well as being partnered with champion jockey Tony McCoy
Tony McCoy
Anthony Peter McCoy OBE , commonly known as A. P. McCoy or Tony McCoy, is a Northern Irish horse racing jockey....
. But significant money on race day went on the 2005 winner Hedgehunter who was again to be partnered by Ruby Walsh
Ruby Walsh
Ruby Walsh is the reigning Irish National Hunt champion jockey. He is the second child, and eldest son, of former champion amateur jockey Ted Walsh and his wife Helen.-Success:...
. The pair went off as joint-favourites while other popular choices among the public were Racing Post Chase
Racing Post Chase
The Racing Post Chase is a Grade 3 National Hunt chase in Great Britain which is open to horses aged five years or older. It is run at Kempton Park over a distance of about 3 miles , and during its running there are eighteen fences to be jumped...
winner Innox from France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
, Garvivonnian, the winner of the Becher Chase
Becher Chase
The Becher Chase is a Listed National Hunt chase in Great Britain which is open to horses aged five years or older. It is run at Aintree over a distance of about 3 miles and 2 furlongs , and during its running there are twenty-one fences to be jumped...
over one circuit of the National course five months earlier, 2005 Betfred Gold Cup
Bet365 Gold Cup
The Bet365 Gold Cup is a Grade 3 National Hunt chase in Great Britain which is open to horses aged five years or older. It is run at Sandown Park over a distance of about 3 miles and 5½ furlongs , and during its running there are twenty-four fences to be jumped...
winner Jack High, 2005 Irish Grand National
Irish Grand National
The Irish Grand National is a National Hunt chase in Ireland which is open to horses aged five years or older. It is run at Fairyhouse over a distance of about 3 miles and 5 furlongs , and during its running there are twenty-four fences to be jumped...
winner Numbersixvalverde, and the grey Ross Comm, considered to have been underestimated in the handicap by 10 lbs.
| Starting price | Number | Name | Age | Weight (st, lb) | Jockey | Trainer | Owner | Colours |
| 33/1 | 1 | Royal Auclair | 9 | 11-12 | Christian Williams | Paul Nicholls Paul Nicholls (horse racing) Paul Nicholls is a British National Hunt horse trainer with stables at Ditcheat, Somerset. A relatively successful jump jockey, Nicholls has become the leading National Hunt trainer of his generation, finishing the 2007-2008 season with 155 winners and a record £4 million in prize money... |
Clive Smith | Green with yellow spots, yellow and green halved sleeves, purple cap |
| 5/1 JF | 2 | Hedgehunter | 10 | 11-12 | Ruby Walsh Ruby Walsh Ruby Walsh is the reigning Irish National Hunt champion jockey. He is the second child, and eldest son, of former champion amateur jockey Ted Walsh and his wife Helen.-Success:... |
Willie Mullins Willie Mullins Willie Mullins is an Irish racehorse trainer and former jockey. He is based at Closutton, Bagenalstown, Co Carlow, Ireland... (Ireland Ireland Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth... ) |
Trevor Hemmings Trevor Hemmings Trevor James Hemmings CVO is a British businessman, he was born in London, and grew up in Leyland, Lancashire He currently resides in the Isle of Man, but has homes in Jersey and Ireland.... |
Yellow and green quarters, white sleeves, green cap |
| 22/1 | 3 | Cornish Rebel | 9 | 11-9 | Joe Tizzard | Paul Nicholls | Graham Roach | Red with white crossbelts, hoops on sleeves and star on cap |
| 50/1 | 4 | Therealbandit | 9 | 11-9 | Richard Johnson Richard Johnson (jockey) Richard Johnson is an English National Hunt jockey.-Background:Johnson comes from a racing family with his father being an amateur jockey and his mother, Sue Johnson, a successful trainer.-Jockey career:... |
Martin Pipe Martin Pipe Martin Pipe was a racehorse trainer until his retirement in April 2006.The son of a West-Country bookmaker, Pipe was an amateur jockey before turning his attention to training in 1974 at Nicholashayne, Devon, near Wellington, England.... |
David Johnson David Johnson (racehorse owner) David Johnson, a former £9 a week bank clerk who rose to become a multi-millionaire in the finance industry, is a hugely successful British thoroughbred racehorse owner whose Comply or Die ridden by Timmy Murphy and trained by David Pipe was the winner of the 2008 John Smith's Grand National at... |
Blue with green sleeves and red cap |
| 50/1 | 5 | It Takes Time | 12 | 11-8 | Timmy Murphy Timmy Murphy Timothy James Murphy , commonly known as Timmy Murphy, is a National Hunt jockey who overcame difficult personal problems to win the 2008 John Smith's Grand National at Aintree Racecourse on the horse Comply or Die. He recorded his 1,000th winner at Taunton on 21 January 2010.- References :... |
Martin Pipe | David Johnson | Blue with green sleeves and white cap with green spots |
| 150/1 | 6 | Le Roi Miguel | 8 | 11-7 | Liam Heard | Paul Nicholls | Green/Rose/Cowell | White with black spot, green sleeves with white armband and cap |
| 100/1 | 7 | Native Upmanship Native Upmanship Native Upmanship was an ultra consistent National Hunt racehorse. He was trained in Ireland by Arthur Moore and owned by John Magnier.-Early career:... |
13 | 11-0 | Conor O'Dwyer | Arthur Moore (Ireland) | Sue Magnier | Navy blue |
| 10/1 | 8 | Innox | 10 | 10-13 | Robert Thornton Robert Thornton (jockey) Robert "Choc" Thornton is an English National Hunt jockey currently employed as stable jockey to Alan King.... |
François Doumen François Doumen François Doumen is a French racehorse trainer currently based at Boucé, Orne. From 1956 to 1970 he was an amateur jockey, and he then worked as an assistant trainer to his father Jean. He obtained his own training licence in 1977.... (France) |
J. P. McManus J. P. McManus John Patrick "J. P." McManus is an Irish businessman and racehorse owner.- Early life :Born in Limerick, McManus began his business career at his family's construction plant hire firm, and then became an on-course bookmaker at Limerick's greyhound track, the Market's Field, before moving into... |
Green and orange hoops, green cap with white star |
| 40/1 | 9 | Silver Birch Silver Birch (horse) Silver Birch is an Irish-trained thoroughbred racehorse, owned by Brian Walsh of County Kildare. Ridden by Robbie Power and trained by 29 year-old Gordon Elliott, Silver Birch was the winner of the 2007 John Smith's Grand National at Aintree Racecourse, run on Saturday 14 April 2007... |
9 | 10-12 | Sam Thomas | Paul Nicholls | Paul Barber & Des Nichols | Dark green with V, lime green sleeves, dark green and white checked cap |
| 100/1 | 10 | Whispered Secret | 7 | 10-12 | Rodi Greene | Martin Pipe | David Manasseh & Dan Levine | Blue with yellow piping and chevrons on sleeves |
| 100/1 | 11 | Rince Ri Rince Ri Rince Ri was a National Hunt racehorse. He was trained in Ireland by Ted Walsh and owned by Frank Moriarty.-Early career:He made his racecourse debut in December 1997, where he won a maiden hurdle at Navan and followed this up with two further wins in January and February, including a Grade 2 race... |
13 | 10-12 | Andrew McNamara | Ted Walsh Ted Walsh Ted Walsh is an amateur jockey turned racehorse trainer, based in Kill, County Kildare, Ireland. He was born and raised in Co. Cork. As a rider, one of his most important wins was on Attitude Adjuster in the 1986 Cheltenham Festival Foxhunter Chase... (Ireland) |
Frank Moriarty | Claret and white stripes with checked cap |
| 66/1 | 12 | Puntal | 10 | 10-12 | Barry Geraghty Barry Geraghty Barry Geraghty is an Irish jockey.Geraghty rode his first winner in January 1997, three years later he became the Irish Champion jump jockey for the first time. He rode his first Cheltenham winner on the Jessica Harrington trained Moscow Flyer in the 2002 Arkle Chase.He won the Grand National in... |
Martin Pipe | Terry Neill Terry Neill William John Terence "Terry" Neill is a Northern Ireland former football player and manager.-Playing career:Born in Belfast, Neill played as a youth for Bangor, before moving in December 1959 to Arsenal. He spent a year in Arsenal's youth side, before making his debut against Sheffield Wednesday... |
White with red spotted sash and armbands, quartered cap |
| 33/1 | 13 | Lord Of Illusion | 9 | 10-11 | Jason Maguire Jason Maguire Jason Maguire , is a Irish horse racing jockey who won the 2011 Grand National on Ballabriggs.-Early life and career:Maguire is the nephew of another former jockey Adrian Maguire. He started out in Irish pony races and as he started his career rode his first winner, Search For Peace at Cheltenham... |
Tom George | Patrick Kennedy | Green with white inverted chevrons, white sleeves with green stars, white and pink quartered cap |
| 50/1 | 14 | Ebony Light | 10 | 10-10 | Stephen Craine | Donald McCain Ginger McCain Donald "Ginger" McCain was an English National Hunt trainer, perhaps best known for training the legendary horse Red Rum. A successful trainer who won many races, he trained Red Rum on Crosby beach near Liverpool... |
Roger Bellamy | White with blue cross of lorraine, striped sleeves and white cap |
| 100/1 | 15 | First Gold First Gold (horse) First Gold was a National Hunt racehorse that was trained by François Doumen.The horse won the 2000 King George VI Chase race by a distance of 10 lengths when ridden by Thierry Doumen, beating Florida Pearl into second place. At the time of the win the horse was owned by the Marquesa de... |
13 | 10-10 | Richard McGrath | François Doumen (France) | J. P. McManus | Green and orange hoops with purple cap |
| 5/1 JF | 16 | Clan Royal | 11 | 10-10 | Tony McCoy Tony McCoy Anthony Peter McCoy OBE , commonly known as A. P. McCoy or Tony McCoy, is a Northern Irish horse racing jockey.... |
Jonjo O'Neill Jonjo O'Neill Jonjo O'Neill is an Irish National Hunt racehorse trainer and former jockey. He is a native of Castletownroche, County Cork in Ireland. Based at the Jackdaws Castle training establishment in England, O'Neill is the private trainer to J. P. McManus, one of the largest owners of steeplechasers and... |
J. P. McManus | Green and orange hoops with white cap |
| 33/1 | 17 | Le Duc | 7 | 10-10 | Jamie Moore Jamie Moore (jockey) Jamie Moore is an English National Hunt jockey. He is the brother of champion flat jockey Ryan Moore, and son of successful dual-purpose trainer Gary L. Moore.... |
Paul Nicholls | Green/Rose/Cowell | White with black star, green sleeves with white armband, green cap |
| 33/1 | 18 | Sir Oj | 9 | 10-10 | Paul Carberry Paul Carberry Paul Carberry is an Irish National Hunt jockey.- Background :He was born on 9 February 1974. He hails from a racing family. He is the son of jockey Tommy Carberry, who was a famous National Hunt jockey in the 1960s and 1970s. His uncle is Arthur Moore, one of Ireland's leading National Hunt trainers... |
Noel Meade Noel Meade Noel Meade is a famous horse trainer from Ireland. He established Tu Va Stables in Co. Meath, Ireland as a place to train his horses.Meade began his career as a horse trainer in 1971, but it was not until 1978 that Meade started to become well recognized. Sweet Mint, winner of the Cork and Orrery... (Ireland) |
Brian Keenan | Claret and pink checks |
| 33/1 | 19 | Forest Gunner | 12 | 10-10 | Ms. Nina Carberry Nina Carberry Nina Carberry is an Irish female National Hunt jockey. She hails from a racing family and is the daughter of jockey Tommy Carberry. In 2011 she won the Irish Grand National on Organisedconfusion which was trained by her uncle Arthur Moore and became only the second woman rider to win the race... |
Richard Ford | John Gilsenan | White with red braces, black sleeves and red cap |
| 20/1 | 20 | Joe's Edge | 9 | 10-10 | Davy Russell Davy Russell Davy Russell is an Irish jockey who competes in National Hunt racing. Russell's first win as a professional jockey was for English-based Irish trainer Ferdy Murphy on Inn Antique in a novice hurdle at Sedgefield, 12 November 2002... |
Ferdy Murphy | Chemipetro Ltd. | Grey with red cross of lorraine, checked sleeves and red cap |
| 25/1 | 21 | Juveigneur | 9 | 10-9 | Mick Fitzgerald Mick Fitzgerald Mick Fitzgerald is an Irish National Hunt jockey who rode mainly in Great Britain. He has ridden the winners of the Grand National, on Rough Quest in 1996, and the Cheltenham Gold Cup on See More Business in 1999. He was the stable jockey for Nicky Henderson and was leading jockey at the... |
Nicky Henderson Nicky Henderson Nicky Henderson is a British racehorse trainer. He has been British jump racing Champion Trainer twice.Henderson, educated at Eton College, has been a trainer since 1978, based at Seven Barrows near Lambourn, Berkshire... |
Trevor Hemmings Trevor Hemmings Trevor James Hemmings CVO is a British businessman, he was born in London, and grew up in Leyland, Lancashire He currently resides in the Isle of Man, but has homes in Jersey and Ireland.... |
Green and yellow quarters with white sleeves and cap |
| 50/1 | 22 | Amberleigh House Amberleigh House Amberleigh House was the horse that won the 2004 Grand National. He is now retired and living at the National Stud in Newmarket.-Staff:Amberleigh House was trained by legend Ginger McCain, and was usually ridden by jockey Graham Lee, amongst others... |
14 | 10-9 | Graham Lee Graham Lee (jockey) Graham Lee is a successful Irish National Hunt jockey in Great Britain and Ireland. Prior to May 2006, he was the main stable jockey for Howard Johnson, but was replaced by Paddy Brennan, allegedly after a disagreement over his return from an injury. Lee became the main stable jockey and deputy... |
Donald McCain | Halewood International Ltd. | Black with red and white striped sleeves and hooped cap |
| 80/1 | 23 | Ballycassidy | 10 | 10-9 | Leighton Aspell | Peter Bowen | R. Owen & P. Fullagar | White with red V, red and green striped sleeves, red cap |
| 40/1 | 24 | Inca Trail | 10 | 10-9 | Brian Harding | Donald McCain | Halewood International Ltd. | Black with red and white striped sleeves, white cap |
| 11/1 | 25 | Garvivonnian | 11 | 10-8 | Garrett Cotter | Ned Mitchell (Ireland) | Angela Long | Red and yellow diablo and checked cap |
| 11/1 | 26 | Numbersixvalverde Numbersixvalverde Numbersixvalverde is an Irish race horse who won both the 2005 Irish Grand National and 2006 Aintree Grand National steeplechase, beating Hedgehunter by six lengths with Niall 'Slippers' Madden in the saddle.... |
10 | 10-8 | Niall Madden Niall Madden Niall "Slippers" Madden is an Irish jockey who rode the racehorse Numbersixvalverde to win the 2006 Grand National steeplechase at Aintree Racecourse.... |
Martin Brassill (Ireland) | Bernard Carroll | Green, black sleeves, white cap |
| 200/1 | 27 | Iznogoud | 10 | 10-8 | Tom Scudamore Tom Scudamore Tom Scudamore is a third-generation British flat and steeplechase jockey. He is the son of eight-time champion jockey Peter Scudamore; his grandfather Michael won the Grand National on Oxo in 1959.-Background:... |
Martin Pipe | County Stores and Avalon Surfacing | Yellow with burgundy crossbelts, blue sleeves, yellow and blue quartered cap |
| 9/1 | 28 | Jack High | 11 | 10-7 | David Casey | Ted Walsh Ted Walsh Ted Walsh is an amateur jockey turned racehorse trainer, based in Kill, County Kildare, Ireland. He was born and raised in Co. Cork. As a rider, one of his most important wins was on Attitude Adjuster in the 1986 Cheltenham Festival Foxhunter Chase... (Ireland) |
Brenda Ross | Pink with blue diamond hoop and diamonds on sleeves, white cap |
| 25/1 | 29 | Haut De Gamme | 11 | 10-7 | Keith Mercer | Ferdy Murphy | Haut De Gamme Partnership | Black with sky stripe and hoops on sleeves, hooped cap |
| 33/1 | 30 | Nil Desperandum | 9 | 10-7 | Tommy Treacy | Frances Crowley (Ireland) | Mike Shone | Red, white sleeves, red and grey quartered cap |
| 66/1 | 31 | Baron Windrush | 8 | 10-7 | Carl Llewellyn | Nigel Twiston-Davies Nigel Twiston-Davies Nigel Twiston-Davies is a British racehorse trainer specialising in National Hunt racing. He is based at stables at Naunton, Gloucestershire.... |
Double Octagon Partnership | Yellow and orange diamonds, yellow sleeves and cap |
| 66/1 | 32 | Heros Collonges | 11 | 10-7 | J. P. McNamara | Paul Nicholls | Merchant Rentals plc | Grey, blue V, sleeves, star on cap |
| 100/1 | 33 | Tyneandthyneagain | 11 | 10-7 | Peter Buchanan | Howard Johnson | Howard Johnson | Red, blue chevrons, hooped cap |
| 66/1 | 34 | Risk Accessor | 11 | 10-06 | Noel Fehily | Jonjo O'Neill | J. P. McManus | Green and orange hoops, purple cap |
| 25/1 | 35 | Direct Access | 11 | 10-06 | Tony Dobbin Tony Dobbin Tony Dobbin is a retired Northern Irish National Hunt jockey who rode mainly in Great Britain. He rode the winner of the Grand National on Lord Gyllene in 1997 and won over 1,200 races during his career in the saddle. He was the regular stable jockey for Nicky Richards... |
Nicky Richards Nicky Richards Nicholas Gordon Richards is a British racehorse trainer specialising mainly in National Hunt racing. He is based at stables at Greystoke, near Penrith, Cumbria, England... |
Direct Access Partnership | Orange and blue hoops, orange sleeves with blue armband, orange cap |
| 50/1 | 36 | Colonel Rayburn | 10 | 10-6 | John Cullen | Paul Nolan (Ireland) | Thatch (Ferns) Racing syndicate | White and red diablo, white sleeves with black hoops, white and black hooped cap |
| 100/1 | 37 | Iris Royal] | 10 | 10-6 | Marcus Foley | Nicky Henderson Nicky Henderson Nicky Henderson is a British racehorse trainer. He has been British jump racing Champion Trainer twice.Henderson, educated at Eton College, has been a trainer since 1978, based at Seven Barrows near Lambourn, Berkshire... |
Sir Robert Ogden | Pink and violet quarters, white sleeves, pink and violet quartered cap |
| 16/1 | 38 | Ross Comm | 10 | 10-5 | Dominic Elsworth | Sue Smith | Kevin Treanor | Red, grey V, diablo sleeves and quartered cap |
| 33/1 | 39 | Shotgun Willy | 12 | 10-5 | Andrew Tinkler | Richard Guest | Paul Beck | Blue and yellow diablo, purple and orange diablo sleeves, blue and yellow quartered cap |
| 50/1 | 40 | Just In Debt | 10 | 10-4 | Alan Dempsey | Martin Todhunter | Bill Hazeldean | Red, blue stars and sleeves with red stars, white cap |
The race
There was one false start when Ross Comm tried to bite the tape as it went to rise. The runners were recalled and got away at the second attempt despite the calls from Conor O'Dwyer that his mount Native Upmanship was not ready, being left twenty lengths adrift at the start. Shotgun Willy led over the first fence which claimed Juveigneur, Whispered Secret, Tyneandthyneagain, last year's runner up Royal Auclair and the highly-fancied Innox, while the fences leading to the sixth, Becher's BrookBecher's Brook
Becher's Brook is a fence jumped during the Grand National, a National Hunt horse race held annually at Aintree Racecourse near Liverpool, England. It is jumped twice during the race, as the sixth and 22nd fence, as well as on four other occasions during the year...
, also ended the hopes of Baron Windrush at the third, Ross Comm at the fourth and Ebony Light at the fifth, with Just In Debt failing to negotiate the famous sixth.
Shotgun Willy was headed at the Canal Turn
Canal Turn
The Canal Turn is a fence on Aintree Racecourse's National Course and thus is jumped during the Grand National steeplechase which is held annually at the racecourse near Liverpool, England....
by the tighter jump of Ballycassidy but it was Puntal who moved to the front at the ninth (Valentine's) and led the field back to the racecourse minus Le Duc who had unseated his rider back at the Turn.
Thirty of the original forty starters continued onto the racecourse to The Chair, where Jack High, Silver Birch and Heros Collonges all came to grief. Garvivonnian also blundered there and was pulled up before taking the next, the Water Jump, which marks the end of the first circuit.
Ballycassidy and Puntal had enjoyed a lead of about six lengths on the first circuit but the former began to draw away from the latter and the rest of the field on the run to Becher's for the second time. Behind, Lord Of Illusion, Iris Royal, Shotgun Willy, Cornish Rebel, Le Roi Miguel, Direct Access and Amberleigh House all pulled up with Haut De Gamme falling at the 20th fence.
Becher's itself claimed tail-ender Sir Oj and the Foinavon fence saw the tiring First Gold unseat his rider, to leave sixteen runners still in the contest as the field turned at the Canal for the second time.
Ballycassidy still led by four lengths at this point, with only the struggling Rince Ri and Iznogoud too far behind to challenge.
The leader hesitated at Valentine's however and fell to leave Hedgehunter leading the still tightly-packed survivors back towards the finish while behind him the 27th fence was far enough for Native Upmanship and Rince Ri who both refused after seeing Therealbandit, Iznogoud and Colonel Rayburn all pulled up. It Takes Time also called it a day after taking the third-last flight to leave nine runners still in the race.
The long run towards the second-last fence paid for Joe's Edge and Forest Gunner, while Hedgehunter, Clan Royal and Numbersixvalverde jumped abreast with their three rivals still tucked in behind. Inca Trail and Risk Accessor were both beaten by the last fence which Numbersixvalverde jumped just ahead of Hedgehunter and Clan Royal, with Nil Desperandum still in touch in fourth.
Numbersixvalverde was now pushed out to take the run-in, and reached the elbow one-and-a-half lengths up on Hedgehunter with equal distances to Nil Desperandum and Clan Royal. From there on the leader increased his advantage over the other three to win by six lengths. Hedgehunter came in second and Clan Royal was given third in a photo finish ahead of Nil Desperandum in fourth.
Finishing order
| Position | Name | Starting price | Distance | Prize money |
| 1st | Numbersixvalverde | 11/1 | Won by 6 lengths | £399,140 |
| 2nd | Hedgehunter | 5/1 JF | 1¼ lengths | £149,730 |
| 3rd | Clan Royal | 5/1 JF | Short head | £74,970 |
| 4th | Nil Desperandum | 33/1 | A distance | £37,380 |
| 5th | Risk Accessor | 66/1 | 16 lengths | £18,760 |
| 6th | Puntal | 66/1 | 2½ lengths | £9,380 |
| 7th | Joe's Edge | 20/1 | 22 lengths | Nil |
| 8th | Inca Trail | 40/1 | 3½ lengths | Nil |
| 9th | Forest Gunner | 33/1 | Last to complete | Nil |
Non-finishers
| Fence | Name | Fate |
| 1st | Royal Auclair | Fell |
| Innox | Fell | |
| Whispered Secret | Unseated | |
| Juveigneur | Fell | |
| Tyneandthyneagain | Fell | |
| 3rd | Baron Windrush | Unseated |
| 4th | Ross Comm | Fell |
| 5th | Ebony Light | Fell |
| 6th (Becher's Brook) | Just In Debt | Fell |
| 8th (Canal Turn) | Le Duc | Unseated |
| 15th (The Chair) | Silver Birch | Fell |
| Jack High | Unseated | |
| Heros Collonges | Unseated | |
| 16th (water jump) | Garvivonnian | Pulled up |
| 17th | Lord Of Illusion | Pulled up |
| Iris Royal | Pulled up | |
| 18th | Shotgun Willy | Pulled up |
| 19th | Cornish Rebel | Pulled up |
| Le Roi Miguel | Pulled up | |
| Direct Access | Pulled up | |
| 20th | Haut De Gamme | Fell |
| 21st | Amberleigh House | Pulled up |
| 22nd (Becher's Brook) | Sir Oj | Fell |
| 23rd (Foinavon) | First Gold | Unseated |
| 25th (Valentine's) | Ballycassidy | Fell |
| 27th (open ditch) | Therealbandit | Pulled up |
| Native Upmanship | Refused | |
| Rince Ri | Refused | |
| Iznogoud | Pulled up | |
| Colnel Rayburn | Pulled up | |
| 29th | It Takes Time | Pulled up |
Aftermath
Winning jockey Niall 'Slippers' Madden said that he had been given a dream ride all the way but was not actually sure he had won until he crossed the line, despite believing that he would win a long way from home. The second, Ruby Walsh, third, Tony McCoy and fourth, Tom Treacy, riders all agreed that the rain the previous day had gone against their runners, despite all believing that they would win crossing the Melling Road to turn for the second last flight. Fifth-placed Noel Fehily also believed he was going to win on Risk Accessor crossing the Melling Road but confessed that his mount did not get the trip. Barry Geraghty felt that Puntal's chance went when hitting the 20th fence very hard, which winded him slightly before rallying to pick up stragglers late on. The other three riders to complete the course were all delighted to complete the race, while each stated that their mounts were well beaten by two fences out.Of those that did not complete the course only one rider, Tony Dobbin, pulled up because the horse, Direct Access, was not enjoying it, while Jason Maguire was forced to pull up Lord of Illusion when the horse bled. J. P. McNamara felt he was unlucky to be unseated from Heros Collonges at The Chair because his horse was baulked while Andrew McNamara confessed that Rince Ri was stopped by a loose horse falling into the ditch in front of him rather than actually refusing. Leighton Aspell was the only rider to exit the race while lying in the first half dozen when long-time leader Ballycassidy fell but he stopped short of saying that he felt they would win, merely feeling that they deserved to get round after their front running performance.
Tyneandthyneagain continued riderless after falling at the first fence until he fell into the open ditch along the canal side. Upon being returned to the stables he was found to have a serious spinal injury and had to be euthanised. 2004 winner Amberleigh House was retired after the race.
Stephen Craine was taken to hospital with a broken collarbone after his fall from Ebony Light, while Paul Carberry suffered a sprained ankle after his fall from Sir Oj.
Coverage
The race was broadcast live on BBCBBC
The British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff...
television and radio. The television coverage was as a Grandstand
Grandstand (BBC)
Grandstand was a British television sport programme. Broadcast between 1958 and 2007, it was one of the BBC's longest running sports shows, alongside BBC Sports Personality of the Year.Its first presenter was Peter Dimmock...
special for the 47th consecutive year. The televising of the race included cameras inside the first fence and three inside jockey's caps (Christian Williams on Royal Auclair, Leighton Aspell on Ballycassidy and Sam Thomas on Silver Birch). The programme was presented by Sue Barker
Sue Barker
Susan Barker, MBE is an English television presenter and former professional tennis player. During her tennis career, she won the women's singles title at the French Open and reached a career-high singles ranking of World No. 3...
and Clare Balding
Clare Balding
Clare Balding is a BBC sports presenter, journalist and jockey.-Early life:In 1989 and 1990, Balding was a leading amateur flat jockey and Champion Lady Rider in 1990....
with summary from Richard Pitman
Richard Pitman
Richard Pitman, is a retired jump jockey who rode 470 winners in his career including Lanzarote in the 1974 Champion Hurdle). He also won the King George VI Chase at Kempton Park Racecourse twice, the Whitbread Gold Cup once and the Hennessy Gold Cup once....
, Peter Scudamore
Peter Scudamore
Peter Scudamore , known universally as 'Scu', is a former jockey and trainer in National Hunt racing. He was an eight-time Champion Jockey , riding 1,678 winners in his career...
and Norman Williamson
Norman Williamson
Norman Williamson is a professional jockey in the Irish National Hunt.- References :...
. John Parrott
John Parrott
John Parrott MBE is an English professional snooker player and TV personality.He won the World Snooker Championship in 1991, defeating Jimmy White in the final. Two years earlier he had lost 3–18 to Steve Davis, the heaviest final defeat in modern times...
and Rishi Persad interviewed spectators and celebrity racegoers on course with Angus Loughran
Angus Loughran
Angus Loughran is a British sports commentator and pundit. He appears regularly on television, newspapers and websites, usually concentrating on horse racing and football, such as the Daily Telegraph and online bookmaker Easyodds, writing tipping sections every day...
reviewing the betting market. The race commentary team was Ian Bartlett
Ian Bartlett
Ian Bartlett is a horse racing commentator and occasional analyst for the BBC.. He has also commentated for Channel 4 Racing.For the BBC's television coverage of the Grand National, Bartlett commentates on four sections of the 4½-mile steeplechase, from the 1st to 5th fence, 10th to 12th, 17th to...
, Tony O'Hehir, Darren Owen
Darren Owen
Darren Charles Owen is a horse racing commentator, born 3 June 1967 in St. Asaph, North Wales.Having been interested in horse racing since a young age, Owen won the regional final of an amateur sports commentator competition, organised by BBC Radio 2 and sponsored by Fosters Lager, in 1989. He...
and lead commentator Jim McGrath
Jim McGrath (Australian commentator)
Jim Aloysius McGrath is the BBC's senior horse racing commentator. He was previously deputy race commentator, and sometimes a paddock commentator.-Career:...
who called the runners home for the ninth year.
Prior to the race, nineteen leading racing correspondents were asked to pick their top four. Only one, the BBC website's 'Honest Frank' correctly predicted the winner.
Jockeys
For the sixth consecutive year, Carl Llewellyn was the senior citizen of the weighing room, becoming only the sixth rider to weigh out for his 16th Grand National, including the void race of 19931993 Grand National
The 1993 Grand National was scheduled on 3 April 1993 to be the 147th official renewal of the Grand National horse race, held annually at Aintree near Liverpool, England....
in which he took part. Llewellyn retired before the end of the year though he did briefly consider returning for a 17th crack at the race in 2008.
Seven riders made their debut including Niall Madden who became the twenty-first rider to win the race at the first attempt as well as the first in the 21st century. Nina Carberry also completed the course while Stephen Craine, Sam Thomas, Liam Heard, Andrew McNamara and Keith Mercer all failed to reach the finishing post.