The Grand National at Aintree is a race where legends are made, not just among horses, but among the jockeys who guide them over 30 daunting fences and nearly four and a half miles of testing ground.
While the horses may capture headlines, the role of the jockey is every bit as crucial, demanding not only strength and skill but also a deep understanding of their runner and the unique challenges of the world’s most famous steeplechase.
Let's take a look at the fascinating world of Grand National jockeys, exploring their triumphs, heartbreaks, and the indelible mark they leave on the history of racing.
The First to Triumph: Jem Mason
The inaugural Grand National in 1839 set the stage for what would become a showcase of equestrian grit and human determination.
Jem Mason was the first jockey to etch his name into the record books, piloting Lottery to victory in a race that, despite a chaotic start and a slow pace, began a tradition that has endured for nearly two centuries.
Mason’s win marked the start of a new era, where both horse and rider would be tested to their limits.
The Most Successful: George Stevens and the Five Wins
No discussion of Grand National jockeys can ignore George Stevens, whose record of five wins between 1856 and 1870 remains unmatched.
Stevens’ victories on Freetrader (1856), Emblem (1863), Emblematic (1864), and The Colonel (1869 and 1870) were achieved in an era when the race was even more unpredictable than today.
Stevens began his career at just 16 and, over 22 years, he amassed 76 wins, a testament to his skill and tenacity.
Tragically, his life was cut short at 38 after a riding accident, but his legacy endures as the benchmark for Grand National success.
The Agony of Near Misses: Richard Johnson and the Elusive Victory
For every jockey who finds glory at Aintree, there are many more who come heartbreakingly close.
Richard Johnson, a former Champion Jockey, is perhaps the most famous example of this.
Despite riding in the Grand National 21 times, often on fancied horses, Johnson never managed to win the race.
His story is a poignant reminder of the Grand National’s unpredictability and the fine margins between triumph and disappointment.
First-Time Winners: Seizing the Moment
Some jockeys have managed to seize the moment and win the Grand National at their very first attempt.
In recent years, David Mullins (2016, Rule the World), Ryan Mania (2013, Auroras Encore), Liam Treadwell (2009, Mon Mome), Niall ‘Slippers’ Madden (2006, Numbersixvalverde), and Ruby Walsh (2000, Papillon) all claimed victory on debut.
It just goes to show that sometimes, a fresh perspective and a fearless approach can conquer even the most daunting of courses.
These first-time successes add a layer of excitement and hope for every new jockey who lines up at Aintree.
The Youngest and Oldest: From Prodigies to Masters
Age has proven to be no barrier to Grand National glory. The youngest jockey to ever win the race was Bruce Robertson Hobbs, who was just 17 years and three months old when he rode Battleship to victory in 1938.
Hobbs’ youthful exuberance and composure under pressure made his win one of the most remarkable in the race’s history.
At the other end of the spectrum, Dick Saunders became the oldest jockey to win the Grand National when he partnered Grittar to victory in 1982 at the age of 48.
Saunders’ achievement demonstrated that experience and tactical nous can be just as important as youthful energy, especially in a race as demanding as the Grand National.
The Most Famous Pairings
Some jockeys are forever associated with the most celebrated horses in Grand National history.
Brian Fletcher’s partnership with Red Rum is legendary; together, they won the race in 1973 and 1974, with Fletcher also guiding Red Alligator to victory in 1968.
Fletcher’s three wins place him among the elite, and his calm riding style perfectly complemented Red Rum’s stamina and jumping prowess.
In more recent times, Davy Russell forged a remarkable bond with Tiger Roll, winning back-to-back Nationals in 2018 and 2019.
Russell’s tactical acumen and Tiger Roll’s versatility made them a formidable duo, and their achievements drew comparisons with the great Red Rum era.
The Iron Men and Women
The Grand National is as much a test of perseverance as it is of skill.
Tom Olliver, who rode in 19 Nationals, 17 consecutively, won three times but also finished second three times and third once, highlighting the race’s difficulty and his remarkable consistency.
AP McCoy, widely regarded as one of the greatest jump jockeys of all time, famously won the Grand National at his fifteenth attempt in 2010, riding Don’t Push It for trainer Jonjo O’Neill and owner J.P. McManus.
Before this breakthrough, McCoy had experienced several near-misses in the race, including three third-place finishes and a particularly unlucky ride on Clan Royal in 2005 when he was carried out by a loose horse while in contention.
His emotional victory was celebrated across the racing world and the wider public, cementing his legacy in National Hunt racing history.
Amateurs Among the Pros
While the Grand National began as a race for gentlemen riders, the professionalisation of the sport has made amateur victories increasingly rare.
Nevertheless, the spirit endures. Sam Waley-Cohen’s win aboard Noble Yeats in 2022 was a reminder that amateur jockeys can still achieve greatness at Aintree.
Most recently, Patrick Mullins, another amateur, claimed victory in 2025 on Nick Rockett, showing that the race still offers opportunities for talented riders outside the professional ranks.
The Crucial Role of the Jockey
The Grand National is a unique test, not just for horses but for jockeys, who must balance courage with caution, and aggression with patience.
The fences at Aintree are larger and more varied than those found in any other race, demanding a level of horsemanship and tactical awareness that few other events can match.
Jockeys must read the race as it unfolds, making split-second decisions about when to hold back, when to press forward, and how best to conserve their horse’s energy for the final, gruelling stages.
A successful Grand National jockey needs more than just riding skill. They must possess nerves of steel, the ability to adapt to rapidly changing circumstances, and a deep bond with their horse.
Many winners have spoken of the importance of trust—trust in their horse’s ability to jump, stamina to last the distance, and temperament to handle the noise and chaos of Aintree’s packed stands.
Making History
Rachael Blackmore made history in 2021 by becoming the first female jockey to win the Grand National, guiding Minella Times to a commanding victory at Aintree.
Her ride was a masterclass in poise and timing, as she expertly navigated the 30 formidable fences and surged clear for a six-and-a-half-length triumph, all in the famous green and gold silks of owner JP McManus.
The achievement came on the heels of her remarkable Cheltenham Festival, where she was crowned leading jockey.
It resonated far beyond racing, breaking barriers in a sport where 32 women had previously tried and failed to win the National.
The race, run behind closed doors due to the pandemic, was watched by millions worldwide and cemented Blackmore’s place as a trailblazer in National Hunt racing.
Notable Modern Champions
The modern era has produced its own share of memorable jockeys. Leighton Aspell won back-to-back Nationals in 2014 and 2015, a rare feat in the contemporary race.
Ruby Walsh, one of the most successful jump jockeys of all time, claimed two victories and remains a household name among racing fans.
Incredible Jockeys in the Grand National
The Grand National is a race where the spotlight often falls on the horse, but the role of the jockey is every bit as vital.
From the pioneering days of Jem Mason to the record-breaking achievements of George Stevens, the heartbreak of near-misses like Richard Johnson, and the inspirational victories of amateurs and professionals alike, jockeys have shaped the history and spirit of the Grand National.
Their stories are woven into the fabric of this great race, reminding us that behind every famous finish, there is a rider whose courage, skill, and determination have helped to create sporting history.
For those who love racing, the Grand National’s jockeys are more than just names in a record book; they are the heart and soul of a race that continues to captivate and inspire, year after year.
