Has a 12 Year Old Ever Won the Grand National?

Yes, a 12-year-old horse has indeed won the Grand National, with the legendary Red Rum achieving this feat in 1977.

The Grand National is renowned for being one of the most demanding and prestigious steeplechases in the world, testing the endurance and jumping prowess of the horses over a challenging course at Aintree, England. While many winners are typically between 8 and 11 years old, horses aged 12 have certainly demonstrated their capability to conquer this monumental race.

Red Rum's Historic 1977 Victory

Red Rum is arguably the most famous Grand National horse in history, and his career highlights an exceptional example of a 12-year-old winning the race. He had already cemented his place in history by winning the Grand National twice before, in 1973 and 1974, and had also secured second place in 1975 and 1976.

By the time the 1977 Grand National approached, Red Rum was 12 years old. Despite his remarkable track record, many observers believed he might be too old to win the grueling race for an unprecedented third time. Horses of that age were often considered to be past their prime for such a demanding event. However, Red Rum defied these expectations, demonstrating incredible stamina and determination to clinch his third victory, a record that remains unsurpassed to this day. His 1977 win at the age of 12 solidified his status as a true legend of the sport.

Here's a quick look at Red Rum's Grand National victories:

Red Rum's extraordinary achievement in 1977 stands as a testament to the fact that age, up to a certain point, does not preclude a horse from winning the Grand National, especially when combined with exceptional talent and preparation.