Why the Grand National Loves an Outsider
The morning mist hangs over Aintree as the famous old course prepares for its big day. Those iconic fences – Becher’s, Valentine’s, The Chair – stand ready for the thunder of hooves and the roar of the crowd that makes the Grand National the greatest jumps race on earth.
With the 2025 running just around the corner, the racing world is buzzing about the favourites. But let’s be honest – it’s the outsiders, those 50/1 and 100/1 shots, that make the National truly special. These plucky underdogs, with their double and triple-figure odds, capture something magical about this race, turning it from just another sporting event into a proper national treasure.
Some of the best editions of Grand National races have seen an outsider come from out of nowhere to write their name in the history books. And while some will be dreaming of an I Am Maximus double for Willie Mullins, other punters will be hoping their tips prevail in backing a less known shot.
What makes the Grand National truly special is that it’s the great leveller of racing. Unlike the Cheltenham Gold Cup, where the cream typically rises to the top, Aintree offers a different kind of test.
Here, the perfect horse might not be the most expensive or the most fashionable – it’s the one that can jump soundly for four-and-a-half miles, handle the atmosphere, and still have something left for that punishing run to the finish.
That’s why the race captures our imagination year after year. The local syndicate can beat the billionaire owner. The small-yard trainer can outfox the racing superpowers. The National gives racing fans permission to dream big, regardless of the odds – and history shows those dreams come true just often enough to keep us believing.
The National’s history is packed with fairy tale endings that would seem far-fetched in a Hollywood script. These aren’t just racing stories – they’re moments that grabbed the nation’s attention and never let go.
The ultimate “right place, right time” story. When a loose horse caused mayhem at the 23rd fence (now named after the winner), creating a pile-up that stopped most of the field in their tracks, Foinavon was so far behind that he simply sailed around the carnage. From no-hoper to National hero in the most extraordinary circumstances.
A more recent 100/1 stunner came when Venetia Williams became only the second woman to train a National winner. Despite being completely unfancied, Mon Mome didn’t just scrape home – he powered clear to win by 12 lengths under Liam Treadwell. There wasn’t a pundit in the country who saw it coming.
This year, there are several outsiders who could well be worth a similar punt. Monty’s Star could be a sleeper in this year’s race for Henry de Bromhead, who trained 2021 winner Minella Times. His strong run in the Irish Gold Cup, finishing just eight lengths behind Galopin Des Champs, suggests serious ability. With steady improvement throughout the season and a favourable handicap mark, he has the tools to make an impact at Aintree.
Elsewhere, 50/1 rated Favori De Champdou is Gordon Elliott’s intriguing outsider, a relentless stayer who thrives in testing conditions.
If the April rain softens the ground, his stamina could prove invaluable as others falter. He may not be flashy, but he’s tough as nails, and Elliott’s record in this race demands respect.
Appreciate It is a former Mullins superstar looking to rekindle past brilliance. A Supreme Novices’ Hurdle winner by 24 lengths in 2021, his chasing career hasn’t quite lived up to expectations, but the National has revived many talents before. At this price, and with Mullins’ expertise behind him, he’s a dark horse who could defy the odds.
The beauty of the National isn’t just in picking winners – it’s in the stories it creates. The once-a-year punters with their pin-sticking methods. The office sweepstakes. The names were chosen because they remind someone of their first pet. This is racing at its most democratic and most joyful.
As the runners parade before the 2025 renewal, look beyond the favourites. Cast your eye to those longer-priced contenders, the ones with the smaller connections and the bigger dreams. Racing has many prestigious contests, but none where the divide between favourite and outsider means so little once the tape goes up.