Everyone loves a grey horse – right? But do you know how many grey horses have won the Grand National? The answer is actually not that many – just three.
We take a look at the three big equine greys to have won the Grand National, plus see if there are any potential grey horses running in the 2023 Aintree race on Saturday 15th April.
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There Have Only Been Three Past Grand National Winners
The Grand National was first run back in 1839, with the first winners aptly named Lottery. However, over the years the world-famous steeplechase has only produced three winning grey horses.
As normal, with the grey horses popular, we can expect the ‘once-a-year’ Grand National punters to latch onto any greys in the 2023 race (more on that below), with their Grand National odds likely to be shortened as the race gets nearer.
But, a word of warning if you are planning on backing a grey. History tells us it’s been the bookies that have held sway when it comes to having to pay out on a grey horse winning the Grand National.
We’ve only seen three Grand Nationals won by a grey horse – but the same horse (The Lamb) did manage to win it twice, so technically the race has been won FOUR times by a grey coloured horse.
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Neptune Collonges Was the Most-Recent Winning Grand National Grey in 2012
The horse that still holds the tag as being the most recent grey horse to win the National is the Paul Nicholls-trained Neptune Collonges.
But it could have easily been a different story as the 11 year-old, who had been placed in the Cheltenham Gold Cup before, only just got up on the line.
You can relive the finish below, but jockey Daryl Jacob had to be at his strongest to get the grey over the line, with Sunnyhillboy just a nose down at the winning post.
The win also provided the multiple champion trainer Paul Nicholls with his first Grand National win – and he’s yet to add to that tally.
The grey’s Grand National feat was also made even special as he carried a huge weight of 11st 6lbs to victory. This was the biggest winning weight since Red Rum in 1977.
Neptune Collonges never raced again after winning the 2012 Grand National – but he was aged 11 at the time.
Nicolaus Silver Made It A ‘Grey Day’ For Punters In 1961
Next up is was the Fred Rimell-trained Nicolaus Silver to enter the ‘grey Grand National hall-of-fame’. The 9 year-old was only the second grey to cross the line in front in the Aintree showcase race – with jockey Bobby Beasley doing the steering.
The horse returned at 28/1 in the Grand National betting market that year – winning with just 10st 1lb and in a time of 9m 22.6 secs.
If you’ve never seen the 1961 race – you can watch it below in black and white – but luckily Nicolaus Silver is easy to pick out!
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The Lamb Was The First Ever Winning Grey In 1868
It was a horse called The Lamb that will always have the title of being the first-ever grey horse to win the Grand National.
This happened way back in 1868 and remarkably The Lamb was only aged 6 at the time. He carried 10st 7lbs to victory and was ridden by George Ede and trained by Ben Land. The horse returned at 9/1, so was well-fancied by the betting public at the time too.
The Colonel (not a grey) won the next two Nationals, but The Lamb managed to wrestle back is ‘grey crown’ in 1871 – three years after his first National win. During that time, he’d changed trainers and was now with Chris Green and on this occasion ridden by Mr Tommy Pickernell, who had already steered home the 1860 National winner.
Sorry folks, being the wins for The Lamb were in 1868 and 1871 – there is no video footage!
Possible Grey 2023 Grand National Runners
Gaillard Du Mesnil – From the Willie Mullins yard, this 7 year-old grey was also seen winning the NH Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. He stayed on well that day over 3m6f to suggest the longer Grand National trip will suit and was also third in the 2022 Irish Grand National.
Vanillier – Irish raider from the Gavin Cromwell yard and gets in here with a light weight (10-6). Last seen running a close second to the useful Kemboy at Fairyhouse in the Bobbyjo Chase, which can often be a fair guide to the National.
Coko Beach – 8th in the Grand National last year and is back for more another year older (8) and rated 5lbs higher. From the Gordon Elliott yard that have three National wins to their name and is also owned by Gigginstown House Stud, who have won the National three times since 2016.
Eva’s Oskar – Currently number 54, so needs 14 horses ahead of him to come out. This Tim Vaughan-trained grey would have a chance though if making the race having run a fair 4th in the Eider Chase last time at Newcastle over 4m 1 1/2f. The 9 year-old would also carry just 10-1.
Snow Leopardess Was Well-Fancied in 2022 But Was Pulled Up
In 2022 many thought we’d see a new name enter the grey list as the Charlie Longsdon-trained Snow Leopardess was sent off a well-fancied 10/1. However, the horse was always struggling and was eventually pulled-up at the 16th fence.
Why Do Grey Racehorses Get More Attention?
It’s a good question. But it’s probably down to the fact the grey horses are rare and horse racing fans don’t see them as often in races. Therefore, when they do – they standout more and then when a good grey pops up it’s more likely to grab the attention of the betting public and the wider population.
Dessie Orchid was a prime example of this. Despite not running in the Grand National he landed the Cheltenham Gold Cup and many King George VI Chases during his career.
Dessie became a household name and one of the most-famous UK racehorses of all time. Even after his racing career ended his equine celebrity status continued as he opened betting shops and made many TV appearances.
How Can You Tell If a Horse Is a Grey By The Racecard?
When looking at the 2023 Grand National runners, if you click on the horse, it will bring up it’s form. Or if you are looking at the racecard in the paper – you can also find out if a horse is grey.
You are looking for the ‘gr’ next to its date of birth – the gr = grey, while the g (in the example below) tells is the horse is a gelding.
This is where the colour of each horse will be shown – other examples are br = brown and ch = chestnut.
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