Grand National 2019 Recap

The Grand National held in 2019 was the 172nd occurrence of this prestigious racing event, which is held at Aintree racecourse, near Liverpool each year. This jewel of National Hunt racing, is always much anticipated and this year was certainly no exception to that, taking place on the 6th April. The event is of course part of a three day festival of racing and so racing also took place on the two days prior the main event.

112 entries for the race were received, with 40 eventually starting, the maximum allowed. Nation wide the race, as has become customary, drew in audiences of millions. In fact ITV’s figures hit a peak audience of 9.6 million viewers, which was well up from the 8.5m figure of 2018. This just goes to show how there is no wavering in the attraction of the Grand National over time, the National is destined to be a ‘must see’ event, year on year.

Part of the reason for the increase in viewership may well have been the prospect of Tiger Roll winning back-to-back Nationals, a feat that was last seen way back in the days of Red Rum in 1974. Indeed, Tiger Roll did manage to pull off this remarkable achievement, much to the delight of those watching at home and those on the course. All got to witness a little piece of history. 66-1 shot Magic of Light gave Tiger Roll the biggest challenge, leading two fences out. Class eventually showed at the final fence though when Tiger Roll pulled away, repeating rare back to back wins, something that was 45 years in the making!

Tiger Roll was, understandably, heavily backed making him the first favourite to win the National in some 11 years. 19 of the 40 horses completed the race.

 

Top Five Finishing Positions

1 Tiger Roll 9 (Age)  4/1 Davy Russell (Jockey) Gordon Elliott (Trainer)
2 Magic of Light 8 (Age)  66/1 Paddy Kennedy  (Jockey) Jessica Harrington (Trainer)
3 Rathvinden 11 (Age)  8/1 Ruby Walsh (Jockey) Willie Mullins (Trainer)
4 Walk In The Mill 9 (Age) 25/1 James Best (Jockey) Robert Walford (Trainer)
5 Anibale Fly 9 (Age) 10/1 Mark Walsh (Jockey) Tony Martin (Trainer)

 

 

 

 

 

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