The Grand National has always been a race for the history books, and the 21st century has delivered its fair share of unforgettable moments. From record-breaking victories to emotional triumphs and shock upsets, Aintree has continued to produce drama like no other race can.
With the 2025 renewal of the iconic contest on the horizonand a new batch of Grand National runners and riders liningup for glory, it’s worth remembering that each running of the National brings a new chapter to its legendary story. Let’s take a look back at some of the standout moments in the Grand National since the turn of the millennium.
2005: Hedgehunter
A landmark win for both Willie Mullins and legendary owner Trevor Hemmings, Hedgehunter delivered the duo their first victories in the Grand National in 2005.
Nine years old at the time of running, Hedgehunter beat his nearest rival by 14 lengths—becoming the first favourite to win the race since Earth Summit in 1998.
2007: Silver Birch
In 2007, a fresh-faced Gordon Elliott burst onto the scene as Silver Birch romped home from outside odds of 33/1.
The then 10-year-old held on by less than a length from Mckelvey to win the race in what was, amazingly, Elliott’s first-ever attempt.
2009: Mon Mome
One of just five 100/1 winners of the Grand National, Mon Mome caused an almighty upset under the tutelage of Venetia Williams in 2009.
You’d never had thought the French-bred gelding was a rank outsider watching the race, as he streaked to a 12-length win over Comply Or Die.
2010: Don’t Push It
Legendary jockey AP McCoy must have let out a massive sigh of relief when he crossed the finish line on Don’t Push It in 2010, as he finally won the Grand National on the 15thattempt.
The JP McManus-owned horse went off at the 10/1 joint-favourite and forged clear at the elbow to win by a comfortable five lengths.
2012: Neptune Collonges
A rare winner of the Grand National, Neptune Collonges became just the third grey in the race’s history to land the top prize in 2012—and the first since 1961.
Trained by Paul Nicholls, the John Hales-trained horse stayed on right at the death under Daryl Jacob to beat Sunnyhillboyby a nose. It was Nicholls’ first, and still to this day only, National success.
2019: Tiger Roll
In 2019, Tiger Roll became a household name when becoming the first horse since Red Rum to win the Grand National in successive years.
The Gigginstown House Stud-owned horse beat Magic OfLight, marking a third win in four years for the esteemed owners.
2021: Minella Times
Held behind closed doors due to the ongoing pandemic, Rachael Blackmore made history in 2021 when steering Minella Times home at Aintree.
In doing so, the popular Irish jockey became the first female rider to win the Grand National —it’s just a shame there was no crowd to welcome her into the winner’s circle.
2022: Noble Yeats
The biggest-priced winner of the last decade, Noble Yeats,caused a stir in Merseyside when beating pre-race favourite Any Second Now by little more than two lengths.
It wasn’t just the fact that the Emmet Mullins-trained horse was a 50/1 outsider that made the headlines, as amateur jockey Sam Waley-Cohen had announced earlier in the week that he would be retiring after the race.
