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◢ The 2000 National (April 8) was a thrilling all-Irish affair. Papillon, trained by Ted Walsh and ridden by his son Ruby Walsh, clinched victory at 10/1 odds. The 9yo finished 1¼ lengths ahead of Mely Moss, completing the 4m+ course in 9 minutes, 9.7 seconds. Second place came Mely Moss at 25/1, trained by Charles Egerton and ridden by Norman Williamson, followed by Niki Dee in 3rd at 25/1, trained by Peter Beaumont and ridden by Robbie Supple, with Brave Highlander fourth at 50/1, trained by Josh Gifford and ridden by Philip Hide.

Ted Walsh celebrated a family triumph, echoing the previous year’s father-son success with Bobbyjo. Meanwhile, favorite Dark Stranger (9/1), ridden by champion jockey Tony McCoy, faltered early, falling at the third fence.

An interesting sidenote: Yours truly backed the winner at 33s. Pricewise’s Tom Segal, I think, was all over that one too. He was backed down to 16/1 by about 10am, 10/1 by the race start. Bobbyjo, the 1999 winner, started at 12/1 but faded to eleventh after a mistake at the seventh fence. Ruby Walsh (best 5 rides), aged 20, marked his Grand National debut with this win, securing a £290,000 purse and cementing an Irish legacy.

Of the 40 starters, 17 finished, with no injuries reported ~ a testament to the race’s smooth execution.

2000 Grand National Race Details🎗
• Full Racecard Details
• Full Finishing Order
• Non Finishers
• 2000 Grand National ▪ Full Race Result ▪ Race Report ▪ Runners ▪ Riders ▪ Trainers ▪ Weights ▪ Prize Money

2000 Grand National Recommended Video Vault🎗
• Year 2000 Grand National Full Day Show (3h:42m)
• 2000 Grand National Post Race Analysis (25m:03s)
• Ted and Ruby Walsh Re-Tell The Story Of Papillon's Grand National Win

◢ The 2001 National, held on April 7, was a dramatic and chaotic race won by Red Marauder at 33/1. Trained by Norman Mason and ridden by Richard Guest, the 11yo brought home the bacon in awful, treacherous conditions ~ soft ground and thick fog ~ finishing in a record-slow 11 minutes. Second was Smarty at 16/1, trained by Mark Pitman and ridden by Timmy Murphy, followed by Blowing Wind in third at 16/1, trained by Martin Pipe and ridden by Tony McCoy, with Papillon, the 2000 winner, fourth at 14/1, trained by Ted Walsh and ridden by Ruby Walsh.

Notably, just two horses ~ Red Marauder and Smarty ~ jumped all thirty fences cleanly. The race saw early carnage, with eight fallers by the third fence, including favorite Moral Support (10/1). Jockey Tony McCoy, aboard Blowing Wind, remounted after a fall to secure third, showcasing his renowned resilience.

Only 4 of the 40 starters completed the 4m+ course, with 17 falling or unseating riders by the first circuit’s end. Both third and fourth required remounting after falls, a practice later banned in 2009, making this one of the toughest Nationals ever run.

2001 Grand National Race Details🎗
• Full Racecard Details
• Full Finishing Order
• Non Finishers
• 2001 Grand National ▪ Full Race Result ▪ Race Report ▪ Runners ▪ Riders ▪ Trainers ▪ Weights ▪ Prize Money

2001 Grand National Recommended Video Vault🎗
• The 2001 Grand National Full Day Show (3h:30m)
• Interesting Australian Radio 2002 National Coverage (28m:40s)
• Extra: The Story of Red Rum As Told by Ginger McCain (10m:11s)

◢ The 2002 Grand National saw Bindaree come home victorious at 20/1. Trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies and ridden by Jim Culloty, the 8yo Irish-bred gelding won in 10 minutes, 3 seconds on good ground. Second was What’s Up Boys at 10/1, trained by Philip Hobbs and ridden by Richard Johnson, while Blowing Wind, the 8/1 joint-favourite, took third, trained by Martin Pipe and ridden by Tony McCoy, with Kingsmark fourth at 16/1, trained by Martin Todhunter and ridden by Ruby Walsh.

Culloty, fresh off a Cheltenham Gold Cup win, snatched victory from What’s Up Boys on the line, earning £290,000. Twiston-Davies, who won in 1998 with Earth Summit, nearly retired before this triumph. Culloty replaced the injured Jamie Goldstein, making it a debut National finish. The race’s early pace-setter, The Last Fling, fell fatally, while McCoy’s 3rd-place finish added to his storybook career.

Out of 40 starters, 11 finished, though tragedy struck with two fatalities ~ Manx Magic and The Last Fling. A record 63,000 spectators attended, and the bookmakers rejoiced, figuratively speaking, as eight popular horses fell.

2002 Grand National Race Details🎗
• Full Racecard Details
• Full Finishing Order
• Non Finishers
• 2002 Grand National ▪ Full Race Result ▪ Race Report ▪ Runners ▪ Riders ▪ Trainers ▪ Weights ▪ Prize Money

2002 Grand National Recommended Video Vault🎗
• The 2002 Grand National Full Day Show (3h:49m)
• Interesting Australian Radio 2002 National Coverage (28m:40s)
• Extra: Richard Dunwoody Insightful Walk Around The Course

◢ The 2003 National, sponsored by Martell, was the 156th edition of the most famous race in the world. It was a tight finish when Monty’s Pass, trained by Jimmy Mangan and ridden by Barry Geraghty, stormed to victory at 16/1. The 10yo Irish gelding led a field of 40 runners, with Supreme Glory second at 40/1, trained by Keith Goldsworthy and ridden by Robert Power, Amberleigh House third at 33/1, trained by Ginger McCain and ridden by Graham Lee, foreshadowing his 2004 triumph, and Gunner Welburn fourth at 16/1, trained by Micky Hammond and ridden by Barry Keniry.

The winner earned connections £348,000 from a £600,000 prize pool, delighting owner Mike Futter, who is reported to have won big dough from the bookies on Monty. Notably, 2002 winner Bindaree fell at the 20th fence.

Of the 40 starters, only 14 completed the challenging 4m, 4f course, making it a tough test of endurance.

2003 Grand National Race Details🎗
• Full Race Details
• Full Finishing Order
• Non Finishers
• 2003 Grand National ▪ Full Race Result ▪ Race Report ▪ Runners ▪ Riders ▪ Trainers ▪ Weights ▪ Prize Money

2003 Grand National Recommended Video Vault🎗
• Incredible To Again See The 2003 National Full Show (3h:47m)
• Monty's Pass Returns Home To Ireland A Hero
• Extra: Alastair Down's Grand National Memories

◢ The 2004 Grand National was the 157th running of this iconic steeplechase, sponsored by Martell. A thrilling finish saw Amberleigh House, trained by Ginger McCain and ridden by Graham Lee, grab the spoils at 16/1. Second was Clan Royal at 10/1 joint-favourite, trained by Jonjo O’Neill and ridden by Liam Cooper, followed by Lord Atterbury at 40/1, trained by Martin Todhunter and ridden by Mark Bradburne, with Monty’s Pass fourth at 20/1, trained by Jimmy Mangan and ridden by Barry Geraghty, the 2003 winner carrying extra weight.

Graham Lee’s win marked a career highlight, while McCain, famed for Red Rum’s three wins, secured his fourth Grand National winner, 31 years after his first, praising his son Donald’s role in preparing Amberleigh House.

The 12yo beat a field of 39, with only 11 finishing the grueling 4m+ course. An interesting note: Bindaree, a past champion, started as a 10/1 joint-favourite but didn’t place. The race offered £348,000 to the winner from a £600,000 purse, delighting fans with its dramatic conclusion.

2004 Grand National Race Details🎗
• Full Racecard Details
• Full Finishing Order
• Non Finishers
• 2004 Grand National ▪ Full Race Result ▪ Race Report ▪ Runners ▪ Riders ▪ Trainers ▪ Weights ▪ Prize Money

2004 Grand National Recommended Video Vault🎗
• Reminisce Watching The 2004 National Day Full Show (3h:49m)
• Ruby Walsh 2004 National Post Race Analysis (12m:10s)
• More 2004 Grand National Post Race Analysis (22m:07s)

◢ The 2005 Grand National, held on April 9 at Aintree, marked the 158th running of this beast of a steeplechase, sponsored by John Smith’s. Hedgehunter, trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Ruby Walsh, came out on top at 7/1 favourite. The 9yo Irish gelding, a faller at the last fence in 2004, redeemed himself, winning by 14 lengths. Second was Royal Auclair at 40/1, trained by Paul Nicholls and ridden by Christian Williams, followed by Simply Gifted at 66/1, trained by Patrick Mullins and ridden by Brian Harding, with It Takes Time fourth at 18/1, trained by Martin Pipe and ridden by Timmy Murphy.

A key moment came at Becher’s Brook second time around, where Clan Royal’s exit handed Hedgehunter the lead he never relinquished. Walsh later quipped his only regret was winning by too much, easing up on the run-in.

In a field of 40, 21 finished ~ the most since 1992. Hedgehunter carried 11st 1lb, the heaviest weight to win since 1983, showcasing his class. The race also saw Carrie Ford, 10 weeks after giving birth, finish fifth on Forest Gunner at 8/1, adding a remarkable story to the Grand National history books.

2005 Grand National Race Details🎗
• Full Racecard Details
• Full Finishing Order
• Non Finishers
• 2005 Grand National ▪ Full Race Result ▪ Race Report ▪ Runners ▪ Riders ▪ Trainers ▪ Weights ▪ Prize Money

2005 Grand National Recommended Video Vault🎗
• 2005 National Day Full Show Part 1 (2h:26m)
• 2005 National Day Full Show Part 2 (1h:40m)
• 2005 Grand National In Depth Post Race Analysis (21m:07s)

◢ The 2006 Grand National was won by Numbersixvalverde at 11/1, trained by Martin Brassil and ridden by Niall Madden. The 10yo Irish gelding outran a field of 40, with second place going to 2005 winner Hedgehunter at 5/1 joint-favourite, trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Ruby Walsh, carrying top weight of 11st 12lb. Clan Royal took third at 5/1 joint-favourite, trained by Jonjo O’Neill and ridden by Tony McCoy, followed by Nil Desperandum at 33/1, trained by Frances Crowley and ridden by Tom Treacy.

Madden celebrated his first Grand National win at age 20, having delayed a holiday to ride. The race saw drama when leader Clan Royal veered off course at the second-to-last fence, gifting Numbersixvalverde the lead.

Only 9 finished the 4m4f+ course due to soft ground conditions. Notably, 11/4 joint-favourite Joacci fell at the first fence. It was also the last National for legendary BBC commentator Sir Peter O’Sullevan ~ The Voice of Racing ~ retiring after 50 years.

2006 Grand National Race Details🎗
• Full Racecard Details
• Full Finishing Order
• Non Finishers
• 2006 Grand National ▪ Full Race Result ▪ Race Report ▪ Runners ▪ Riders ▪ Trainers ▪ Weights ▪ Prize Money

2006 Grand National Recommended Video Vault🎗
• 2006 Grand National Full Race Coverage Video (27m:40s)
• Another Brilliant 2006 National Day Full Show (4h:00m)
• 2006 Grand National In Depth Post Race Analysis (18m:36s)

◢ The 2007 National was the 160th running of the iconic steeplechase, again sponsored by John Smith’s. Silver Birch, trained by Gordon Elliott and ridden by Robbie Power, won at a handy 33/1. The 10yo Irish gelding led the field, with second going to McKelvey at 12/1, trained by Peter Bowen and ridden by Tom O’Brien, finishing a neck behind after a late surge. Slim Pickings took third at 33/1, trained by Tom Taaffe and ridden by Barry Geraghty, while Philson Run was fourth at 100/1, trained by Nick Williams and ridden by Daryl Jacob.

Elliott, then just 29 and in his first season as a trainer, called it a dream win with his first Grand National runner. Power, also claiming his first National victory, praised Silver Birch’s stamina. The race saw drama when Graphic Approach’s fall at Becher’s reshuffled the leaders, and 2005 winner Hedgehunter pulled up late.

Out of 40 starters, 12 finished on good-to-firm ground. Bought for just £20,000, Silver Birch earned connections £399,140 from a £689,360 prize pool. Notably, 5/1 joint-favourite Joe’s Edge fell at the first, adding to the unpredictability.

2007 Grand National Race Details🎗
• Full Racecard Details
• Full Finishing Order
• Non Finishers
• 2007 Grand National ▪ Full Race Result ▪ Race Report ▪ Runners ▪ Riders ▪ Trainers ▪ Weights ▪ Prize Money

2007 Grand National Recommended Video Vault🎗
• 2007 Grand National Whole Day Coverage Part 1 (1h:24m)
• 2007 Grand National Whole Day Coverage Part 2 (1h:24m)
• 2007 Grand National Whole Day Coverage Part 3 (1h:25m)
• 2007 Grand National In Depth Post Race Analysis (16m:36s)

◢ The 2008 Grand National saw Comply or Die win easily enough at odds of 7/1 joint-favourite, trained by David Pipe and ridden by Timmy Murphy, who guided the horse to a 4-length win. Second was King Johns Castle at 20/1, trained by Arthur Moore and ridden by Paul Carberry, showcasing resilience on the challenging course. Third was Snowy Morning at 16/1, trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by David Casey, hinting at future potential, with Slim Pickings fourth at 10/1, trained by Tom Taaffe and ridden by Barry Geraghty, who led early but faded late.

The victory marked Pipe’s first National triumph and Murphy’s second. Of the 40 starters, 15 finished. An interesting note: Mon Mome, a 100/1 outsider trained by Venetia Williams, finished 10th but would stun the racing world by winning the 2009 Grand National.

2008 Grand National Race Details🎗
• Full Racecard Details
• 2008 Wikipedia Entry
• 2008 Grand National Race Result
• 2008 Grand National ▪ Full Race Result ▪ Race Report ▪ Runners ▪ Riders ▪ Trainers ▪ Weights ▪ Prize Money

2008 Grand National Recommended Video Vault🎗
• Grand National Preview Show By At The Races (41m:08s)
• Brilliant 2008 Grand National Comply or Die Full Show (4h:15m)
• Another Great 2008 Grand National Coverage Video (53m:34s)

◢ The 2009 Grand National was won by Mon Mome at remarkable odds of 100/1, trained by Venetia Williams and ridden by Liam Treadwell in his first National ride. Second was Comply or Die at 14/1, the 2008 winner, trained by David Pipe and ridden by Timmy Murphy, who couldn’t repeat his prior success. Third was My Will at 8/1, trained by Paul Nicholls and ridden by Ruby Walsh, showing strong form, with State of Play fourth at 14/1, trained by Evan Williams and ridden by Paul Moloney.

100/1 Winner⏵ Mon Mome surged to a 12-length victory, making Williams the first female trainer to win since 1995. Notably, Mon Mome’s triumph marked him as the longest-priced winner in 42 years, adding a historic twist to an unpredictable race where only 17 of the 40 starters finished.

2009 Grand National Race Details🎗
• Full Racecard Details
• Full Finishing Order
• Non Finishers
• 2009 Grand National ▪ Full Race Result ▪ Race Report ▪ Runners ▪ Riders ▪ Trainers ▪ Weights ▪ Prize Money

2009 Grand National Recommended Video Vault🎗
• Punters View Of Treadwell(rip) Riding 100/1 Mon Mome To Winners Enclosure
• 2009 Grand National In Depth Post Race Analysis (15m:33s)
• Venetia Williams Talks About Mon Mome & Liam Treadwell(rip)