The Grand National is one of the most unpredictable and thrilling events within the world of horse racing, with its long history dating all the way back to 1839 seeing countless extraordinary moments. From shock winners to chaotic pile ups, the competition has seen it all. Although the crowning event of Aintree Festival is well known for its drama and next level excitement, there have been a number of truly bizarre and strange moments within this race that not even the live casino world could have predicted. From unexpected interruptions and rare incidents, all the way to surprising turn of events, we have picked out some of the strangest moments to ever occur at the Grand National.

The Race That Never Was

Beginning with one of the most controversial moments in the history of the Grand National, a series of miscommunications in the 1993 edition of the race actually led to its being declared void. Before the race even started, chaos  was afoot, with protestors initially delaying proceedings. Once the race finally got around to its new off time however, a false start was then called due to the starting tap malfunctioning. However, many of the participating runners did not actually realise that the race had been stopped due to this false start, continuing to ride as if they were still in the legitimate event.

 

Even with the frantic attempts of officials around the race course attempting to halt the race, 30 out of the 39 jockeys kept going around the 4 mile track, with John White riding Esha Ness to what he believed was victory. Despite this, the result of this false start was never officially recorded, with the race proceeding to be delcalder null and void. This was the first, and still is the only time to date, in which this has happened in Grand National his

Foinavon Fiasco

Another of the most famous and more bizarre moments in the history of the Grand National occured in 1967 when 100/1 outsider Foinavon won in one of the most unexpected fashions. Upon the pack of contenders approaching the 23rd fence, chaos unfolded when a loose horse caused a massive pile up of runner’s, bringing down almost all of the leading contenders.

 

However, as Foinavon was far behind the leaders, jockey John Buckingham had enough time to steer his horse wide and avoid all the unfolding carnage. White other jockeys struggled to remount their horses, Foinavon trotted on to take an unchallenged lead and secure an astonishing outsider victory. Due to the extraordinary pile up that occurred at the 23rd fence, this was later named the Foinavon Fence at the Aintree racecourse.

The Fan Who Joined The Race

In 1960, the Grand National witnessed a surreal moment when a drunk spectator decided he wanted to join the race and ran onto the track. The fan in question, clearly inebriated with too much booze, tried to run alongside the horses, however, was quickly tackled by security before causing him or any of the runners and real danger. Due to this humorous turn of events which non one expected, it remains as one of the strangest interruptions ever seen at the Grand National.

Unconscious Jockey

Although it is now regarded as one of the most famous races in the events history, the 1973 Grand National was still home to a strange turn of events regarding Australian horse Crisp. This runner was leading the race by a wide margin, however, he suddenly started to tire and dropped off in the final stretch. Behind him was the iconic Red Rum who managed to close the gap, overtaking Crisp just before the finish line. Although this seemed strange to spectaturs, the moment was made even more bizarre after the race concluded.

 

When interviewed, Crisp’s jockey Richared Pitam admitted that he was so exhausted from the demanding course that he was actually rendered unconscious temporarily, barely registering what happened in the final stretches of the race. As a result of this, his judgement was clouded completely, with him proceeding to allow Red Rum to secure his first of three legendary Grand National wins despite his promising lead.

Devon Loch’s Sudden Collapse

One of the horses owned by Queen Elizabeth was involved in another of the strangest Grand National moments, with Devon Loch looking set to win the 1956 Grand National in comfortable fashion. However, to the disbelief of onlookers at the track, Devon Loch suddenly collapsed just 50 yards to the finish line. The horse simply appeared to leap into the air and crumple to the found, not tripping over any obstacle whatsoever. The jockey riding Devon Loch, that being Dick Francise, was left helpless as victory slipped away right in front of him, allowing runner ESB to storm past and claim the win. Even to this day, no one knows exactly why Devon Loch fell just before the racing post, however, some have speculated that the roaring crowd and shadows on the track spooked him at the worst moment possible.

Loose Horse Wins The Race

In the 1928 Grand National, only two horses managed to actually finish the race, with this being one of the most chaotic races ever run at the Aintree Festival. As the conditions were so brutal that day, horses fell left, right and centre, with many others unseating their jockeys in the princess. Remarkably, a loose horse with no rider named Billy Barton actually crossed the finish line first, however, wasn’t declared the winner due to there being no jacokey. To this day, the 1928 Grand National remains the smallest field of finishers in the race’s history.

Horse racing is one of the most popular sports around, with people from all around the world enjoying the spectacle of some of the fastest horses jumping over hurdles and racing in fantastic fashion. This excitement has been translated and used throughout slot games, as there are plenty of slot providers that have created slot games based on this sport! Whilst the slot industry is full of classic titles such as Starburst Extreme, some of the most popular games on the market are based around horse racing. Here, we are going to look through some of the very best horse racing slot titles, from the mechanics of the game to what makes these specific titles so popular!

 

Big Bass Day at the Races

Released by Pragmatic Play and Reel Kingdom, Big Bass Day at the Races is an online slot title which is all about visiting the races. With brilliant imagery such as the racing post, different bubbly drinks, this slot game celebrates the race day culture perfectly. Published onto the market in 2024, Big Bass Day at the Races is a fairly modern slot game which comes with incredibly impressive graphics and detailed bonus mechanics! With a huge racecourse seen in the background, this slot game is perfect for those who enjoy horse racing-themed slot games.

 

Not only does Big Bass Day at the Races come with a brilliant theme and interesting slot mechanics, but the game also includes a handful of unique bonus mechanics, which makes it stand out from the others. For example, there are cash value symbols that can land and be collected throughout the gameplay, whilst wild symbols and free spins can be found across the gameplay in Big Bass Day at the Races, too, which are quite unique and popular features.

 

Rainbow Riches Race Day

 

This Barcrest release was published on the market in 2021, and by using some fairly nostalgic and retro graphics, Rainbow Riches Race Day stands out compared to the other horse racing titles throughout the industry. With classic horse racing imagery, Rainbow Riches Race Day is full of other Irish luck imagery, with mushrooms, horseshoes and shamrocks all being seen across the reels. Rainbow Riches Race Day comes with some nostalgic and incredibly animated mechanics, meaning the slot game clearly stands out compared to most traditional slot games.

 

Just like Big Bass Day at the Races, Rainbow Riches Race Day comes with an abundance of classic features, whether that be wild or scatter symbols. However, there are also horse symbols which can move the corresponding horse across the top of the screen, and if the horse manages to make it to the racing post, then the player will be awarded a cash value.

 

Frankie Dettori Sporting Legends

 

Based on one of the sport’s biggest names, Frankie Dettori Sporting Legends is an online slot game which was released by Playtech in 2018. Featuring some incredibly sharp and crisp graphics, this online slot game takes place with a horse race ongoing in the background, with the grandstands packed out for the race. Operating with different jackpot mechanics, Frankie Dettori Sporting Legends is one of the most fascinating horse racing-themed slot games across the market, paying homage to one of the horse racing legends.

 

Just like the other slot games mentioned throughout this list, Frankie Dettori Sporting Legends features both wild symbols and scatter symbols, which are both staples throughout the online slot industry. Alongside these bonuses, there are also respins and other interesting mechanics in play, which make Frankie Dettori Sporting Legends stand out throughout the industry.

 

9 Races To Glory

 

Another incredibly popular horse racing-themed slot game would be 9 Races to Glory, which was released by Aurum Signature Studios in 2023. 9 Races to Glory features all the classic imagery you would expect to see in a slot game like this, such as golden horseshoes, jockey’s clothes and horses themselves, whilst the background displays a race with horses battling to finish first. With red and white colours surrounding the playgrid, this online slot is brilliantly designed, with fantastic visuals and an exciting theme!

 

Not to mention the additional bonuses, 9 Races to Glory operates with the Epic Strike feature, which is seen in other traditional slot games like 9 Masks of Fire. With this mechanic, players are able to be awarded cash values if they land a certain number of epic strike symbols, with the cash value amounts displayed on the left-hand side of the screen.

Scudamore’s Super Stakes

 

Released by NetEnt in 2019, Scudamore’s Super Stakes is an online slot game that features the race commentator Peter Scudamore. Being one of the most unique NetEnt releases, the slot game aims to take a more ‘realistic’ design with its graphics, compared to the other slot games, which tend to use a more animated style. For those who are fans of traditional horse racing games, Scudamore’s Super Stakes is one of the most impressive horse racing titles out there.

 

Of course, like every other slot game on this list, Scudamore’s Super Stakes comes with some incredibly impressive bonus mechanics. From free spins to jackpots, there is something for everyone in Scudamore’s Super Stakes, yet most of the intrigue is in the free spins, as this is the Peter’s Classic Cup feature, which features free spins and multipliers.

 

Horse racing has often been considered a male-dominated sport, but over the years, numerous female jockeys have shattered barriers, set records, and proven that talent knows no gender.

 

Whether it be record-breaking victories or historic firsts, these trailblazers have paved the way for future generations of women in horse racing.

 

Here, we take a look at some of the best female jockeys of all time and the lasting impact they have had on the sport.

Julie Krone (USA)

Julie Krone is widely regarded as one of the greatest female jockeys in history. Born in Michigan in 1963, she made her professional debut in 1981 and quickly rose to prominence. Her most notable achievement came in 1993 when she became the first female jockey to win a Triple Crown race, riding Colonial Affair to victory in the Belmont Stakes. This groundbreaking triumph secured her place in racing history.

 

Throughout her time in the saddle, Krone amassed over 3,700 wins and was the first female jockey inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 2000. Her fearless riding style and determination helped break down gender barriers, proving that women could compete at the highest levels of horse racing.

Hayley Turner (UK)

Hayley Turner is one of the most accomplished female jockeys in British horse racing. She made headlines in 2008 when she became the first female jockey in Britain to ride 100 winners in a calendar year. Her success continued in 2011 when she became the first woman in 32 years to win a Group 1 race in the UK, triumphing in the July Cup aboard Dream Ahead.

 

Turner’s influence on British racing has been significant, inspiring more women to pursue careers as jockeys. Despite facing scepticism early in her career, she has remained a consistent competitor, proving that women can succeed at the highest level in the sport.

Rachael Blackmore (Ireland)

Few jockeys have had a more transformative impact on the sport than Rachael Blackmore. In 2021, she made history by becoming the first female jockey to win the Grand National, riding Minella Times to victory. The same year, she was crowned the leading jockey at the Cheltenham Festival, securing her place as one of the top riders in jump racing.

 

Blackmore’s success has been particularly significant in a sport where jump racing is often considered even more challenging and dangerous than flat racing. Her achievements have not only broken barriers but also changed perceptions, proving that female jockeys can dominate in one of the toughest disciplines in horse racing.

Rosie Napravnik (USA)

Rosie Napravnik was one of the leading jockeys in the United States before her retirement in 2014. She became the first female jockey to win the Kentucky Oaks twice, with victories in 2012 and 2014. Napravnik also made history by becoming the first woman to finish in the top five in the Kentucky Derby.

 

Despite stepping away from the sport to focus on her family, the former American Thoroughbred horse racing jockey’s impact within the industry remains strong. Similarly to Julie Krone, she proved that female jockeys could compete at the highest levels and inspired many young women to pursue careers in the American horse racing scene and across the globe.

Michelle Payne (Australia)

Michelle Payne became a household name in 2015 when she won the Melbourne Cup aboard Prince of Penzance, making her the first female jockey to win Australia’s most prestigious race. Her victory was made even more remarkable by the fact that she achieved it despite facing significant adversity, including serious injuries and gender discrimination within the sport.

 

Payne’s win was a defining moment in Australian racing, and she has since become a vocal advocate for gender equality in horse racing, using her platform to encourage greater opportunities for women in the industry.

Chantal Sutherland (Canada)

Chantal Sutherland has had a distinguished career in both Canada and the United States. She was the first woman to ride in the prestigious Dubai World Cup and has achieved multiple graded stakes victories. Known for her skill and competitive spirit, Sutherland has carved out a successful career in an industry that has often overlooked female talent.

 

Beyond her riding career, Sutherland has also been a model and television personality, helping to raise the profile of female jockeys in mainstream media. Her influence extends beyond the track, inspiring more women to consider careers in horse racing.

The Future of Female Jockeys

While these legendary jockeys have made history, the future of women in horse racing looks brighter than ever. More female jockeys are emerging on the international stage, proving that the gender gap in the sport is steadily closing. With increased opportunities and recognition, it is only a matter of time before we see even more women competing – and winning – at the highest levels, bringing hope for a more inclusive and diverse future in horse racing.

 

For those looking to explore the betting side of horse racing, understanding strategies like value betting can be crucial in identifying smart wagers. With female jockeys consistently proving their ability to win big races, savvy bettors should not overlook their performances.

Final Thoughts

The best female jockeys of all time have excelled in their sport, broken down barriers, and paved the way for future generations. From Julie Krone’s historic Belmont Stakes victory to Rachael Blackmore’s Grand National triumph, these trailblazing women have defied the odds, proving that talent and determination can overcome even the toughest obstacles. Their achievements on flat and jump racing’s biggest stages have earned them the utmost respect and have cemented their place among the sport’s elite.

The term “champion” is not simply reserved for a horse that wins a single race or holds a title for a brief period. A champion racehorse possesses a unique blend of attributes that separate it from the rest of the field.

 

These traits go far beyond sheer speed; they combine genetic potential, mental toughness, and the right environment for a horse to thrive. But what exactly are the defining characteristics that make a racehorse stand out from the herd?

Genetics

At the core of every successful racehorse is a robust genetic foundation. The bloodlines of a horse play a crucial role in determining its potential. Champion racehorses often come from long lines of winners, with their pedigree showcasing a lineage of exceptional competitors. Breeders have long understood the importance of genetics, selecting horses with strong racing backgrounds to mate and produce the next generation of stars.

 

While genetics may not guarantee victory, it significantly increases the likelihood of a horse inheriting desirable traits like speed, stamina, and agility. Many of the world’s greatest racehorses have ancestry that can be traced back to elite bloodlines, with champions like Secretariat, Man o’ War, and Frankel all emerging from carefully selected breeding programs. Their genes provided the physical capabilities needed to dominate the track, but this is just the beginning of their journey to greatness.

Speed

The most obvious and essential trait of any successful racehorse is speed. It is, after all, the very essence of racing. A racehorse’s ability to accelerate quickly and maintain top speed for extended distances is what ultimately wins races. However, speed is not solely about raw power. It is also about the horse’s efficient use of energy, ensuring that it doesn’t burn out too early in a race. The ability to sustain speed over the full length of the track, particularly in longer-distance races, is critical to a horse’s success.

 

Champion racehorses exhibit an exceptional combination of explosive acceleration and endurance. For instance, horses like Black Caviar and Usain Colt have proven that a combination of early speed and the ability to finish strong are the hallmarks of champions. The emphasis on explosive bursts at key moments, whether in the final furlong or the crucial turn, can often mean the difference between a win and a loss.

Stamina

While speed gets a racehorse to the front of the pack, stamina ensures it stays there. Stamina is perhaps the most underrated aspect of racehorse success. Many races, particularly those on longer tracks, require a horse to not only be fast but also be able to endure the rigours of the race. A horse that lacks stamina may have a good burst of speed but struggle to maintain that pace, especially towards the end of a race.

 

Stamina is built over time through a combination of genetics, training, and conditioning. Horses that can maintain a steady pace throughout a race are often able to pull ahead in the final stages when their competitors start to fatigue. The balance between speed and stamina is finely tuned, as demonstrated by champions in endurance races like the Melbourne Cup or the Grand National.

Mental Toughness

It is not just physical traits that set a champion apart – it is also the mental and emotional strength of a horse. A successful racehorse needs a strong character, one that allows it to thrive under pressure and remain focused amidst the chaos of a race. Mental toughness can manifest in several ways: the horse must have the ability to respond to the jockey’s commands, hold its position in the pack, and maintain composure even when racing at high speeds or facing difficult circumstances.

 

Some horses demonstrate an almost intuitive understanding of the race’s flow, able to read the changing conditions and adjust their pace accordingly. Mental toughness can also help a horse deal with the stress of competition. Horses that are easily rattled may perform inconsistently, whereas those that remain calm and determined are often the ones that win. A strong desire to compete, alongside confidence and focus, makes a racehorse a true champion.

 

This mental resilience is something that punters and horse racing enthusiasts undoubtedly analyse when evaluating a horse’s potential. Understanding how a horse handles stress, competition, and pressure can also influence individuals’ matched betting strategies, as bettors often look for horses with the mental fortitude to perform consistently in various conditions.

Synchronisation

While not a physical trait of the horse itself, the relationship between the horse and its jockey cannot be overlooked in the quest for greatness. A successful jockey understands the nuances of the horse’s behaviour, adjusting their tactics to fit its strengths and weaknesses. The best jockeys are often the ones who can anticipate their horse’s needs and make split-second decisions during the race to secure victory.

 

A good jockey is not just a rider but a partner, guiding the horse with subtle cues and steering them through the race. The bond between jockey and horse can play a pivotal role in ensuring that a champion achieves its full potential on the track. The most fruitful partnerships are built on trust, mutual understanding, and a deep connection between the horse and jockey, creating a synergy that drives the horse to perform at its peak.

 

Horses are incredibly sensitive to the actions and movements of their jockeys. The best jockeys are able to communicate silently with their horse, guiding it to respond at the right moments during the race. This deep synchronisation could be the difference between a horse winning or losing, particularly in the race’s final stages when decisions must be made in a fraction of a second.

Summary of What Makes a Champion?

A champion racehorse is the product of a delicate balance of genetics, speed, stamina, mental toughness, and athleticism, all refined through training and preparation. It is not just about being the fastest or strongest but about being able to handle the demands of racing both physically and mentally. Each champion horse possesses a unique combination of traits, yet they all share the drive to compete at the highest level, to push past their limits, and to emerge victorious.

 

While breeding and genetics set the foundation, the careful nurturing of a racehorse’s abilities, combined with the expertise of trainers and jockeys, transforms a talented horse into a true champion.