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The Story of the Grand National: Biggest Upset of All Time

Robert Heinlein

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Published in Foinavon: The Story Of The Grand National S Biggest Upset (Wisden Sports Writing)

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The Grand National is one of the most prestigious horse races in the world, and it has been running since 1839. Over the years, there have been many upsets in the race, but none more so than the victory of Foinavon in 1967.

Foinavon: The Story of the Grand National’s Biggest Upset (Wisden Sports Writing)

by John R. Gerdy

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Foinavon was a 100-1 outsider, and he had never won a race before. He was ridden by amateur jockey John Buckingham, who had only ridden in the Grand National once before. Despite their lack of experience, Foinavon and Buckingham went on to win the race in a dramatic finish.

The race was run in heavy rain, and the going was very soft. This made it difficult for the horses to jump the fences, and many of them fell. Foinavon was one of the few horses who managed to stay on his feet, and he gradually moved up the field.

At the final fence, Foinavon was in third place. The two horses in front of him both fell, and Foinavon was left with a clear run to the finish line. He galloped home to win by a length, and Buckingham became the first amateur jockey to win the Grand National since 1892.

Foinavon's victory was a huge shock, and it remains one of the biggest upsets in the history of the Grand National. It is a story that has been told and retold over the years, and it is one that will continue to inspire generations of horse racing fans.

The aftermath

Foinavon's victory had a profound impact on the Grand National. It showed that even the most unfancied horses can win the race, and it gave hope to amateur jockeys everywhere. Buckingham went on to ride in the Grand National several more times, but he never managed to win it again.

Foinavon retired from racing in 1968, and he lived out the rest of his days at a stud farm in Ireland. He died in 1979, and he is buried at the Grand National course.

Legacy

Foinavon's victory is still remembered today as one of the greatest upsets in the history of horse racing. It is a story that continues to inspire people, and it is a reminder that anything is possible in sport.

In 2017, a statue of Foinavon was unveiled at the Grand National course. The statue is a fitting tribute to a horse who captured the hearts of the nation with his incredible victory.

Other famous Grand National upsets

While Foinavon's victory is the biggest upset in the history of the Grand National, there have been other famous upsets over the years.

In 1973, Red Rum won the Grand National for the first time. He was a 30-1 outsider, and his victory was a huge shock.
In 1981, Bob Champion won the Grand National on Aldaniti. Champion had been diagnosed with cancer just a few months before the race, and his victory was a remarkable triumph over adversity.
In 2009, Mon Mome won the Grand National at odds of 100-1. She was the first mare to win the race since 1951.

These are just a few of the many famous upsets that have happened in the Grand National over the years. The race is always full of surprises, and it is one of the most exciting events in the sporting calendar.

Foinavon: The Story of the Grand National’s Biggest Upset (Wisden Sports Writing)

by John R. Gerdy

4.8 out of 5