The 2013 Grand National: Five great Aintree upsets

Few sporting events grip the entire nation quite like the Grand National as a TV audience of millions will tune in on Saturday afternoon to watch the action at Aintree unfold – with many people hoping a long shot comes good and nets them a bumper pay-out. 

Part of the National’s broad appeal is the huge field, which is always made up of big names, veterans and newcomers, not to mention rank outsiders seen as no-hopers who want to upset the odds.

The public love an upset – and over the years the National has produced quite a few.

Runners with odds of 33/1 or greater are at best seen as each-way chances, but in such a difficult race, if favourites fall early, those who stay have every chance of pulling off a shock.

The National is such a hard race to predict: with so many runners and obstacles, just about anything happen that might let an outsider come good.

There’s also a chance that an unfancied horse and jockey could run the race of their lives, dazzled by the £500,000-plus first prize.

National upsets tend to live long in the memory, but what are the chances of another one happening this year?

Head over to find out the latest odds here and read on to re-live some of the greatest shocks in Grand National history.

Foinavon (1967)

Foinavon was a 100/1 rank outsider before the race started – just finishing the race was meant to be an achievement. However, a melee late on in the race gifted him the opportunity to seal a surprise victory, being etched in Grand National history forever and there is even a fence named after Foinavon at Aintree.

Mon Mome (2009)

It was four years ago that another 100/1 shot managed to win despite not being given a prayer. With Liam Tredwell as jockey, Mon Mome gave a few brave punters and neutrals plenty to smile about, and is proof that not giving up can reap plenty of rewards. The 13-year-old retired this week before the race that made him a household name.

Silver Birch (2007)

A 33/1 shot, Silver Birch was seen by some as a decent outsider but nothing more and the win proved a milestone moment for rookie trainer Gordon Elliott, who was just 29 at the time of his National success. Victory ensure Elliott became the youngest trainer to win the race.

Neptune Collonges (2012)

Plucky Neptune Collonges was 33/1 before the start of the race and performed far better than his form suggested. Since pulling off the win of a lifetime, he then retired only to make an unlikely entry into the world of dressage!

Last Suspect (1985)

Having privileged backing in the form of the late Duchess of Westminster Anne Grosvenor, Last Suspect was 50/1 to win and she also owned fellow surprise National winner Foinavon. As for the race, a late surge saw him propel jockey Hywel Davies to stardom.