It’s worth knowing which jockeys have already tasted Grand National success before placing your bets for this Saturday.
With the Grand National nearly upon us, I have taken a look at some of the most successful active jockeys in the race before final declarations are made tomorrow.
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Derek Fox Grand National
Grand National Record: 1, 6, P, 1
The most successful jockey in the Grand National that is still active is Derek Fox. He has had just four rides in the Grand National and has succeeded twice. Both of those wins were for trainer Lucinda Russell.
His first ride in the race resulted in victory, as he guided One For Arthur to a famous success for Scotland in 2017. Two years later, in 2019, he returned on the same horse to finish sixth. While in 2022 Derek Fox pulled up Mighty Thunder in the race, 2023 was a different story, as he was back in the winners' circle.
He won the race for a second time when he partnered Corach Rambler to victory last year, and hopes are high that he can do it again this time around. Derek’s clearly a great jockey to have on your side in the famous race.
Rachael Blackmore Grand National
Grand National Record: F, 10, 1, F, 17
Rachael Blackmore became the first female jockey to win the Grand National three years ago when she triumphed on Minella Times for boss Henry de Bromhead. She’s only had five rides in the race in total, so to succeed at the third time of asking was some achievement.
She has had her share of bad luck, though, as she’s partnered two fallers in the race, but she’s still one of the most successful jockeys of recent times. Her leading chance for this year’s race will be former Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Minella Indo for Henry de Bromhead.
Paul Townend Grand National
Grand National Record: 11, U, F, P, 16, P, P, P, P, U, U, 3
Given everything he has achieved in the game, it’s highly surprising to see Paul Townend’s underwhelming record in the Grand National, having pulled up nearly half of his total rides in the race. He has only completed the course three times in 12 attempts.
However, he did finish third on Gaillard Du Mesnil last year, his best result in the race, and has an excellent chance of tasting his first victory in the race this year, as it’s likely he will ride either I Am Maximus or Meetingofthewaters after Mark Walsh chose Limerick Lace.
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Jack Kennedy Grand National
Grand National Record: 18, 3, P, 5, 3
Still only 24, there’s plenty of time for Jack Kennedy to bag a first Grand National winner, and his record in the race is already beginning to look good. After just five rides in the race, he has finished third two times and deservedly makes this list.
After making his debut in the race in 2017, a year later, he rode Bless The Wings to finish third and filled the same spot on Delta Work in 2022. As well as that, he partnered Farclas in 2021 and finished fifth. With three top-five finishes from just five rides, that’s impressive, and a first win for him in it could just be around the corner.
Mark Walsh Grand National
Grand National Record: B, U, U, P, P, U, P, 5, 3, 2, P
With plenty of success on both sides of the Irish Sea, Mark Walsh has established himself as one of the best jockeys around on a regular basis. While the Grand National still eludes him, in general, he’s done extremely well in the race.
He was out of luck in his first six rides in the race between 2009 and 2018, with every horse in this time period resulting in a non-completion. However, things began to look a lot more sufficient from 2019 onwards, having finished fifth on Anibale Fly in that year before hitting the frame, back to back in the next two years.
He had ridden Any Second Now to finish third in 2021 before going a place better on that horse in 2022. All of his best results in the race have been for JP McManus, and with the likelihood of him getting the choice of riding either of the leading hopefuls, I Am Maximus or Meetingofthewaters, this could be his year.
Robert Dunne Grand National
Grand National Record: 3, 5, 7, 13
Not the highest profile of jockeys, but Robert Dunne has a pretty good record when it comes to the Grand National, having completed the course in all four of his rides in the race, which is an interesting pointer.
He finished third on the 13-year-old 100/1-chance Vics Canvas on his first attempt. Although I’m not sure if he will have a ride in the race this year, he is worth a second look if he does given his solid record.
