The Grand National has long been a race that captures the imagination, offering racing fans and punters alike the chance to witness remarkable feats of endurance and skill. Among its champions, Irish-trained winners are often favoured in the horse racing odds and have carved out their own legacy, following in the hoofprints of legends like Abd-El-Kader, the first horse to secure a dual win in the 1850s, and L’Escargot, who took the rare honours of both the Gold Cup and Grand National titles in the 1970s.
As we look back, these recent Irish-trained champions remind us of the continued excellence of Ireland’s trainers in National Hunt racing. With each of their triumphs, they have not only impacted the betting markets but also earned a lasting place in racing history.
2024: I Am Maximus – Willie Mullins
This year, Willie Mullins finally captured his second Grand National victory with I Am Maximus, ending an almost two-decade-long wait since his win with Hedgehunter in 2005.
Known for his prowess at Cheltenham, Mullins’ success at Aintree had been elusive until I Am Maximus crossed the finish line in 2024, delivering a hard-fought victory that added another prestigious accolade to Mullins’ storied career.
2022: Noble Yeats – Emmet Mullins
The 2022 Grand National saw one of the most memorable surprises in recent memory, as Noble Yeats, trained by Mullins’ nephew Emmet, stormed to victory at astonishing odds of 50/1. In an unforgettable ending, jockey Sam Waley-Cohen rode the final race of his career, steering Noble Yeats to a dramatic win that few saw coming.
For the Mullins family, it was yet another reminder of their deep racing roots, as Emmet cemented his place in Grand National folklore with a win that proved racing is indeed in the family’s blood.
2021: Minella Times – Henry de Bromhead
In a ground-breaking achievement, Rachael Blackmore made history in 2021 when she became the first female jockey to win the Grand National, partnering Minella Times to a stirring victory. The race, held behind closed doors due to the pandemic, was an eerie yet momentous occasion.
Blackmore’s triumph not only shattered longstanding barriers but also highlighted Henry de Bromhead’s training expertise. With Minella Times, De Bromhead added his name to the esteemed list of Irish trainers whose preparation and strategy led to Grand National success.
2018 & 2019: Tiger Roll – Gordon Elliott
No reflection on recent Irish-trained winners would be complete without the legendary Tiger Roll, who captured the Grand National in 2018 and 2019, achieving back-to-back victories not seen since the days of the iconic Red Rum.
Trained by Gordon Elliott and owned by Gigginstown House Stud, Tiger Roll became a household name and a modern legend. While the 2020 Grand National was cancelled, and a third attempt was abandoned due to weight concerns, Tiger Roll’s dual success remains one of the most celebrated feats in National Hunt racing.
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These recent Irish-trained winners remind us that the Grand National is as much about the skill and endurance of trainers and jockeys as it is about the horses themselves.
From the surprising triumph of Noble Yeats to the historic achievements of Tiger Roll, each of these Grand National champions has left their mark on the Aintree showpiece.
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