The Grand National is watched all around the world and is arguably the greatest Steeplechase there is. It takes a special performance to win, and for a trainer or jockey it’s one of the greatest achievements in their career if they can win.
However, there are some big names that are yet to taste victory in the race. Here, we’ll talk you through some of the biggest names who are yet to win it, but are set to have a chance to redeem themselves this year.
Nicky Henderson & Nico de Boinville
Unbelievably, top trainer Nicky Henderson is still yet to train a winner in the Grand National, despite multiple attempts. In fact, he’s yet to taste success in ANY of the Nationals, failing to win the Scottish, Irish or Welsh races too.
His best effort came with his very first runner in a National (Zongalero), who could only finish second back in 1979. He has finished runner-up once since, with The Tsarevitch, who was beaten 5 lengths by Maori Venture in 1987.
This hasn’t helped the case of his stable jockey Nico de Boinville, who has unsurprisingly also failed to win the Grand National. In order for the duo to change that, they’ll be hoping the inconsistent Caribean Boy (50/1) can cause an upset this year. He’s only managed to finish two of his last five chase starts though, so probably best they don’t get their hopes up!
Dan Skelton & Harry Skelton
Trainer Dan Skelton and brother Harry Skelton are still yet to taste victory in the Grand National. Their sole runner last year Blaklion (66/1) could only finish a distance sixth in last year’s renewal, and the stats don’t bode well for a change in fortune this year.
In order for the pair to gain a first winner in the race, they’ll be hoping for Blaklion to jump his way into the history books. He would become the first 13 year old to win the Grand National for almost 100 years (last 13 year old winner was back in 1923).
It looks like it might be more Grand National misery for team Skelton this year.
Tom Scudamore
Another jockey who hasn’t fared well in the race is Tom Scudamore. Having tasted success in the big races at Aintree four times (Betway Bowl, Mildmay Novices’ Chase + twice winning the Stayers Hurdle), the Grand National is one that eludes him.
He isn’t the only Scudamore to struggle in the race. Dad Peter Scudamore has also never won it, despite being Champion Jockey eight times! However, it isn’t all doom and gloom for the Scudamore’s. Tom’s grandfather Michael Scudamore won the 1959 Grand National on board Oxo, and dad Peter has been assistant trainer when both Bindaree (2002) and One For Arthur (2017) won.
Tom would have fancied his chances in the race last year, riding the market leader Cloth Cap (25/1) – but it wasn’t to be as he disappointed and pulled up before three out.
He’ll be hoping for a change in fortune this year on board Cloth Cap, and could prove a popular choice in the famous late Trevor Hemmings colours.
Colin Tizzard
Another rather shocking name in the list is trainer Colin Tizzard. Having been one of the top trainers over the past twenty years, it’s somewhat of a surprise that his best performance was with Joe Lively, who finished 10th back in 2010. With son Joe Tizzard set to take over the trainer’s licence at the end of the season, this looks to be his final chance to land a winner in the race.
He has two chances this year, including one of the top chances for the Brits, with Fiddlerontheroof (14/1) towards the top of the betting. A solid showing so far this season (Form – 1,2,2), this has been the target for him ever since coming home as runner-up in the Ladbrokes Trophy in November.
Lostintranslation (66/1) is his other runner, but after some lacklustre performance this season he would need to see plenty of improvement for him to come close. Regardless, with two solid-looking darts to throw at the race, the trainer should be feeling mildly optimistic of breaking the duck at his final attempt.
Aidan Coleman
Could this be Aidan’s year? He has had a ride in each of the last 13 renewals, and his runner-up display last year on board Balko Des Flos was his best performance by some distance. Before that, his best result was a 10th placed finish on board Mon Mome back in 2008.
He looks set to ride Snow Leopardess (15/2), and they look to be a formidable partnership. Aidan has had two rides on board her this season (winning both), including a game victory in the Grade 3 Becher Handicap Chase at Aintree back in December.
Snow Leopardess warmed up for this with an impressive twelve-length victory in the Listed Mares’ Chase at Exeter in February, maintaining her unbeaten run this season. Aidan must be fancying his chances of gaining an elusive win in the race this time around!
Paul Townend
Despite being one of the best current jump jockeys (including finishing Top Jockey at this years Cheltenham Festival), Paul Townend has had a bit of a shocker when it comes to the Grand National!
In ten attempts he has only finished the race twice. His best effort came back in 2009, which was an 11th placed finish on board Irish Invader. He had to sit out last years race due to injury, but looks set to ride Burrows Saint (20/1) this year.
Patrick Mullins steered Burrows Saint to a fourth placed finish in the race last year, and with his top jockey taking over this year, Willie Mullins will be hopeful for an even better finish this time around. Paul Townend was on board for one of his three chase career victories, so he could be set to cap off a memorable season with his first Grand National winner.
*ODDS CORRECT AT TIME OF WRITING*