The greatest horse racing jockeys The greatest horse racing jockeys Updated on November 7, 2011 PAT TAAFFE One of the finest jump jockeys to be produced in Ireland, Pat Taaffe came from a well-known racing family, his brother 'Tos' being almost as successful over fences in Ireland. Pat won two Aintree Grand Nationals (Quare Times in 1955 and Gay Trip in 1970). Pat Taaffe will always be associated with the Duchess of Westminster’s celebrated Arkle, who dominated theCheltenham Gold Cup scene with a triple victory in the years 1964-66. And in particular for their epic battles with the Irish-bred Mill House starting in 1964 at Cheltenham when Mill House started odds—on favourite after his victory the previous year. In a field of only four runners, Pat Taaffe waited until the second last fence before letting Arkle, then only a seven year old, sweep by to win by five lengths. Pat Taaffe goes over a fence on Arkle The rivalry was renewed the following year but this time Arkle thrashed the giant Mill House by 20 lengths.

The following year the winning margin was 30 lengths when the Duchess of Westminster’s champion beat Dorrnant in another four-horse 'procession’. As a jockey Pat Taaffe also won many other important chases at home and in England, including the King George VI Chase at Kempton, and the S.G.B. Chase at Ascot, both on Arkle, numerous Irish Grand Nationals as well as practically every other major race in K the Irish jumping calendar. FRED WINTER A superb horseman and a brilliant tactician, Fred Winter is believed by many to have been the finest National Hunt jockey of all time. Over a long but remarkably trouble-free career Fred Winter won just about every major prize in National Hunt racing, including two Grand Nationals (Sundew in 1957 and Kilmore in 1962) as well as two Cheltenham Gold Cups and three Champion Hurdles. But one of his greatest feats of horsernanship was his riding of Mandarin to win the Grand Steeple de Paris at Auteuil after the bit broke in his horse's mouth, leaving Fred Winter without brakes or steering.

More equestrian hubs Red Rum: The greatest Grand National racehorse of all time It was only after a chance encounter in a taxi that Red Rum was bought and began his racing life training on the beach with Ginger McCain. But in a truly amazing story he went on to be the most successful racehorse at Aintree of all time with three w Katie Price, Madonna, Tara Palmer-Tomkinson, Deborah Meaden are among celebrity horse riders. See pictures of them here with their beloved animals. BRYAN MARSHALL Bryan Marshall was one of the great jump jockeys in an era of greats like Martin and Tim Molony, but his greatest claim to fame will always be his dual victories in the 1953 and 1954 Grand Nationals on Early Mist and Royal Tan. A very strong and determined race-rider as well as a brilliant horseman, Bryan was one of only a handful of jockeys ever to win the National in successive years. STAN MELLOR Noted for the fierce determination and enormous courage which took him to over 1000 National Hunt winners in a great career, Stan Mellor started out as a talented amateur jockey before finally tuming professional.

But perhaps his most memorable win was with the brilliant grey Stalbridge Colonist when they beat the great Arkle in the 1966 Hennessey Gold Cup at Newbury. Coming to the second last, Arkle made one of his spectacular leaps but so did Stalbridge Colonist. With Arkle a length in front at the last, Stan Mellor gathered up the grey horse (‘the bravest horse I have ever known' he recalls) and riding like a demon, he pushed Stalbridge Colonist ahead at the line to win by half a length. FRED ARCHER Born 1857. While illiterate, he was a brilliant horseman and became the greatest jockey of the 19th Century. During his successful career he won 2,748 races, winning the St. Leger six times, the Derby five times, the 2,000 Guineas four times and the 1,000 Guineas twice. Throughout his career he was continually troubled by weight problems and took his own life while in a depressed state in 1886 at the age of 29.

STEVE DONOGHUE Born 1884.He became a household name during the 1920s and won fourteen classics before his retirement in 1937. Among the horses he partnered was the legendary Brown jack and possibly the fastest horse seen in England the Tetrarch. SIR GORDON RICHARDS Bom 1904. He became British Champion for the first time in 1925 and went on to win the title no fewer than 26 times before his career was cut short following a bad fall in 1954. During his career he rode 4,870 winners, 269 of these in one season, which remains a record to this day. His classic successes include the 2,000 Guineas and 1,000 Guineas three times, the Oaks twice, the St. Leger five times and nearing the end of his career in 1953 he finally won the Derby on Pinza. When he retired from the saddle, he became a trainer for a while and then racing manager to Lady Beaverbrook. CHARLIE SMIRKE Born 1906.

An outstanding rider in the English classics, Smirke won the 2,000) Guineas on My Babu (1948) and Palestine (1950) ; the 1,000 Guineas (1957) on Rose Royale II ; the Derby on Windsor Lad (1934), Mahmoud (1936) in the record time of 2 minutes 33 4/5 seconds, a record that still stands Tulyar (1952) and Hard Ridden (1958) ; and the St. Leger on Windsor Lad (1934), Bahram (1935), Tulyar (1952) and Never Say Die (1954). WILLIE CARSON Bom 1942. He became champion jockey in 1972 and retained his title the following year. A natural lightweight and this coupled with his retainer with the powerful Bemard van Cutsem stable helped him in his quest for the championship. He went on to be retained by Major Dick Hem and won the Oaks in 1977 for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth on Dunfermline.

ARTHUR ‘SCOBIE’ BREASLEY Bom 1914. He came to ride in Europe late in his career, having already ridden over 1,000 winners in Australia. He won the Sydney Cup twice and Caulfield Cup four times. Invited to Britain in 1950 he rode for Noel Cannon’s stable and quickly established himself as a superb judge of pace with a preference for waiting tactics. His first classic success was on Ki Ming in the 1951 2,000 Guineas. He rode Festoon to victory in the 1954 1,000 Guineas and had two Derby wins, in 1964 on Santa Claus and two years later on Charlottown. A champion jockey on four occasions, he enjoyed his best season in 1962 with 179 winners.He retired from the saddle in 1968,having ridden 2,161 winners in Britain. SANDY HAWLEY Born 1949, in Canada.

He quickly made his mark on United States racing scene and leading rider in 1970, 1972, 1973 and 1976.In 1973 he broke Willie Shoemaker's 20-year-old record of 485 winners in one season by scoring 515 times, although that total was bettered the following year by Chris McCarron. As well as top rider for winners the previous season, Hawley also set a record for prize money won in one year. A victory on Moonlight jig at Aqueduct gave a total of 4,254,112 dollars, passing the previous best of 4,251,060 dollars established by Laffit Pincay in 1974. Hawley also won the Washington International at Laurel for the years on French horses, Nobiliary (1975) and Youth (1976) both of were owned by Nelson Bunker and trained by Maurice Zilber.

EDGAR BRITT Born 1913, one of the first of the many Australian jockeys to ride in Britain in the late 1940s, he rode mainly in the North of England for Captain Charles Elsey. He completed a double in 1949, winning the 1,000 Guineas and the Oaks on Musidora. His other classic wins, before retiring in 1959, were the 1,000 Guineas in 1956, 2,000 Guineas in 1953 and the St. Leger twice - on Sayajirao in 1947 and Black Tarquin in 1948. He retired and ran a stud farm in Australia. PAT EDDERY Bom March 18th, 1952. Son of former Irish jockey, Jimmy Eddery. This talented young rider was champion jockey in Britain three times, forming a successful partnership with one of the country's leading trainers, Peter Walwyn.

Served his apprenticeship with trainer 'Frenchie' Nicholson and rode his first winner, Alvaro, at Epsom, April, 1969. In 1974 became champion jockey for the first time and gained his first classic victory, on Polygamy in the Oaks. 1975 proved a vintage season for him. He retained his championship with a personal best score of 164 winners, and landed the Derby, Irish 2,000 Guineas and Derby and King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes on Dr. Carlo Vittadinfs Grundy. Quickly established as a top international jockey he had all the attributes for a great rider. He had perfect balance and good understanding of a horse, a fluency of finish, and in style and natural ability was on more than one occasion been compared with the legendary Steve Donoghue. LESTER PIGGOTT Born November, 5th, 1935, son of trainer Keith Piggott. One of the finest jockeys Britain has ever produced.

By the lat 70s he had been champion jockey nine times — including an unbroken run from 1964 until he was dethroned by Willie Carson in 1972. Started as an apprentice to his father and rode his first winner at the age of 13. First classic win came five years later when he rode Never Say Die to victory in the 1953 Derby and has 23 classic victories so far to his credit. Won the Derby eight times - a record for the race - the St. Leger seven times, the Oaks four times, the 2,000 Guineas three times and the 1,000 Guineas once. Among the great horses he has ridden are Nijinsky, who landed the Triple Crown 2,000 Guineas, Derby and St.

Leger in 1970; the Noel Murless-trained Crepello, winner of the 1957 2,000 Guineas and Derby, Sir Ivor, winner of the 1968 2,000 Guineas and Derby, who went on to gain success the same season in the Washington International. He also won the same race the following year on Karabas, but had to wait until 1973 before winning his first Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe on Rheingold. He became a freelance jockey after 1967 and was very much part of the international scene, frequently riding in France and Ireland, mainly for the big Vincent O'Brien stable. His minimum riding weight was 8 st 6 lb. Many racing experts consider him the greatest jockey ever. He has the perfect temperament for the big occasion, is a master tactician, good judge of pace, has excellent timing and a strong finish.

WILLIE SHOEMAKER Born August, 19th, 1931.A legend in racing history, he became the most prolific winning jockey of all time in 1970 when landing his 6,032nd success, beating the previous best set by johnny Lorlgden. Only 4 ft. 11 in. tall and weighing 100 lb., ‘The Shoe', as he was affectionately known, must be the smallest of all the big-time riders. Brought up in Texas he started his riding career at the age of 14 by joining trainer George Reeves. He attributed part of his success to the fact that he was given an old-fashioned apprenticeship, leaming all the duties of a stable lad as well as the art of jockeyship. His first victory was on Shafter V at San Francisco’s Golden Gate Fields racetrack on April 20th, 1949. His services were soon in demand and in 1953 rode a then record 485 winners. On three occasions he was national champion, but favoured the Californian tracks and rode a lot for trainer Charlie Whittingham.

Only once rode in Europe when he finished fifth on Tom Rolfe in the 1967 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp. In later life he bace a multirnillionaire he confined his riding to California and in March, 1976 at the Santa Anita track gained his 7,000th success. YVES SAINT-MARTIN Bom at Agen, in September 1941. The pin-up jockey of French racing had a spectacular rise to fame and was idolised by the French racing public. He started as apprentice to Chantilly trainer Francois Mathet in 1955. Rode first winner at Le Tremblay, july 26th, 1958. Leading jockey in France at the age of 18 and was French champion 13 times including an uninterrupted run from 1962 to 1969. Soon established himself as an intemational star, winning the 1962 Washington International on Match III and landing his first British classic, the 1962 Oaks on Monade. The following year claimed the Derby on Relko.

Had a lucrative retainer now with intemational art dealer and racehorse owner Daniel Wildenstein and trainer Angel Penna.A highlight of his career came in 1974 when he rode the great filly Allez France to victory in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. His talents as a jockey can be derived from natural physique and temperament, but above all his greatest quality was consistency. FREDDIE HEAD Bom June, 19th, 1947. One of the outstanding French jockeys, he started as an apprentice to his father, trainer Alec Head, and rode s his first winner at Fontainebleau, on April 13th, 1964. Gained a notable success in the 1966 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe on Bon Mot III. Also won this big event on Countess Battya.ny's San San in 1972 and jacques Wertheimer’s vanjica in 1976. In 1969 he completed the Prix jockey-Club and Grand Prix de Paris double on Goodly and Chaparral.

Very much a rider for the big occasion, he also won the Prix du Jockey Club in 1973 on Roi Lear, 1975 on Val de l'Orne, and 1976 on Nelson Bunker Hunt’s horse, Youth. He had a big following in France where he had been champion jockey twice, but this forceful and determined rider was never as effective when riding abroad. External related links Grand National: Pinstickers' guide to the Aintree runners and riders - BBC Sport BBC Sport Grand National: Pinstickers' guide to the Aintree runners and riders By Frank Keogh From the section Horse Racing Share this page 16:15 BST Coverage: Commentary on BBC Radio 5 live, online and mobile devices. Live text commentary on BBC Sport website. Channel 4 TV Frank Keogh's verdict: 1 Imperial Commander 2 Cappa Bleu 3 Teaforthree 4 Always Waining 5 Treacle Imperial Commander would be an emotional winner for the team who lost Little Josh to a fatal fall on Friday. Cappa Bleu and Always Waining love the place, Teaforthree should see out trip and Treacle was my pick last year.

Good luck to all. (Number, form, name, age, weight, trainer, jockey) 1 51U/1P/-2 IMPERIAL COMMANDER 12-11-10 Nigel Twiston-Davies Sam Twiston-Davies Trainer and son were devastated on Friday after their much-loved racehorse Little Josh died after a fall in a race over the National fences. They will regroup to prepare stable star Imperial Commander, who won the 2010 Cheltenham Gold Cup, in which Denman and Kauto Star were rivals. Returned from long injury lay-off when second at Cheltenham in January. Missed Gold Cup in March with infection but has been thriving at home since. Sam, 20, rides for his father, who won with Earth Summit (1998) and Bindaree (2002). Rating: 9/10 Odds: 14-1 2 P/33F0-0 WHAT A FRIEND 10-11-09 Paul Nicholls Sam Thomas A victory at Liverpool for Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson?

He co-owns the horse who has won another race at the Aintree meeting previously. Unlike Fergie's title-bound team, What A Friend (one of two in the race for the Scot) has been out of form although should appreciate drying ground and was once fourth in a Cheltenham Gold Cup. Rating: 7/10 Odds: 50-1 3 3PF-4PP WEIRD AL 10-11-08 Donald McCain Timmy Murphy Another who has decent form in the book, albeit from a few seasons ago. Boasts a formidable trainer-jockey combination. Trainer won the 2011 National with Ballabriggs and is son of the late Ginger who guided the legendary Red Rum to three victories and landed the race with Amberleigh House in 2004. Jockey won on Comply Or Die for David Pipe five years ago.

Rating: 6/10 Odds: 40-1 4 1113-04 QUEL ESPRIT 9-11-07 Willie Mullins IRE David Casey Irish champion trainer, whose current stable stars include champion hurdler Hurricane Fly and Cheltenham Gold Cup runner-up Sir Des Champs, won the National in 2005 with Hedgehunter. Quel Esprit's win in the 2012 Irish Hennessy reads well, but stablemate On His Own is clearly the number one candidate for Mullins, whose all-time sporting hero, just as an aside, is Brazilian football great Pele. Rating: 6/10 Odds: 50-1 5 40/-U312 BIG FELLA THANKS 11-11-06 Tom George Denis O'Regan Has finished fourth, sixth and seventh in previous Nationals. In decent form this season, and while weight is a concern, one of the more interesting bigger-priced runners. Named after a greyhound, and not as some think the racing broadcaster Derek Thompson, who is fond of the greeting 'All right Big Fella'.

Formerly with Ferdy Murphy, now trained in Gloucestershire. Rating: 7/10 Odds: 40-1 6 1113-23 SEABASS 10-11-06 Ted Walsh IRE Katie Walsh Remember the film National Velvet where Elizabeth Taylor played a young female jockey who won the Grand National? Couldn't happen in real life, could it? Don't bet against it. Katie is an amateur in name only, a brilliant rider who achieved best finish by a lady rider in National when third on Seabass last year. Her trainer dad Ted won the race in 2000 with Papillon, ridden by her brother Ruby. Fairytale stuff. Rating: 8/10 Odds: 10-1 7 0-1U355 ROBERTO GOLDBACK 11-11-06 Nicky Henderson Barry Geraghty Brought to the UK from Ireland to be specifically trained for this race by the astute Henderson yard.

Trainer has never won the race, but has a legion of top steeplechasers, including last month's Champion Chase winner Sprinter Sacre, who also won the Melling Chase at Aintree on Friday, and Cheltenham Gold Cup victor Bobs Worth. I don't think Roberto Goldback will win, but some other judges think he is a leading player. Rating: 6/10 Odds: 33-1 8 P012-5P SUNNYHILLBOY 10-11-04 Jonjo O'Neill Richie McLernon Narrowest runner-up in Grand National history last year when just edged out by winner Neptune Collonges by a nose - after a demanding four and a half miles over 30 testing fences. Has more weight this year and champion jockey AP McCoy has elected to ride Colbert Station instead for Ted Walsh. Both are among horses owned by JP McManus, who pays the champ's wages.

Rating: 7/10 Odds: 16-1 9 1/46-P03 BALLABRIGGS 12-11-04 Donald McCain Jason Maguire Impressive winner of the 2011 National for Donald McCain, son of Aintree legend Ginger, who triumphed three times with Red Rum in the 1970s and again with Amberleigh House in 2004. Ginger, a colourful character who vigorously defended the supreme challenge that this unique contest provides, died five months after the win by Ballabriggs who was sixth last year and could compete for a minor place. Rating: 7/10 Odds: 16-1 10 11-0620 TEAFORTHREE 9-11-03 Rebecca Curtis Nick Scholfield While 500 million people worldwide focus on the Grand National, Teaforthree's one-time jockey John Thomas McNamara is paralysed in hospital after a fall at last month's Cheltenham Festival. The distinguished Irish amateur rode the horse to victory in the four-miler at the 2012 Festival.

Trained in Wales, was second in Welsh National and would be a poignant winner as racing's thoughts remain with JT and his family. Rating: 8/10 Odds: 14-1 11 3-11201 ACROSS THE BAY 9-11-02 Donald McCain Henry Brooke Gone a bit under the radar this one for shrewd National-winning trainer (Ballabriggs 2011). Beat leading contender Cappa Bleu, who may not have been at his best that day, out of sight earlier in the season. Owned by the Scotch Piper Syndicate. Will they be piping up after another McCain winner? Not in my top five, but three wins this season tell you he might be in the mix. Rating: 7/10 Odds: 33-1 12 1P3-02P JOIN TOGETHER 8-11-02 Paul Nicholls Daryl Jacob Champion trainer Paul Nicholls is getting the hang of this Grand National lark.

After 53 attempts, including a couple of near misses, he finally won the world's most famous horse race last year when the galloping grey Neptune Collonges won in a photo finish. Last year's winning jockey takes the ride and the pair are respected. Nicholls told me on Monday this was his best chance in this year's contest. Rating: 7/10 Odds: 16-1 13 413-5211 COLBERT STATION 9-11-01 Ted Walsh IRE AP McCoy Now this is where it gets interesting. Trainer Ted Walsh, the highly respected pundit and equine expert, knows how to get horses ready. He prepared Papillon to win in 2000 and has two leading contenders this year - Seabass and Colbert Station. Daughter Katie rides the former and 17-times champion jockey McCoy is on the latter. McCoy won National in 2010 on Don't Push It for Jonjo O'Neill and is a fascinating jockey booking.

Rating: 7/10 Odds: 9-1 14 2P1536 FORPADYDEPLASTERER 11-11-00 Thomas Cooper IRE Andrew J McNamara Consortium of owners include folk who once owned Sunderland FC. In their red and white scarves, the band of Irish racing fans sometimes sing 'Forpadydeplasterer, they never go fasterer.' Maybe even when they are, er, a bit plastered. A high-quality steeplechaser in his prime. Possibly not the force of old, and stamina question, but no forlorn hope. Rating: 7/10 Odds: 66-1 15 P1/B1F-1 ON HIS OWN 9-11-00 Willie Mullins IRE Ruby Walsh Have to be honest - he's ante-post favourite for a reason and I'm taking a huge punt by leaving him out of the selections. Anyone can tip the favourite and it is the Grand National where luck plays a big part. Trainer believes he is a better horse than his 2005 winner Hedgehunter, and he was top drawer.

Jockey is one of the all-time greats. He may well be out on his own, although fell late on last year when travelling ominously well. Rating: 8/10 Odds: 7-1 16 0-35233 JONCOL 10-10-13 Paul Nolan IRE Robbie Power Bare recent form figures don't have too many 1s in there. However, handicapper has given him a shout with handy weight of less than 11st. Previous winner of the Irish Hennessy Gold Cup. Jockey Robbie Power, who is nicknamed 'Puppy', comes from an equestrian family - dad Con was a top showjumper. Robbie won the 2007 Grand National on Silver Birch for trainer Gordon Elliott. Rating: 7/10 Odds: 50-1 17 P0F1-12 BALTHAZAR KING 9-10-12 Philip Hobbs Richard Johnson Outstanding performer at Cheltenham where his cross-country chase win at the course's Festival in 2012 is a very solid piece of form.

Somerset trainer Hobbs and serial jockeys' title runner-up Johnson (second many times to AP McCoy) are an excellent partnership. The likeable pair nearly landed a maiden Grand National win with the grey What's Up Boys, beaten into second by Bindaree in 2002. Rating: 7/10 Odds: 16-1 18 1334-22 CAPPA BLEU 11-10-11 Evan Williams Paul Moloney As close as you'll get to an each-way banker in a race where you expect the unexpected. Fourth last year and Welsh trainer previously had his State Of Play placed three times in the Grand National. He thinks Cappa Bleu is in even better shape this year. Can see him being in the shake-up, although not quite having enough to win. Rating: 8/10 Odds: 10-1 19 2/4-4U60 OSCAR TIME 12-10-11 Martin Lynch IRE Sam Waley-Cohen Ran a blinder for amateur jockey when second in the 2011 Grand National.

Rider is an expert in getting horses to thrive in this demanding setting with wins in three other races over the big Aintree fences, plus three seconds. Was also fifth on Liberthine in the 2007 National, a year after winning on the mare in the Topham Chase. Oscar not in the form of two years ago, but likes the Liverpool air. Rating: 6/10 Odds: 66-1 20 44001-00 ALWAYS WAINING 12-10-10 Peter Bowen Tom O'Brien Huge price for a horse that has won three times over the Grand National fences. Yes, you heard that right, a triple winner over the big obstacles. His victories in the Topham Chase came over much shorter distance, but drying ground could help in the stamina department. Pembrokeshire trainer has often had him entered in the National itself - this year he gets his chance to shine.

Rating: 8/10 Odds: 40-1 21 15U-606 TATENEN 9-10-10 Richard Rowe Andrew Thornton The more people you speak to, the more your head gets fried with all the information. Anyway, owner Andy Stewart told me earlier in week Tatenen is overpriced. He was a little put out when I told him he would not be featuring in my first five. Jockey approaching veteran stage is known as 'Lenzio'. He wears contact lenses, you see. Trainer used to ride for the late Josh Gifford, who brought Aldaniti back from serious injury to win 1981 National. Rating: 6/10 Odds: 66-1 22 423F-01 TREACLE 12-10-09 Tom Taaffe IRE Noel Fehily My tip last year tipped up.

Win last time out was encouraging for trainer, who landed Cheltenham Gold Cup with Kicking King in 2005, and is the son of the late Pat Taaffe - best known for his rides on the legendary 1960s steeplechaser Arkle. Pat rode two Grand National winners - Quare Times (1955) and top weight Gay Trip (1970). I'm not as sweet on Treacle this year, but it would leave a sour taste if he went well unsupported, so he goes in at number five. Rating: 7/10 Odds: 66-1 23 011611 LOST GLORY 8-10-08 Jonjo O'Neill Mark Walsh The horse, bred in New Zealand (like previous winners Seagram - 1991 - and Lord Gyllene - 1997), is trained in Gloucestershire by Jonjo O'Neill, whose stable is bankrolled by JP McManus.

The team won with Don't Push It, ridden by AP McCoy, in 2010 and the yard's Sunnyhillboy was a narrow second in the 2012 race in which stablemate and Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Synchronised died. Scored a few wins much earlier in the season, but in lower grade races. Rating: 5/10 Odds: 50-1 24 P-P1440 SWING BILL 12-10-08 David Pipe Conor O'Farrell Pipe family have a great affection for the big race. Trainer David Pipe won with Comply or Die in 2008, while his father Martin oversaw the 1994 victory of Miinnehoma, owned by comedian Freddie Starr. Can't see them celebrating this time with the grey who has run all right over the fences in the Becher Chase, but doubt Swing Bill will pay the bills.

Rating: 5/10 Odds: 66-1 25 U01-F430 SAINT ARE 7-10-08 Tim Vaughan Dougie Costello Likes Aintree - has won a hurdle race and steeplechase at the track, albeit not on the National course. Fell in the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury earlier in the season, and horses aged just seven do not have a great record in the big race here. Bred in France by Jaques Cypres, whose farm produced the 1994 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner The Fellow. Rating: 5/10 Odds: 66-1 26 B-0U631 CHICAGO GREY 10-10-07 Gordon Elliott IRE Paul Carberry My auntie played bingo for a good while with the Irish trainer's gran over in County Meath. You'd think he would give me the odd tip. Still waiting. He did tell me on Friday the horse was well. After winning the National in 2007 with Silver Birch, Elliott said he would drink a barrel of his country's favourite drink.

Suspect he might have got through two. Jockey won in 1999 on Bobbyjo for trainer father Tommy Carberry. Rating: 8/10 Odds: 14-1 27 010F-605 QUISCOVER FONTAINE 9-10-07 Willie Mullins IRE David Casey Fourth in the 2011 Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse behind winner Organisedconfusion. Runners from the Mullins yard always deserve respect, particularly in this race off a relatively low weight. However, is not the stable's main hope and has not shone so far this season. Rating: 5/10 Odds: 40-1 28 3B0-643 RARE BOB 11-10-06 Dessie Hughes IRE Bryan Cooper Jockey rated as a potential future champion, some calling him 'the next Ruby Walsh'. Trainer another of those from a great Irish racing family - his son Richard is the current champion Flat jockey in the UK. The selection of 1981 Grand National-winning jockey Bob Champion, who beat cancer to win on Aldaniti.

Champion says he is not backing Rare Bob just for the name. He sounded fairly bullish. Rating: 7/10 Odds: 20-1 29 04-311P4 THE RAINBOW HUNTER 9-10-06 Kim Bailey Aidan Coleman Trained in Gloucestershire by Kim Bailey, who won the Grand National in 1990 with Mr Frisk, the last horse to win under an amateur jockey - Marcus Armytage, now a racing journalist with the Daily Telegraph. The Rainbow Hunter's owners include Oli Bell, a presenter for Racing UK, who tells me he has a good each-way shout on the drying ground. Jockey rode Mon Mome in 2008 National but picked another when horse won at 100-1 a year later. Rating: 7/10 Odds: 66-1 30 F-63PP5 BECAUSEICOULDNTSEE 10-10-06 Noel Glynn IRE Martin Ferris Possibly an unlucky faller in the 2012 National.

Said I couldn't see Becauseicouldntsee winning last year and I still can't see it this time round. Owned by trainer whose yard in the beautiful setting of Ennis in County Clare benefits from the wisdom of assistant Jason Titley, winning jockey in 1995 on Royal Athlete, trained by Jenny Pitman. Rating: 5/10 Odds: 50-1 31) 12P-P00 HARRY THE VIKING 8-10-06 Paul Nicholls Ryan Mahon Bookmakers say this is likely to be a popular each-way selection as there are quite a few Harrys out there these days. A second runner in this year's race for co-owner Sir Alex Ferguson, who also has a share in What A Friend and is big pals with champion trainer Paul Nicholls. Was second in Cheltenham four-miler last year behind Teaforthree but a little out of sorts since.

Rating: 6/10 Odds: 50-1 32) 2360264 MR MOONSHINE (IRE) 9-10-05 Sue Smith Peter Buchanan Decent second at Wetherby over the festive period to the useful Cape Tribulation, who was fifth in last month's Cheltenham Gold Cup. Little else to get over-excited about. Trained by Sue Smith, the wife of former showjumper Harvey who caused a stir with a V-sign a long time ago. Will it be V for victory this time? V unlikely. Rating: 5/10 Odds: 66-1 33) 1133FP MUMBLES HEAD (IRE) 12-10-04 Peter Bowen Jamie Moore Scored two nice wins at Perth in the summer of 2012, although has been less prolific away from the Scottish track. Fell at the first when trailing in the Becher Chase over the National fences at Aintree in December. Welsh trainer appears to have a more dangerous challenger in Always Waining.

Rating: 5/10 Odds: 100-1 34) 3F6042 NINETIETH MINUTE (IRE) 10-10-03 Tom Taaffe Niall Madden Some jokers have suggested this one should be owned by Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson. Won the 2009 Coral Cup over hurdles at Cheltenham. Has won just once over fences for Irish trainer Tom Taaffe. Jockey Niall "Slippers" Madden won the 2006 National on Numbersixvalverde. Last time I tipped the winner. Good lad. His dad was known as "Boots". It's a long story. Rating: 6/10 Odds: 66-1 35) 0P45F5 AURORAS ENCORE (IRE) 11-10-03 Sue Smith Ryan Mania Intriguing one this. Close second, beaten a neck by Merigo, in the 2012 Scottish Grand National having fallen at the first in the race two years earlier. Has been very disappointing this season so far.

A win for the jockey would give headline writers something to conjure with, although I can't think of one myself. Rating: 6/10 Odds: 66-1 36) P11420 TARQUINIUS (FR) 10-10-02 Gordon Elliott IRE Wilson Renwick Trainer (see Chicago Grey) comes from a family of bingo players. Suspect his eyes will be down mainly looking at the shorter-priced stablemate, although a very decent second in a good trial, the Thyestes Chase at Gowran Park, offers encouragement. Disappointing in Leinster National last time and that one little duck, combined with a possible preference for heavier ground, makes others appeal more. Rating: 6/10 Odds: 100-1 37) 614U40 ANY CURRENCY (IRE) 10-10-00 Martin Keighley Ian Popham Stamina is the forte of this horse owned by the Cash Is King Syndicate, so called because of the horse's name.

Does he need heavier ground to bring this into play, as when third to Tidal Bay in the Bet365 Gold Cup (formerly the Whitbread) at Sandown in April 2012? Unseated jockey Aidan Coleman at the Canal Turn in Becher Chase on heavy going at Aintree in December, although trainer believes he will jump better in these drier conditions. Rating: 6/10 Odds: 100-1 38) 2P-265P MAJOR MALARKEY (IRE) 10-9-13 Nigel Twiston-Davies Tom Scudamore You can't argue with the name - classic. Bits and pieces of decent form, such as when runner-up in the Midlands National in March 2012. His sire (dad to you and me) Supreme Leader was also responsible for 2002 National runner-up What's Up Boys. The trainer we know about (see Imperial Commander) and the rider is the son of former champion jump jockey Peter.

Rating: 6/10 Odds: 200-1 39) 621B-001 SOLL 8-9-12 Jo Hughes Mark Grant Top Racing Post writer Alastair Down, who has had the pleasure of sitting next to me all meeting in the media centre, likes this one as an each-way prospect. Unlucky when brought down in race won by Teaforthree at Cheltenham last year. Now with up-and-coming Lambourn trainer. Might be one for football supporters of a certain persuasion if they think of former England defender Sol Campbell, I suppose. Rating: 6/10 Odds: 66-1 40) 023P25 VIKING BLOND (FR) 8-9-11 Nigel Twiston-Davies Adam Wedge Went off at 80-1 last year and fell at the first. Had been favourite for the 2011 Welsh National at Chepstow but was pulled up. More encouraging fifth in the Grand National Trial at Haydock in February. Trainer has the top weight and bottom weight. Suggest you look a little higher up the list.

Rating: 5/10 Odds: 66-1 Colm Murray's Grand National Preview Colm Murray's Grand National Preview Updated / April 14, 2012 15:35 "I think Shalakakaboomboom has the profile of a horse that could shape up into a Grand National winner" by Colm Murray Even for people with absolutely no knowledge of racing, the Grand National has a special sense of appeal. It is the most famous steeplechase in the world and this Saturday, as in years gone by, it will be beamed right around the globe to millions of people who will follow the action fence by fence over every yard of the gruelling four-and-a-half mile marathon. Renowned for its thrills and spills, the National is the one race which appeals to the once-a-year punter who likes to have a monetary interest in the big steeplechase spectacular. Everywhere, in homes, offices, hospitals and workplaces, people run their own sweep and get involved in the fun end of it by cheering for whichever horse they draw.

So, all in all it is a race which goes far beyond the confines of racing itself and makes not only the sporting headlines, but also the news headlines as well. I became entranced by the Grand National at an early age. My first memory of following the race with interest was in 1960, the first year the event was televised by the BBC. We didn’t have a television at home but I remember a whole gang of us congregating in a neighbour’s house where we were in awe of the snowy images flickering on the screen before us. The wonderful Peter O’Sullevan, aided by other commentators, described the action as it unfolded with horses crashing out of the race at a rate of knots. At the end of it all, there was to be no Irish winner as Merryman and jockey Gerry Scott came home well clear of the few remaining survivors in that year’s National. Later on, our own great commentator Micheal O’Hehir became a key member of the BBC team. It was he who spotted Foinaven and jockey Johnny Buckingham emerging from the melee at the 23rd fence. The pile-up there was unbelievable and the entire race looked to be in chaos.

However the undistinguished Foinavon, formerly trained in Ireland by the legendary Tom Dreaper for Anne, Duchess of Westminster and owner of the great Arkle, went on to win that 1967 renewal of the great race at odds of 100/1. All through the 60s and the early 70s, jockey Pat Taaffe was my hero. I always followed him and no matter who he was riding my shilling each-way was on him. I got my reward at last in 1970 when Pat teamed up with top English trainer Fred Rimell to win on Gay Trip at odds of 17/2. I was cock-a-hoop at the result as I had given it to all my school pals and many of them had backed him too. It was a second Grand National for the great Irish jockey who had won the race 14 years before on Quare Times, trained by the great Vincent O’Brien. 1975 was another standout year as Tommy Carberry and L’Escargot became the first Irish winners since Mr What had won the race in 1958.

Back then, Mr What was trained in Rathcoole, Co Dublin by Pat Taaffe’s father Tom. But the 70s really belonged to the great Red Rum and trainer Ginger McCain. That horse, who’s name will always be synonymous with the Aintree National, was successful three times in all: 1973, 1974 and finally to cap it all, in 1977. That year, the crowds at Aintree went wild with delight as the old warrior had come back to do it all again at 12 years of age. Fittingly, he is now buried at Aintree racecourse where his headstone lies close to the Grand National winning post. Irish trainers and jockeys have had a great record in the race over the past 13 years, ever since Bobbyjo and Paul Carberry stole the show in 1999. Bobbyjo was trained in Ratoath, Co. Meath, by Paul’s father and L’Escargot’s jockey, the great Tommy Carberry.

Another famous Irish father and son team were centre stage just 12 months later, in the millennium year, when Ruby Walsh made headlines following his brilliant winning ride on Papillon, trained in Kildare by his father Ted. Three years later, trainer Jimmy Mangan from Conna in Cork sent off Monty’s Pass for a famous victory under Barry Geraghty, while two years later Ruby was back in the headlines again after Hedgehunter romped home for trainer Willie Mullins. He sparked a golden era of Irish dominance in the race as Numbersixvalverde went on to bring the great prize back across the Irish sea when Niall Madden steered him to victory – a career highlight for trainer Martin Brassil. Then, in 2007, a young and then unknown Irish trainer called Gordon Elliot welcomed the 10-year-old Silver Birch back into the winner’s enclosure after he and Robbie Power had added their names to the roll of honour. Since then, it has been a case of English dominance as the home side have managed to retain the title for the past five years. So what of the chances of a famous Irish victory this time around?

Well, if sending in the cavalry is a good idea then we are certainly doing that as we have no less than 14 challengers in the 40-runner field. Of these, Willie Mullins’ On His Own and Gordon Elliot’s Chicago Grey are the most fancied while both Organisedconfusion and Seabass give either Nina Carberry or Katie Walsh the opportunity of making Grand National history by becoming the first woman rider ever to win the event. I like Killyglen as an each-way chance to give Robbie Power another famous win five years after Silver Birch. As for the English-trained horses, well, the home defence is as ever very strong. Headed up by Synchornized, the Gold Cup winner. He is the clear favourite at about 7/1 and with Tony McCoy is the big media story of the race. Not since Golden Miller in 1934 has a Cheltenham Gold Cup winner gone on to win the National. I think the odds are very poor and Sychronized represents no value whatsoever. I can see a big run from last year’s winner Ballabriggs, who is a 12/1 shot.

But for the winner, I’m going to (hopefully!) look down the list a bit more to Nicky Henderson’s Shakalakaboomboom, who will be ridden by our own Barry Geraghty. Geraghty and Henderson had a wonderful Cheltenham a few weeks ago and I think Shalakakaboomboom has the profile of a horse that could shape up into a Grand National winner. To sum it up, it’s Shakalakaboomboom each-way for me at odds of 16/1 or better with a couple of savers on Ballabriggs (12/1) and Killyglen (20/1) in the hope of showing a profit but, as the old wisdom goes where the National is concerned… I won’t exactly be holding my breath! View Comments

Question: Ridden by jockey Pat Taffe, which horse won the 1970 Grand National at odds of 15 / 1 ?
Answer: GAY TRIP