The pinnacle of horse racing at the Aintree Festival, the Grand National is a gruelling test of endurance, determination and agility of both the running horses and jockeys. Over the years, this legendary race has produced some truly remarkable winners, from seasoned veterans, all the way to some more youthful prodigies.
Age actually plays a fascinating role in determining the potential chances of success of a horse, with some exceptions in their prime whilst others defy expectations at a more advanced age. As a result of this, we have explored the oldest and youngest horses to have won the Grand National, all whilst addressing if age really matters in this 4 mile steeplechase.
Does Age Matter in the Grand National?
Age always plays a crucial role in determining the chances of a horse’s success within the Grand National. However, despite this, there is still no definitive formula for securing victory, just like with live casino games. Both young and old horses have won the iconic steeplechase, with each of these bringing their own advantages and challenges to the course.
When it comes to younger contenders, these tend to be more agile and faster, something which can be an advantage when clearing obstacles and over short distances. Many younger horses also carry less weight when it comes to the handicap system as well, something which makes it easier for them to sustain their speed over the lengthy 4 mile Aintree racecourse. Horses are often considered to be in their peak physical condition when they are younger, with their primes being around the 7-9 year mark. This sees younger horses have the perfect balance of power and stamina, which explains why a number of modern Grand National winners fall within this age bracket.
In terms of older horses, these have more experience over fences, something which is incredibly beneficial when factoring in the formidable jumps around the Grand National track. It’s not just the jumping experience which gives older horses the edge either, with these having proven stamina too. They have built endurance over the years, something which is crucial when tackling the long course at Aintree. With age also comes better racing temperament, with older horses being more tactically aware, conserving energy for strong finishes while being more settled at the same time.
The Youngest Grand National Winners
While overall experience is often seen as a key factor in conquering the Aintree track, a handful of young horses have stunned the horse racing world by winning the prestigious Grand National at an early age. The official minimum age for participation in the race nowadays is 7 years old, however, in the past, younger horses were allowed to compete in this iconic steeplechase.
Alcibiade
The record for the youngest ever Grand National winner belongs to Alcibiade, a horse which triumphed all the way back in 1865 at the age of 6. In an year when the race was slightly different to what we know it for today, Alcibiade showed remarkable speed to overcome the more experienced rivals in the field. To this day, the achievement at such a young age remains unparalleled, with later rule changes likely preventing such a horse to win the Grand National ever again.
Regal
Another youthful winner of the Grand National was Regal, a 6 year old who secured victory in 1876. Although he was a year older than Alcibiade, the feat still remained just as impressive considering how demanding the Aintree course is for horses yet to reach full maturity.
Well to Do
The modern era of the Grand National now requires horses to be at least 7 years old in order to enter, with this making Well To Do’s victory in 1972 one of the youngest wins within the last century. Trained by Tim FOrster, Well To Do managed to capitalise on his lightweight and youthful energy, something which allowed him to power home ahead of the more seasoned competitors in that year’s race.
The Oldest Grand National Winners
While some young horses have occasionally captured victory, the Grand National is more often a test of experience and stamina, favouring battle hardened, older runners. Some of the greatest winners in the history of Aintree’s crowning race have been well into their twilight years, however, there have been some considerably older than others.
Why Not
The record for the oldest winner of the Grand National belongs to the horse Why Not who defied all expectations by winning at the age of 15. This occured in the 1894 edition of the race, with horses of this age typically being considered well past their prime. Despite this, Why Not provided that experience and unrivaled resilience could still triumph, with his victory remaining as one of the more extraordinary feats in the history of the event.
Peter Simple
Before Why Not though, the record was set by another 15 year old horse, that being Peter Simple. He took home the title all the way back in 1853, with the vertyearn campaign spending years competing at a high level. Thanks to this experience, he used this to its advantage to navigate the challenging Aintree course and beat out the pack of contenders.
Sergeant Murphy
In the more modern era of the Grand National, horses beyond the age of 12 rarely feature, nevermind win. However, Sergeant Murphy claiming victory in 1923 proved exceptions still exist, winning at the age of 13. His win was a testament to the value of determination, experience and stamina as a whole, all desirable traits which many older horses possess in abundance compared to their younger counterparts.