2009 Grand National
Encyclopedia
The 2009 Grand National (known as the John Smith's
Grand National for sponsorship reasons) was the 162nd renewal of the world-famous Grand National
horse race
that took place at Aintree
near Liverpool
, England
, on 4 April 2009. The main race was held at 16:15 BST
.
A 100-1 outsider, Mon Mome
, ridden by Liam Treadwell
, won the race by 12 lengths from the previous year
's winner Comply or Die
(14-1) in a time of nine minutes and 34 seconds. Mon Mome became the first 100-1 shot to win since Foinavon
in 1967. He also became the first French-bred winner of the race for 100 years.
The winner was trained by Venetia Williams
at her establishment in Aramstone
, Herefordshire
, and was owned by Vida Bingham of Uckfield
, East Sussex
.
Hear The Echo collapsed during the race and later died.
unless otherwise stated in brackets.
winner Butler's Cabin was made the favourite having fallen in the previous year's National when going well and in addition he had champion jockey Tony McCoy in the saddle. The favourite was still among a group of sixteen horses who still held serious chances with four fences to jump but he made a mistake at the 27th and was always struggling to get back on terms with those at the head of the group. After the race, jockey Tony McCoy said: "He ran OK. He's probably still a bit high in the handicap. From Becher's on the second circuit he was just starting to get a little bit tired and he made a lot of little mistakes late on."
My Will was made favourite for the race after finishing fifth in the Cheltenham Gold Cup
but was sent off as joint-second favourite on the day with two-time winning rider Ruby Walsh in the saddle. Despite a series of jumping errors the horse turned for the home straight marginally leading an unusually large contending pack of sixteen horses and briefly looked to be on the way to victory at the penultimate flight. The horse was quickly passed by the eventual winner and took the last flight in third place where he remained, finishing 13¼ lengths behind the winner. Jockey Ruby Walsh said: "He was just hitting the fences low and I was really having to work hard at keeping him upright. We did well to stay on our feet."
Rambling Minster was identified as the 'trend' horse after winning the Blue Square Gold Cup
at Haydock
two months before the National. Despite ticking all the boxes the tipsters looked for in a potential National winner, he proved very disappointing in the race itself and was well to the rear when he was almost brought down at the 18th fence and was pulled up soon after. Jockey James Reveley said afterwards: "He didn't take to it and just didn't like it. He jumped OK until he made a mistake down the back and he was looking after himself after that so I pulled up going down the back on the second circuit."
Black Apalachi had been a faller in the 2008 Grand National
but became popular when he won the Becher Chase
over one circuit of the course in November and followed that by winning the Bobbyjo Chase
in February. He went straight to the front from the start, taking the lead at the third fence where he remained for over a circuit. He was still three lengths clear and going well when he stumbled on landing over Becher's Brook
and threw his rider Denis O'Reagan, who later said: "It was very disappointing - he was travelling well and jumping from fence to fence. I don't know what happened until I see a replay."
Comply Or Die was the defending champion and came within 12 lengths of being the first horse for over thirty years to win back-to-back Nationals. The horse jumped alongside Mon Mome at the final flight but was outpaced on the run-in. After, jockey Timmy Murphy said: "He ran a blinder. Apart from failing to get 10 lengths closer to the winner I have no complaints whatsoever."
State Of Play had won the 2006 Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup but appealed to his backers after winning the Charlie Hall Chase
in November at Wetherby. The horse was among the leading eight throughout the race and was among four who shared the lead jumping the penultimate fence. He was unable to mount a challenge after that and finished fourth, 14 lengths behind the winner. Jockey Paul Moloney said of his race: "There was a moment when I thought I was going to win going to two out. You can't do it without the horse and I had a lot of confidence in him."
Big Fella Thanks was backed after winning the Sky Bet Chase in January and on race day ran a textbook National in mid-division on the first circuit before moving into a challenging position at the Canal Turn
on the second circuit. The horse was always having to find a few lengths and was never quite able to get on terms with the leader before finishing sixth. Jockey Christian Williams regarded the race as a prep for a bigger bid next year, saying: "He'll be a year older next year, and perhaps on softer ground you never know. He's only a baby. I had AP [McCoy, on Butler's Cabin] upsides me so I knew I was in the right place. He's got a slight cut on his hind leg and that may have made a slight difference, but if he improves again and comes back with a nice weight next year he could go close."
Mon Mome was among the less-considered outsiders at 100-1 despite a good racing pedigree that had seen him sent off as favourite in the Welsh National
in December. A disappointing run there and subsequent loss of form, in addition to his regular rider opting to ride Stan instead led the public to ignore the credentials which were seen as obvious after the event.
, therefore ensuring that the event is broadcast live on terrestrial television
in the United Kingdom. The BBC broadcasted the race for the 50th consecutive year. The winner, Mon Mome, was not mentioned in commentary at any stage on the first circuit, being named for the first time when in 12th place as the runners started the second circuit. The commentary team for the sixth consecutive year was Ian Bartlett
, Tony O'Hehir, Darren Owen
, and Jim McGrath
who called the winner home for the 12th consecutive year.
The programme was presented by Clare Balding
. 1,477 people lodged complaints to the BBC when, after the race, she asked winning rider Liam Treadwell to show his teeth to the camera and then suggested he would be able to get them "fixed" with his prize money. Balding later issued a public apology. On the evening before the following year's race, Treadwell was again interviewed by Balding for the BBC's The One Show
in which he thanked her for her comments as it had led to him getting free dentistry resulting in a perfect smile.
Treadwell said of his winning ride: "It's an absolutely unbelievable finish, I had the perfect run through the race, he jumped brilliant for me. A couple of times loose horses fell upsides me and went under his legs but it didn't really affect the horse. He gave me such a great ride. He was an absolute pleasure to ride. He is so genuine."
Trainer Venetia Williams said: "How can you ever expect that in a race like this? I'm so proud of the horse. I'm so proud of Liam for giving him such a good ride, and the girl who looks after him as well. I'm so proud of everyone in the yard - I never get chance to praise them and give them the credit they deserve, it is all a team effort."
Bookmakers were delighted by the race result with a 100/1 winner. Ladbrokes
spokesman David Williams said: "It was better than we could ever have dreamed of. Liam Treadwell was our saviour. A win for Walsh or McCoy would have seen a multi-million pound turnaround. The sun shone on Aintree and the sun shone on the bookies. If last year was one for the punters, 2009 was very much one for us."
Tony McCoy was the most experienced rider in the race for the third consecutive year, having taken over from Carl Llewellyn after the 2006 race, though he had previously shared the honour with Mick Fitzgerald
and Paul Carberry
. McCoy was having his fourteenth ride in the race, joining an exclusive club of just thirteen riders to have reached that landmark, however he also shared the unwanted record with Jeff King of being the only two riders among the thirteen not to have won or been runner-up in any of their fourteen rides.
Eight riders made their Grand National debut, including Liam Treadwell, the twenty-second rider to win at the first attempt and the second in the 21st century. Paul Townend and Philip Enright also completed the course while at the other extreme, Phil Kinsella got no further than the second fence. Emmett Mullins, Mark Walsh, James Revely and Derek Lavery also took their first rides in the race.
John Smith's Brewery
John Smith's is a brewery founded in 1758 by Backhouse & Hartley at Tadcaster in North Yorkshire, England. John Smith bought the brewery in 1847. John Smith's is the sixth highest selling beer brand in the United Kingdom, and the highest selling ale brand. The brewery is currently owned by...
Grand National for sponsorship reasons) was the 162nd renewal of the world-famous Grand National
Grand National
The Grand National is a world-famous National Hunt horse race which is held annually at Aintree Racecourse, near Liverpool, England. It is a handicap chase run over a distance of four miles and 856 yards , with horses jumping thirty fences over two circuits of Aintree's National Course...
horse race
Horse racing
Horse racing is an equestrian sport that has a long history. Archaeological records indicate that horse racing occurred in ancient Babylon, Syria, and Egypt. Both chariot and mounted horse racing were events in the ancient Greek Olympics by 648 BC...
that took place at Aintree
Aintree Racecourse
Aintree Racecourse is a racecourse in Aintree, Merseyside, England.It was served by Aintree Racecourse railway station until the station closed in the 1960s....
near Liverpool
Liverpool
Liverpool is a city and metropolitan borough of Merseyside, England, along the eastern side of the Mersey Estuary. It was founded as a borough in 1207 and was granted city status in 1880...
, England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
, on 4 April 2009. The main race was held at 16:15 BST
British Summer Time
Western European Summer Time is a summer daylight saving time scheme, 1 hour ahead of Coordinated Universal Time. It is used in the following places:* the Canary Islands* Portugal * Ireland...
.
A 100-1 outsider, Mon Mome
Mon Mome
Mon Mome is an AQPS racehorse, which won the 2009 John Smith's Grand National at Aintree Racecourse, run on April 4, 2009. It was ridden by Liam Treadwell and trained by Venetia Williams...
, ridden by Liam Treadwell
Liam Treadwell
Liam Treadwell is an English National Hunt jockey. He was born in the West Sussex town of Arundel and attended the local Angmering School. He was the winner of the 2009 Aintree Grand National, having ridden Mon Mome to victory at odds of 100/1. It was only the fifth time a horse at those odds won...
, won the race by 12 lengths from the previous year
2008 Grand National
The 2008 Grand National was the 161st official annual running of the world-famous Grand National steeplechase which took place at Aintree Racecourse near Liverpool, England, on 5 April 2008 and attracted the maximum allowed field of 40 competitors, for total prize money of £450,640.Joint-favourite...
's winner Comply or Die
Comply or Die
Comply or Die is a British trained thoroughbred racehorse, owned by David Johnson. Ridden by Timmy Murphy and trained by David Pipe he was the winner of the £450,640 2008 John Smith's Grand National at Aintree Racecourse, run on Saturday 5 April 2008...
(14-1) in a time of nine minutes and 34 seconds. Mon Mome became the first 100-1 shot to win since Foinavon
Foinavon
Foinavon was a relatively undistinguished Irish racehorse, until he became famous for winning the Grand National in 1967 after the rest of the field fell, refused or were hampered or brought down in a mêlée at the 23rd fence. He was at one time owned by Anne, Duchess of Westminster, whose colours...
in 1967. He also became the first French-bred winner of the race for 100 years.
The winner was trained by Venetia Williams
Venetia Williams
Venetia Williams is a British racehorse trainer specialising in National Hunt racing. She is based at stables at Aramstone in Herefordshire, England....
at her establishment in Aramstone
King's Caple
King's Caple is a village in the largest loop of the River Wye between Hereford and Ross-on-Wye in the English county of Herefordshire.-Buildings:...
, Herefordshire
Herefordshire
Herefordshire is a historic and ceremonial county in the West Midlands region of England. For Eurostat purposes it is a NUTS 3 region and is one of three counties that comprise the "Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire" NUTS 2 region. It also forms a unitary district known as the...
, and was owned by Vida Bingham of Uckfield
Uckfield
-Development:The local Tesco has proposed the redevelopment of the central town area as has the town council. The Hub has recently been completed, having been acquired for an unknown figure, presumed to be about half a million pounds...
, East Sussex
East Sussex
East Sussex is a county in South East England. It is bordered by the counties of Kent, Surrey and West Sussex, and to the south by the English Channel.-History:...
.
Hear The Echo collapsed during the race and later died.
Race card
Note: All individuals from the United KingdomUnited Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
unless otherwise stated in brackets.
- 1: Cloudy Lane,
- Weight: 11-10. Jockey: Jason MaguireJason MaguireJason Maguire , is a Irish horse racing jockey who won the 2011 Grand National on Ballabriggs.-Early life and career:Maguire is the nephew of another former jockey Adrian Maguire. He started out in Irish pony races and as he started his career rode his first winner, Search For Peace at Cheltenham...
; trainer: Donald McCain, Jr.Donald McCain, Jr.Donald McCain, Jr. is an English racehorse trainer and former jockey whose father, Ginger McCain, trained four Grand National winning horses.McCain, Jr., has trained four Cheltenham Festival winners as well as the 2011 Grand National winner, Ballabriggs....
Colours: white cap, green and yellow checked vest with white sleeves.
- 2: Chelsea Harbour
- Weight: 11-8. Jockey: Emmet Mullins; trainer: Tom Mullins (Ireland). Colours: white cap with black ring, orange vest with black star and orange and black diamond sleeves.
- 3: Snowy Morning
- Weight: 11-8. Jockey: Andrew McNamara; trainer: Willie MullinsWillie MullinsWillie Mullins is an Irish racehorse trainer and former jockey. He is based at Closutton, Bagenalstown, Co Carlow, Ireland...
(Ireland). Colours: yellow and white checked cap, yellow and black striped vest with yellow sleeves.
- 4: Knowhere
- Weight: 11-7. Jockey: Paddy BrennanPaddy Brennan (jockey)Paddy Brennan, is an Irish jockey who rode the winner of the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2010.A native of Ardrahan, County Galway, Brennan was a keen GAA player with dreams of becoming a county hurler. He only became involved in horseracing after a neighbour noticed his talent with hunt horses...
; trainer: Nigel Twiston-DaviesNigel Twiston-DaviesNigel Twiston-Davies is a British racehorse trainer specialising in National Hunt racing. He is based at stables at Naunton, Gloucestershire....
. Colours: green cap, vest and sleeves all with white stars.
- 5: Comply or Die
- Weight: 11-6. Jockey: Timmy MurphyTimmy MurphyTimothy James Murphy , commonly known as Timmy Murphy, is a National Hunt jockey who overcame difficult personal problems to win the 2008 John Smith's Grand National at Aintree Racecourse on the horse Comply or Die. He recorded his 1,000th winner at Taunton on 21 January 2010.- References :...
; trainer: David PipeDavid PipeDavid Ronald Pipe is a Welsh international footballer who plays professionally for Newport County, as a midfielder.-Career:...
. Colours: white cap with blue stars, blue vest with green sleeves.
- 6: Ollie Magern
- Weight: 11-6. Jockey: Mr Sam Waley-CohenSam Waley-CohenSam Waley-Cohen is an English National Hunt amateur jockey and businessman.-Early life:Waley-Cohen is the son of businessman, racehorse breeder and trainer Robert Waley-Cohen, nephew of the theatre owner and producer Sir Stephen Waley-Cohen Bt...
; trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies. Colours: blue cap, blue vest with claret stars and claret sleeves.
- 7: Stan
- Weight: 11-6. Jockey: Aidan Coleman; trainer: Venetia Williams. Colours: pink cap, blue vest with pink and blue striped sleeves.
- 8: Black Apalachi
- Weight: 11-5. Jockey: Denis O'Regan; trainer: Dessie Hughes (Ireland). Colours: green cap with blue star, green vest with blue and green striped sleeves.
- 9: Hear The Echo
- Weight: 11-5. Jockey: Davy Russell; trainer: Mouse MorrisMouse MorrisMichael 'Mouse' Morris is an Irish racehorse trainer and former jockey.As a jockey he rode Skymas to win the Queen Mother Champion Chase in 1976 and 1977 and Billycan to win the 1977 Irish Grand National, while his most notable successes as a trainer have come with Buck House in the 1983 Supreme...
(Ireland). Colours: claret cap with white star, claret vest with white star and white stripe to claret sleeve.
- 10: Preists Leap
- Weight: 11-5. Jockey Philip Enright; trainer: Gerald O'Leary (Ireland). Colours: blue cap with yellow star, blue vest with yellow star to chest and sleeves.
- 11: My Will
- Weight: 11-4. Jockey: Ruby WalshRuby WalshRuby Walsh is the reigning Irish National Hunt champion jockey. He is the second child, and eldest son, of former champion amateur jockey Ted Walsh and his wife Helen.-Success:...
; trainer: Paul NichollsPaul Nicholls (horse racing)Paul Nicholls is a British National Hunt horse trainer with stables at Ditcheat, Somerset. A relatively successful jump jockey, Nicholls has become the leading National Hunt trainer of his generation, finishing the 2007-2008 season with 155 winners and a record £4 million in prize money...
. Colours: red cap, white and black vest with red sleeves.
- 12: Eurotrek
- Weight: 11-3. Jockey: Sam Thomas; trainer: Paul Nicholls. Colours: light blue cap, vest and sleeves with dark blue diamond.
- 13: State Of Play
- Weight: 11-2. Jockey: Paul Moloney; trainer: Evan WilliamsEvan Williams (jockey)Evan Williams was a horse racing jockey born in Cowbridge, Wales in 1912. He won the 1937 Grand National on Royal Mail, and he won the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 1936 and 1940 . He later became a trainer and won the first running of the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes in 1951...
. Colours: blue cap, blue vest with pink stripe and blue sleeves.
- 14: Big Fella Thanks
- Weight: 11-1. Jockey: Christian Williams; trainer: Paul Nicholls. Colours: dark green and white checked cap, dark green vest with a white V and light green sleeves.
- 15: Mon Mome
- Weight: 11-0. Jockey: Liam TreadwellLiam TreadwellLiam Treadwell is an English National Hunt jockey. He was born in the West Sussex town of Arundel and attended the local Angmering School. He was the winner of the 2009 Aintree Grand National, having ridden Mon Mome to victory at odds of 100/1. It was only the fifth time a horse at those odds won...
; trainer: Venetia Williams. Colours: green cap, green vest with blue and green stripe sleeves.
- 16: Silver Birch
- Weight: 11-0. Jockey: Robbie Power; trainer: Gordon ElliottGordon Elliott (racehorse trainer)Gordon Elliott is a County Meath-based National Hunt racehorse trainer who was 29 when his first Grand National entry, the 33 to 1 outsider Silver Birch won the 2007 race on 14 April, 2007...
(Ireland). Colours: blue cap, black vest with blue star, blue sleeves with black stars.
- 17: Butlers Cabin
- Weight: 10-13. Jockey: Tony McCoyTony McCoyAnthony Peter McCoy OBE , commonly known as A. P. McCoy or Tony McCoy, is a Northern Irish horse racing jockey....
; trainer: Jonjo O'NeillJonjo O'NeillJonjo O'Neill is an Irish National Hunt racehorse trainer and former jockey. He is a native of Castletownroche, County Cork in Ireland. Based at the Jackdaws Castle training establishment in England, O'Neill is the private trainer to J. P. McManus, one of the largest owners of steeplechasers and...
. Colours: white cap, green and orange striped vest and sleeves.
- 18: Offshore Account
- Weight: 10-13. Jockey: David Casey; trainer: Charlie Swan. Colours: orange and green checked cap, white vest and sleeves with green flashes to shoulder.
- 19: Parsons Legacy
- Weight: 10-12. Jockey: Richard JohnsonRichard Johnson (jockey)Richard Johnson is an English National Hunt jockey.-Background:Johnson comes from a racing family with his father being an amateur jockey and his mother, Sue Johnson, a successful trainer.-Jockey career:...
; trainer: Philip HobbsPhilip HobbsPhilip Hobbs is a British racehorse trainer specializing mainly in National Hunt racing. He is based at stables near Minehead, Somerset....
. Colours: yellow cap, claret vest with yellow stripe and yellow sleeves.
- 20: Reveillez
- Weight: 10-12. Jockey: Mark Walsh; trainer: Jonjo O'Neill. Colours: orange cap, green and orange striped vest and sleeves.
- 21: Fundamentalist
- Weight: 10-11. Jockey: David England; trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies. Colours: orange cap, black and orange striped vest, black sleeves with orange stars.
- 22: Golden Flight
- Weight: 10-11. Jockey: Barry GeraghtyBarry GeraghtyBarry Geraghty is an Irish jockey.Geraghty rode his first winner in January 1997, three years later he became the Irish Champion jump jockey for the first time. He rode his first Cheltenham winner on the Jessica Harrington trained Moscow Flyer in the 2002 Arkle Chase.He won the Grand National in...
; trainer: Nicky HendersonNicky HendersonNicky Henderson is a British racehorse trainer. He has been British jump racing Champion Trainer twice.Henderson, educated at Eton College, has been a trainer since 1978, based at Seven Barrows near Lambourn, Berkshire...
. Colours: yellow cap with blue rings, yellow and blue striped vest and sleeves.
- 23: Lami
- Weight: 10-11. Jockey: Robert ThorntonRobert Thornton (jockey)Robert "Choc" Thornton is an English National Hunt jockey currently employed as stable jockey to Alan King....
; trainer: Enda Bolger (Ireland). Colours: yellow and green checked cap, orange and green striped vest and sleeves.
- 24: Battlecry
- Weight: 10-10. Jockey: Tom ScudamoreTom ScudamoreTom Scudamore is a third-generation British flat and steeplechase jockey. He is the son of eight-time champion jockey Peter Scudamore; his grandfather Michael won the Grand National on Oxo in 1959.-Background:...
; trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies. Colours: orange cap, yellow and green checked vest with white sleeves.
- 25: Cornish Sett
- Weight: 10-10. Jockey: Nick Scholfield; trainer: Paul Nicholls. Colours: black and white checked cap, black and white stripe vest with black and white checked sleeves.
- 26: Fleet Street
- Weight: 10-10. Jockey: Andrew Tinkler; trainer: Nicky Henderson. Colours: red and white checked cap, white vest and sleeves with red trim.
- 27: Musica Bella
- Weight: 10-10. Jockey: Philip Carberry; trainer: Francois Cottin (France). Colours: orange cap, black and orange striped vest and sleeves.
- 28: Can't Buy Time
- Weight: 10-9. Jockey: Noel Fehilly; trainer: Jonjo O'Neill. Colours: blue cap, orange and green striped vest and sleeves.
- 29: Darkness
- Weight: 10-9. Jockey: Wayne Hutchinson; trainer: Charles Egerton. Colours: pink cap, pink and grey diamonded vest and sleeves.
- 30: Irish Invader
- Weight: 10-9. Jockey: Paul Townend; trainer: Willie Mullins (Ireland). Colours: blue cap with black spot, orange vest with white star and blue sleeves.
- 31: Rambling Minster
- Weight: 10-9. Jockey: James Reveley; trainer: Keith Reveley. Colours: blue cap, white vest and sleeves with blue stars.
- 32: Southern Vic
- Weight: 10-9. Jockey: Niall MaddenNiall MaddenNiall "Slippers" Madden is an Irish jockey who rode the racehorse Numbersixvalverde to win the 2006 Grand National steeplechase at Aintree Racecourse....
; trainer: Ted WalshTed WalshTed Walsh is an amateur jockey turned racehorse trainer, based in Kill, County Kildare, Ireland. He was born and raised in Co. Cork. As a rider, one of his most important wins was on Attitude Adjuster in the 1986 Cheltenham Festival Foxhunter Chase...
(Ireland). Colours: yellow cap with black star, yellow and black checked vest with black sleeves.
- 33: Kilbeggan Blade
- Weight: 10-7. Jockey: Graham LeeGraham Lee (jockey)Graham Lee is a successful Irish National Hunt jockey in Great Britain and Ireland. Prior to May 2006, he was the main stable jockey for Howard Johnson, but was replaced by Paddy Brennan, allegedly after a disagreement over his return from an injury. Lee became the main stable jockey and deputy...
; trainer: Tom George. Colours: red cap with blue diamond, Blue vest and sleeves with red diamond.
- 34: Brooklyn Brownie
- Weight: 10-6. Jockey: Phil Kinsella; trainer: Malcolm Jefferson. Colours: orange cap, brown and orange checked vest with brown sleeves.
- 35: Himalayan Trail
- Weight: 10-6. Jockey: Paddy Flood; trainer: Jimmy Mangan (Ireland). Colours: red cap, blue vest with white V and blue sleeves with white stripes.
- 36: Arteea
- Weight: 10-5. Jockey: Richie McGrath; trainer: David Pipe. Colours: white cap with black star, Green vest with white star and black and green striped sleeves.
- 37: Cerium
- Weight: 10-5. Jockey: Keith Mercer; trainer: Paul Murphy. Colours: green cap, Green vest with white star and black and green striped sleeves
- 38: Idle Talk
- Weight: 10-5. Jockey: Brian Harding; trainer: Donald McCain Jr. Colours: green cap, yellow and green checked vest with white sleeves.
- 39: Kelami
- Weight: 10-5. Jockey: Derek Laverty; trainer: Lisa Williamson. Colours: red and white ringed cap, black vest with red and white striped sleeves.
- 40: Zabenz
- Weight: 10-5. Jockey: Tom O'Brien; trainer: Philip Hobbs. Colours: green cap, beige vest and sleeves.
Leading contenders
2007 Irish Grand NationalIrish Grand National
The Irish Grand National is a National Hunt chase in Ireland which is open to horses aged five years or older. It is run at Fairyhouse over a distance of about 3 miles and 5 furlongs , and during its running there are twenty-four fences to be jumped...
winner Butler's Cabin was made the favourite having fallen in the previous year's National when going well and in addition he had champion jockey Tony McCoy in the saddle. The favourite was still among a group of sixteen horses who still held serious chances with four fences to jump but he made a mistake at the 27th and was always struggling to get back on terms with those at the head of the group. After the race, jockey Tony McCoy said: "He ran OK. He's probably still a bit high in the handicap. From Becher's on the second circuit he was just starting to get a little bit tired and he made a lot of little mistakes late on."
My Will was made favourite for the race after finishing fifth in the Cheltenham Gold Cup
Cheltenham Gold Cup
The Cheltenham Gold Cup is a Grade 1 National Hunt chase in the United Kingdom which is open to horses aged five years or older. It is run on the New Course at Cheltenham over a distance of about 3 miles and 2½ furlongs , and during its running there are twenty-two fences to be jumped...
but was sent off as joint-second favourite on the day with two-time winning rider Ruby Walsh in the saddle. Despite a series of jumping errors the horse turned for the home straight marginally leading an unusually large contending pack of sixteen horses and briefly looked to be on the way to victory at the penultimate flight. The horse was quickly passed by the eventual winner and took the last flight in third place where he remained, finishing 13¼ lengths behind the winner. Jockey Ruby Walsh said: "He was just hitting the fences low and I was really having to work hard at keeping him upright. We did well to stay on our feet."
Rambling Minster was identified as the 'trend' horse after winning the Blue Square Gold Cup
Grand National
The Grand National is a world-famous National Hunt horse race which is held annually at Aintree Racecourse, near Liverpool, England. It is a handicap chase run over a distance of four miles and 856 yards , with horses jumping thirty fences over two circuits of Aintree's National Course...
at Haydock
Haydock Park Racecourse
Haydock Park Racecourse is a racecourse in Haydock, Merseyside, England. The track is a mostly flat left-handed oval of around 1 mile 5 furlongs with a very slight rise on the run-in. There are courses for flat racing and National Hunt racing...
two months before the National. Despite ticking all the boxes the tipsters looked for in a potential National winner, he proved very disappointing in the race itself and was well to the rear when he was almost brought down at the 18th fence and was pulled up soon after. Jockey James Reveley said afterwards: "He didn't take to it and just didn't like it. He jumped OK until he made a mistake down the back and he was looking after himself after that so I pulled up going down the back on the second circuit."
Black Apalachi had been a faller in the 2008 Grand National
2008 Grand National
The 2008 Grand National was the 161st official annual running of the world-famous Grand National steeplechase which took place at Aintree Racecourse near Liverpool, England, on 5 April 2008 and attracted the maximum allowed field of 40 competitors, for total prize money of £450,640.Joint-favourite...
but became popular when he won the Becher Chase
Becher Chase
The Becher Chase is a Listed National Hunt chase in Great Britain which is open to horses aged five years or older. It is run at Aintree over a distance of about 3 miles and 2 furlongs , and during its running there are twenty-one fences to be jumped...
over one circuit of the course in November and followed that by winning the Bobbyjo Chase
Bobbyjo Chase
The Bobbyjo Chase is a Grade 2 National Hunt race in Ireland. It is run at Fairyhouse Racecourse in February, over a distance of 3 miles and 1 furlong and during the race there are twenty fences to be jumped....
in February. He went straight to the front from the start, taking the lead at the third fence where he remained for over a circuit. He was still three lengths clear and going well when he stumbled on landing over Becher's Brook
Becher's Brook
Becher's Brook is a fence jumped during the Grand National, a National Hunt horse race held annually at Aintree Racecourse near Liverpool, England. It is jumped twice during the race, as the sixth and 22nd fence, as well as on four other occasions during the year...
and threw his rider Denis O'Reagan, who later said: "It was very disappointing - he was travelling well and jumping from fence to fence. I don't know what happened until I see a replay."
Comply Or Die was the defending champion and came within 12 lengths of being the first horse for over thirty years to win back-to-back Nationals. The horse jumped alongside Mon Mome at the final flight but was outpaced on the run-in. After, jockey Timmy Murphy said: "He ran a blinder. Apart from failing to get 10 lengths closer to the winner I have no complaints whatsoever."
State Of Play had won the 2006 Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup but appealed to his backers after winning the Charlie Hall Chase
Charlie Hall Chase
The Charlie Hall Chase is a Grade 2 National Hunt chase in England which is open to horses aged five years or older. It is run at Wetherby over a distance of about 3 miles and 1 furlong , and during its running there are 18 fences to be jumped...
in November at Wetherby. The horse was among the leading eight throughout the race and was among four who shared the lead jumping the penultimate fence. He was unable to mount a challenge after that and finished fourth, 14 lengths behind the winner. Jockey Paul Moloney said of his race: "There was a moment when I thought I was going to win going to two out. You can't do it without the horse and I had a lot of confidence in him."
Big Fella Thanks was backed after winning the Sky Bet Chase in January and on race day ran a textbook National in mid-division on the first circuit before moving into a challenging position at the Canal Turn
Canal Turn
The Canal Turn is a fence on Aintree Racecourse's National Course and thus is jumped during the Grand National steeplechase which is held annually at the racecourse near Liverpool, England....
on the second circuit. The horse was always having to find a few lengths and was never quite able to get on terms with the leader before finishing sixth. Jockey Christian Williams regarded the race as a prep for a bigger bid next year, saying: "He'll be a year older next year, and perhaps on softer ground you never know. He's only a baby. I had AP [McCoy, on Butler's Cabin] upsides me so I knew I was in the right place. He's got a slight cut on his hind leg and that may have made a slight difference, but if he improves again and comes back with a nice weight next year he could go close."
Mon Mome was among the less-considered outsiders at 100-1 despite a good racing pedigree that had seen him sent off as favourite in the Welsh National
Welsh National
The Welsh National is a Grade 3 National Hunt chase in Great Britain which is open to horses aged four years or older. It is run at Chepstow, Wales, over a distance of about 3 miles and 5½ furlongs , and during its running there are twenty-two fences to be jumped...
in December. A disappointing run there and subsequent loss of form, in addition to his regular rider opting to ride Stan instead led the public to ignore the credentials which were seen as obvious after the event.
Finishing order
| Position | Name | Rider | Age | Weight | Starting price | Distance | Prize money |
| 1st | Mon Mome Mon Mome Mon Mome is an AQPS racehorse, which won the 2009 John Smith's Grand National at Aintree Racecourse, run on April 4, 2009. It was ridden by Liam Treadwell and trained by Venetia Williams... |
Liam Treadwell Liam Treadwell Liam Treadwell is an English National Hunt jockey. He was born in the West Sussex town of Arundel and attended the local Angmering School. He was the winner of the 2009 Aintree Grand National, having ridden Mon Mome to victory at odds of 100/1. It was only the fifth time a horse at those odds won... |
9 | 11-0 | 100/1 | Won by 12 lengths | £506,970 |
| 2nd | Comply or Die Comply or Die Comply or Die is a British trained thoroughbred racehorse, owned by David Johnson. Ridden by Timmy Murphy and trained by David Pipe he was the winner of the £450,640 2008 John Smith's Grand National at Aintree Racecourse, run on Saturday 5 April 2008... |
Timmy Murphy Timmy Murphy Timothy James Murphy , commonly known as Timmy Murphy, is a National Hunt jockey who overcame difficult personal problems to win the 2008 John Smith's Grand National at Aintree Racecourse on the horse Comply or Die. He recorded his 1,000th winner at Taunton on 21 January 2010.- References :... |
10 | 11-6 | 14/1 | 1¼ lengths | £190,980 |
| 3rd | My Will | Ruby Walsh Ruby Walsh Ruby Walsh is the reigning Irish National Hunt champion jockey. He is the second child, and eldest son, of former champion amateur jockey Ted Walsh and his wife Helen.-Success:... |
9 | 11-4 | 8/1 | 4½ lengths | £95,580 |
| 4th | State Of Play | Paul Moloney | 9 | 11-2 | 14/1 | ¾ length | £47,790 |
| 5th | Cerium | Keith Mercer | 8 | 10-5 | 100/1 | 4 lengths | £23,940 |
| 6th | Big Fella Thanks | Christian Williams | 7 | 11-1 | 14/1 | 1¾ lengths | £11,970 |
| 7th | Butler's Cabin | Tony McCoy Tony McCoy Anthony Peter McCoy OBE , commonly known as A. P. McCoy or Tony McCoy, is a Northern Irish horse racing jockey.... |
9 | 10-13 | 7/1 favourite | ¾ length | Nil |
| 8th | Southern Vic | Niall Madden Niall Madden Niall "Slippers" Madden is an Irish jockey who rode the racehorse Numbersixvalverde to win the 2006 Grand National steeplechase at Aintree Racecourse.... |
10 | 10-9 | 33/1 | 5 lengths | Nil |
| 9th | Snowy Morning | Andrew McNamara | 9 | 11-8 | 33/1 | 9 lengths | Nil |
| 10th | Arteea | Johnny Farrelly | 10 | 10-5 | 200/1 | 4½ lengths | Nil |
| 11th | Irish Invader | Paul Townend | 8 | 10-9 | 16/1 | 3 lengths | Nil |
| 12th | Idle Talk | Brian Harding | 10 | 10-5 | 66/1 | 3½ lengths | Nil |
| 13th | Darkness | Wayne Hutchinson | 10 | 10-9 | 16/1 | 25 lengths | Nil |
| 14th | Preists Leap | Philip Enright | 9 | 11-5 | 100/1 | 24 lengths | Nil |
| 15th | Offshore Account | David Casey | 9 | 10-13 | 20/1 | 12 lengths | Nil |
| 16th | Battlecry | Tom Scudamore Tom Scudamore Tom Scudamore is a third-generation British flat and steeplechase jockey. He is the son of eight-time champion jockey Peter Scudamore; his grandfather Michael won the Grand National on Oxo in 1959.-Background:... |
8 | 10-10 | 33/1 | A distance | Nil |
| 17th | Cornish Sett | Nick Scholfield | 10 | 10-10 | 33/1 | Last to complete | Nil |
Non-finishers
| Fence | Name | Rider | Age | Weight | Starting price | Fate |
| Run-in | Hear The Echo Hear The Echo Hear The Echo was a horse trained by Mouse Morris and ridden by Davy Russell.He won the Irish Grand National in 2008 and collapsed and died on the run-in of the 2009 Grand National.... |
Davy Russell Davy Russell Davy Russell is an Irish jockey who competes in National Hunt racing. Russell's first win as a professional jockey was for English-based Irish trainer Ferdy Murphy on Inn Antique in a novice hurdle at Sedgefield, 12 November 2002... |
8 | 11-5 | 33/1 | Collapsed |
| 30th | L'ami | Robert Thornton Robert Thornton (jockey) Robert "Choc" Thornton is an English National Hunt jockey currently employed as stable jockey to Alan King.... |
10 | 10-11 | 16/1 | Pulled up |
| 25th (Valentine's) | Knowhere | Paddy Brennan Paddy Brennan (jockey) Paddy Brennan, is an Irish jockey who rode the winner of the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2010.A native of Ardrahan, County Galway, Brennan was a keen GAA player with dreams of becoming a county hurler. He only became involved in horseracing after a neighbour noticed his talent with hunt horses... |
11 | 11-7 | 50/1 | Pulled up |
| 22nd (Becher's Brook Becher's Brook Becher's Brook is a fence jumped during the Grand National, a National Hunt horse race held annually at Aintree Racecourse near Liverpool, England. It is jumped twice during the race, as the sixth and 22nd fence, as well as on four other occasions during the year... ) |
Black Apalachi | Denis O'Regan | 10 | 11-5 | 11/1 | Unseated rider |
| 22nd (Becher's Brook Becher's Brook Becher's Brook is a fence jumped during the Grand National, a National Hunt horse race held annually at Aintree Racecourse near Liverpool, England. It is jumped twice during the race, as the sixth and 22nd fence, as well as on four other occasions during the year... ) |
Silver Birch Silver Birch (horse) Silver Birch is an Irish-trained thoroughbred racehorse, owned by Brian Walsh of County Kildare. Ridden by Robbie Power and trained by 29 year-old Gordon Elliott, Silver Birch was the winner of the 2007 John Smith's Grand National at Aintree Racecourse, run on Saturday 14 April 2007... |
Robbie Power Robbie Power Robbie "Puppy" Power, son of Irish show-jumper Con Power, is the National Hunt jockey who rode 33-1 outsider Silver Birch to victory in the 2007 John Smith's Grand National at Aintree Racecourse on Saturday 14 April 2007 .-Footnotes:... |
12 | 11-0 | 40/1 | Fell |
| 22nd (Becher's Brook Becher's Brook Becher's Brook is a fence jumped during the Grand National, a National Hunt horse race held annually at Aintree Racecourse near Liverpool, England. It is jumped twice during the race, as the sixth and 22nd fence, as well as on four other occasions during the year... ) |
Parson's Legacy | Richard Johnson Richard Johnson (jockey) Richard Johnson is an English National Hunt jockey.-Background:Johnson comes from a racing family with his father being an amateur jockey and his mother, Sue Johnson, a successful trainer.-Jockey career:... |
11 | 10-12 | 20/1 | Fell |
| 22nd (Becher's Brook Becher's Brook Becher's Brook is a fence jumped during the Grand National, a National Hunt horse race held annually at Aintree Racecourse near Liverpool, England. It is jumped twice during the race, as the sixth and 22nd fence, as well as on four other occasions during the year... ) |
Kelami | Derek Laverty | 11 | 10-5 | 200/1 | Pulled up |
| 21st | Fundamentalist | David England | 11 | 10-11 | 100/1 | Pulled up |
| 21st | Kilbeggan Blade | Graham Lee Graham Lee (jockey) Graham Lee is a successful Irish National Hunt jockey in Great Britain and Ireland. Prior to May 2006, he was the main stable jockey for Howard Johnson, but was replaced by Paddy Brennan, allegedly after a disagreement over his return from an injury. Lee became the main stable jockey and deputy... |
10 | 10-7 | 20/1 | Pulled up |
| 19th | Rambling Minster | James Reveley | 11 | 10-9 | 8/1 | Pulled up |
| 18th | Can't Buy Time | Noel Fehily | 7 | 10-9 | 33/1 | Fell |
| 18th | Fleet Street | Andrew Tinkler | 10 | 10-10 | 100/1 | Unseated rider |
| 17th | Eurotrek | Sam Thomas | 13 | 11-3 | 80/1 | Pulled up |
| 16th (Water Jump) | Zabenz | Tom O'Brien Tom O'Brien (jockey) Tom O'Brien is an Irish jockey.Son of Wexford-born Jim O'Brien, O'Brien began his career in racing riding out for his uncle, shay slevin in wexford before starting to ride out for uncle Aidan O'Brien where he rode legendary horses such as High Chaparral and Rock of Gibraltar.After riding in... |
12 | 10-5 | 100/1 | Fell |
| 15th (The Chair) | Cloudy Lane | Jason Maguire | 9 | 11-10 | 50/1 | Unseated rider |
| 12th | Musica Bella | Phillip Carberry | 9 | 10-10 | 66/1 | Fell |
| 7th (Foinavon Foinavon Foinavon was a relatively undistinguished Irish racehorse, until he became famous for winning the Grand National in 1967 after the rest of the field fell, refused or were hampered or brought down in a mêlée at the 23rd fence. He was at one time owned by Anne, Duchess of Westminster, whose colours... 's) |
Stan | Aidan Coleman Aidan Coleman Aidan Coleman is an Irish horse racing jockey.Born in Innishannon, Cork, Ireland, Coleman rode in the 2008 Grand National at the age of 19, his first time riding in that steeplechase. He was one of the youngest riders ever to start the Grand National... |
10 | 11-6 | 50/1 | Fell |
| 3rd | Chelsea Harbour | Emmett Mullins | 9 | 11-8 | 40/1 | Fell |
| 3rd | Reveillez | Mark Walsh | 10 | 10-12 | 100/1 | Brought down |
| 2nd | Ollie Magern | Mr. Sam Waley-Cohen Sam Waley-Cohen Sam Waley-Cohen is an English National Hunt amateur jockey and businessman.-Early life:Waley-Cohen is the son of businessman, racehorse breeder and trainer Robert Waley-Cohen, nephew of the theatre owner and producer Sir Stephen Waley-Cohen Bt... |
11 | 11-6 | 66/1 | Fell |
| 2nd | Brooklyn Brownie | Phil Kinsella | 10 | 10-6 | 22/1 | Fell |
| 1st | Golden Flight | Barry Geraghty Barry Geraghty Barry Geraghty is an Irish jockey.Geraghty rode his first winner in January 1997, three years later he became the Irish Champion jump jockey for the first time. He rode his first Cheltenham winner on the Jessica Harrington trained Moscow Flyer in the 2002 Arkle Chase.He won the Grand National in... |
10 | 10-11 | 66/1 | Fell |
| 1st | Himalayan Trail | Paddy Flood | 10 | 10-6 | 28/1 | Fell |
Broadcasting
The Grand National was accorded status as an event of national interest, listed on the Ofcom Code on Sports and Other Listed and Designated EventsOfcom Code on Sports and Other Listed and Designated Events
The Ofcom Code on Sports and Other Listed & Designated Events is a series of regulations issued originally by the Independent Television Commission then by Ofcom when the latter assumed most of the ITC's responsibilities in 2003, which is designed to protect the availability of live coverage of...
, therefore ensuring that the event is broadcast live on terrestrial television
Terrestrial television
Terrestrial television is a mode of television broadcasting which does not involve satellite transmission or cables — typically using radio waves through transmitting and receiving antennas or television antenna aerials...
in the United Kingdom. The BBC broadcasted the race for the 50th consecutive year. The winner, Mon Mome, was not mentioned in commentary at any stage on the first circuit, being named for the first time when in 12th place as the runners started the second circuit. The commentary team for the sixth consecutive year was Ian Bartlett
Ian Bartlett
Ian Bartlett is a horse racing commentator and occasional analyst for the BBC.. He has also commentated for Channel 4 Racing.For the BBC's television coverage of the Grand National, Bartlett commentates on four sections of the 4½-mile steeplechase, from the 1st to 5th fence, 10th to 12th, 17th to...
, Tony O'Hehir, Darren Owen
Darren Owen
Darren Charles Owen is a horse racing commentator, born 3 June 1967 in St. Asaph, North Wales.Having been interested in horse racing since a young age, Owen won the regional final of an amateur sports commentator competition, organised by BBC Radio 2 and sponsored by Fosters Lager, in 1989. He...
, and Jim McGrath
Jim McGrath (Australian commentator)
Jim Aloysius McGrath is the BBC's senior horse racing commentator. He was previously deputy race commentator, and sometimes a paddock commentator.-Career:...
who called the winner home for the 12th consecutive year.
The programme was presented by Clare Balding
Clare Balding
Clare Balding is a BBC sports presenter, journalist and jockey.-Early life:In 1989 and 1990, Balding was a leading amateur flat jockey and Champion Lady Rider in 1990....
. 1,477 people lodged complaints to the BBC when, after the race, she asked winning rider Liam Treadwell to show his teeth to the camera and then suggested he would be able to get them "fixed" with his prize money. Balding later issued a public apology. On the evening before the following year's race, Treadwell was again interviewed by Balding for the BBC's The One Show
The One Show
The One Show is a topical magazine-style daily television programme broadcast live on BBC One and BBC One HD, hosted by Alex Jones and Matt Baker. Chris Evans joins Jones to present the programme on Friday...
in which he thanked her for her comments as it had led to him getting free dentistry resulting in a perfect smile.
Treadwell said of his winning ride: "It's an absolutely unbelievable finish, I had the perfect run through the race, he jumped brilliant for me. A couple of times loose horses fell upsides me and went under his legs but it didn't really affect the horse. He gave me such a great ride. He was an absolute pleasure to ride. He is so genuine."
Trainer Venetia Williams said: "How can you ever expect that in a race like this? I'm so proud of the horse. I'm so proud of Liam for giving him such a good ride, and the girl who looks after him as well. I'm so proud of everyone in the yard - I never get chance to praise them and give them the credit they deserve, it is all a team effort."
Aftermath
Both Hear The Echo and Butlers Cabin collapsed, the former on the run-in and the latter shortly after passing the post. Both required oxygen treatment but Hear The Echo did not respond and died.Bookmakers were delighted by the race result with a 100/1 winner. Ladbrokes
Ladbrokes
Ladbrokes plc is a British based gambling company. It is based in Rayners Lane in Harrow, London owned by Bhavin Kakaiya. From 14 May 1999 to 23 February 2006, when it owned the Hilton hotel brand outside the United States, it was known as Hilton Group plc...
spokesman David Williams said: "It was better than we could ever have dreamed of. Liam Treadwell was our saviour. A win for Walsh or McCoy would have seen a multi-million pound turnaround. The sun shone on Aintree and the sun shone on the bookies. If last year was one for the punters, 2009 was very much one for us."
Quotes
- Keith Mercer (Cerium, fifth): "He was brilliant. He jumped magnificently and was in contention on the run to the second-last. it was an amazing feeling. I had just been hoping we would get round. He far surpassed my expectations and gave me an amazing spin."
- Niall Madden (Southern Vic, eighth): "He has run a great race, the ground was just too quick for him."
- Andrew McNamara (Snowy Morning, ninth): "We had a couple of bumps on the way round, but he ran a nice race."
- Johnny Farrelly (Arteea, tenth): "I had a good ride round and he jumped great."
- Paul Townend (Irish Invader, eleventh): "It was great. I think he just maybe didn't see it (the trip) out."
- Brian Harding (Idle Talk, twelfth): "He jumped round, but didn't get home. He gave me a great ride and he was pretty good over the fences, but didn't get home."
- Wayne Hutchinson (Darkness, thirteenth): "He gave me a good spin and he travelled away fine. He was just a bit on and off the bridle but you couldn't fault him over these fences. He's jumped economically and he galloped on round."
- Philip Enright (Preists Leap, fourteenth): "He gave me a great ride and jumped well. I thought I would go very close jumping the second-last, but he got very tired. I had to use him a bit more than I would have liked early on because of the ground. He ran well and should be back next year."
- David Casey (Offshore Account, fifteenth): "I had a great ride round and he jumped so well, but he hadn't run over fences for over a year and it told on him in the end. He's still a good horse to look forward to."
- Tom Scudamore (Battlecry, sixteenth): "He gave me a great spin for a circuit and a half, but got tired from Becher's second time. He gave me a great thrill for a long way."
- Nick Scholfield (Cornish Sett, seventeenth and last): "He got round once again and gave me a great spin and jumped well in the main, but just didn't seem to get the trip this year. He was on his nose once or twice but is so clever."
- Graham Lee (Kilbeggan Blade, pulled up before 21st): "Not much happened in the race for me and I pulled up the one before Becher's second time."
- Phil Kinsella (Brooklyn Brownie, fell at 2nd): "All sorts of things go through your head as you watch them gallop away from you. He was great down to the first and met it lovely and gave me a lot of confidence, but he didn't meet the second as well and that was that."
- Robbie Power (Silver Birch, fell at 22nd): "It is disappointing, he just got a bit too close to Becher's, caught the top and just couldn't get his front end out. But the old lad was travelling really well and jumping for fun and he ran a big race."
- Richard Johnson (Parsons Legacy, fell at 22nd): "I wish I hadn't fallen. He was dead right, but it was too far out to tell where we might have finished."
- Barry Geraghty (Golden Flight, fell at 1st): "That was a bit of an anti-climax."
- Sam Thomas (Eurotrek, pulled up before 17th): "We were never going well and pulled up after the water."
- Tom O'Brien (Zabenz, fell at 16th): "We fell at the water. Until then we were going fine."
- Paddy Brennan (Knowhere, pulled up before 25th): "All I've got to report is that he was never travelling."
- David England (Fundamentalist, pulled up before 21st): "He was good. He ran well and jumped very well, even though he was a big outsider. I pulled him just before Becher's second time, but he's run really well for an old lad."
- Noel Fehily (Can't Buy Time, fell at 18th): "He just got in a bit deep. He jumped well up to that point.
- Andrew Tinkler (Fleet Street, unseated rider at 18th): "We went a circuit and a bit, then he hit a fence really hard and unseated me. He'd given me a fair ride up to then but we were middle to back and going nowhere."
- Sam Waley-Cohen (Ollie Magern, fell at 2nd): "He just got in under it, didn't get high enough, and couldn't get his landing gear down."
- Aidan Coleman (Stan, fell at 7th): "He didn't enjoy himself and fell at Foinavon."
- Robert Thornton (L'Ami, pulled up before last): "He gave me a great ride, but just didn't get home and I pulled him up."
- Derek Laverty (Kelami, pulled up before 22nd): "He gave me a great spin. They went a great gallop early doors and I was handy, but he is an old horse and began to feel the pinch on the second circuit. I noticed three horses disappear at Becher's and thought it best to pull him up. We were someway behind."
- Emmet Mullins (Chelsea Harbour, fell at 2nd): "He got his back up too high and came down too steeply. But he is grand and so I am. I am looking forward to next time."
- Jason Maguire (Cloudy Lane, unseated at The Chair): "He landed on the fence, but that is the National isn't it? I couldn't have been happier up to that point because he was jumping so well."
- Paddy Flood (Himalayan Trail, fell at 1st): "We didn't get very far did we!"
- Mark Walsh (Reveillez, brought down at the 3rd): "It was disappointing to (only) get as far as the third, but he is a nice horse."
- Philip Carberry (Musica Bella, fell at 12th): "She just got a bit close got her hind legs caught and flipped. She is unlucky, she was jumping quite well up to then."
Tony McCoy was the most experienced rider in the race for the third consecutive year, having taken over from Carl Llewellyn after the 2006 race, though he had previously shared the honour with Mick Fitzgerald
Mick Fitzgerald
Mick Fitzgerald is an Irish National Hunt jockey who rode mainly in Great Britain. He has ridden the winners of the Grand National, on Rough Quest in 1996, and the Cheltenham Gold Cup on See More Business in 1999. He was the stable jockey for Nicky Henderson and was leading jockey at the...
and Paul Carberry
Paul Carberry
Paul Carberry is an Irish National Hunt jockey.- Background :He was born on 9 February 1974. He hails from a racing family. He is the son of jockey Tommy Carberry, who was a famous National Hunt jockey in the 1960s and 1970s. His uncle is Arthur Moore, one of Ireland's leading National Hunt trainers...
. McCoy was having his fourteenth ride in the race, joining an exclusive club of just thirteen riders to have reached that landmark, however he also shared the unwanted record with Jeff King of being the only two riders among the thirteen not to have won or been runner-up in any of their fourteen rides.
Eight riders made their Grand National debut, including Liam Treadwell, the twenty-second rider to win at the first attempt and the second in the 21st century. Paul Townend and Philip Enright also completed the course while at the other extreme, Phil Kinsella got no further than the second fence. Emmett Mullins, Mark Walsh, James Revely and Derek Lavery also took their first rides in the race.