Ladbrokes are another bookmaker that Grand National punters will be familiar with, again they offer good deals on all racing and in particular good bonus offers when you first sign-up. You will possibly see them quite often, such as a £10 free bet when you stake £10 - it gives you that little bit extra and mainly another chance at picking a winner. It is not only the Grand National that the betting bonus occurs but on any racing bet throughout the year!

Paddy Power turned Grand National betting upside down when they first arrived on the scene providing great deals such as money back if your horse looses to the second favourite for example. Paddy Power offer good prices and are well worth checking out on all horse racing bets for special offers and prices, the Grand National in particular is a fantastic opportunity to make the most of these special offers at this prestigous event.

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Mon Mome 2009

Winner of the 2009 Grand National Mon Mome strolled home by an impressive 12 lengths to beat off Comply Or Die. Priced at 100-1 Mon Mome equalled the highest priced winner of a Grand National since Foinavon in 1967.

Jockey Liam Treadwell rode Mon Mome to perfection coming into his stride one fence out. Foaled in 2000 this grand horse will be around for a while longer and hopes to make the Welsh National in December 2009.

Memory of M. Baines - April 15th 2009 - Oxford

Lying on my sofa I really thought it was going to be Comply Or Dies' year again, I really felt he could win it for a second year on the trot. I telephoned my family in France to see what they had money on before the race started. One had chosen Mon Mome to win at 100-1.

After the race had finished and I had seen this 100-1 cruise home I thought Oh my God, my cousin had picked that one! I got back on the phone immediately to find out it was only chosen on a sweep stake! I felt gutted for her but obviously not as much as she did!

Memory of J. Parker - May 21st 2009 - UK

Having watched the previous year and having won, I thought I would bet a bit more this time round. Brave but stupid I placed £100e/w on this utter donkey who fell after 30 seconds, I now just stick to £1e/w bets. Just as fun and you don't get an earful off the misses!

Comply Or Die 2008

2008 Grand National winner and 2009 National runner up, Comply Or Die is a great horse that still has a lot left in him. Trained by David Pipe and ridden well by Timmy Murphy 2009 saw how great a horse he was when very heavly weighted compared to others and still ran a fantastic race to finish a beautiful 2nd place to eventual winner Mon Mome.

We certainly feel this is a horse well worth checking as he bids to take part in the Scottish National and possible the Welsh National come the end of the year!

Memory of L. Johnson - April 23rd 2009 - London

I was in Ireland for this National but unfortunately started on the Guiness too early. By 2 o'clock I had apparently made my bet, had no idea where the betting slip was and had another three pints before the race started. In my state it looked as though there were 80 horses running! I don't remember much after that, let alone the result of the race.

Waking up the next day I found my betting slip to see that only had I bet on the race before the National but had forgot to place the bet so it was worth nothing! I didn't even bother to check the result of the previous race for obvious reasons!

Memory of T. Bateman - April 20th 2009 - Wales

Having had to work the previous three Nationals, I was really looking forward to watching this years on TV. I then went and had a stupid row with The Wife a few minutes beforehand and consequently missed the whole thing - Oh, well - better luck next year.

Memory of G. Mckenna - April 17th 2009 - London

For reasons I cannot remember now, 2008 was the only Grand National that I did not watch at home. I was in The Grape Pub in Chepstow, Wales. I remember it in particular because I backed Comply Or Die to win outright purely because I felt it was the only horse that could win it.

I remember some posh guy talking to me before the race and he was going through all the weights and how Comply Or Die would not win it because he was slightly under/over weight! He backed a horse that fell after the first fence, at the start he told me "This one is going all the way"! A great day and good to have a winner for once.

Silver Birch 2007

The 2004 Welsh National winner proved he could go that bit further in 2007 and won the Grand National after falling at The Chair (The Nationals highest fence) in 2006.

Total winning thus far top half a million pounds and is currently trained by one of the youngest trainers in the horse racing community Gordon Elliot. If it were not for a leg injury Silver Birch would have been set to also run in the 2005 National, who at the time was looking like one of the favourites. An Irish horse, Silver Birch is still running these days and is always worth a flutter on.

Memory of S. Saunders - April 14th 2009 - France

Apart from when I was a baby this was the only Grand National that I didn't watch, I remember it in particular because my sister and I used to nickname our car - a Talbot Horizon - Silver Birch! I heard it was running but was in a situation where I would not be able to place a bet. Needless to say, the next day I discovered my sister had clocked Silver Birch and had backed it, good on her.

Numbersixvalverde 2006

This impressive horse had to retire early in January 2009 due to a leg injury but not before winning some great races. These included the obvious 2006 Grand National where he was able to beat another winner Hedgehunter by almost 6 lengths.

Numbersixvalverde was also able to win the Irish National in 2005 so one of these horses (and there are not many) that have managed to win more than one national. Total winnings for Numbersixvalverde exceed the half a million mark.

My memory goes back to 2006 where I was lucky enough to be an employee at Chepstow Racecourse. We had a race meeting the same day but had the big screen outdoors for all Chepstow punters to watch the National.

I remember the atmosphere that day was amazing and I have never felt such a buzz while working. Although I did not back the winner that year or neither was I lucky enough to pick a decent horse in the sweepstake, some people obviously did get lucky, many of whom celebrated by poppping open the champers and others celebrated in private!!! As I remember a colleague of mine doing her rounds on the private boxes just after the race and she accidently walked in on a couple celebrating in there own preferred style! To say the least a few blushes were spared.

Hedgehunter 2005

2005 Grand National winner Hedgehunter first took part in 2004 and has ran each race upto 2008. Bred for these types of races Hedgehunter is trained by Willie Mullins with champion jockey Ruby Walsh at the helm.

Hedgehunter always has a chance at the Nationals and will always make a decent each way bet. After his latest excersions at the 2008 Grand National Hedgehunter was retired aged 12 years after having a total win sum of almost £750,000!

Memory of J. Goodson - May 21st 2009 - Manchester

I was with my 11 year old grandson at this race, we were getting ready for the race when Hedgehunter dropped some dung. My Grandson asked if that would make him lighter, no I replied - plonker!

Amberleigh House 2004

Now retired, Amberleigh House was the Grand National winner in 2004. Ridden by the quality jocky Graham Lee and trained by Red Rum's trainer Ginger McCain, AMberleigh House took part in 5 Grand Nationals which, apart winning was also placed third in 2003.

Ambeleigh House did not really win any major other races and his total winnings were a fraction over £550,000 with the Brecher Chase and Emo Oil Chase being his more significant other wins in 2000 and 2001. A wonderful horse who now resides at the National stud in Newmarket.

Monty's Pass 2003

The 2003 National winner cruised home by an astonishing 12 lengths whilst only 14 of the 40 horses involved were able to finish the tough Aintree course. Jockey Barry Geraghty was full of praise for Monty's Pass stating, "He was like a cat, he jumped unbelievable, I had a lovely run. There was no traffic up front. It's a thrill to finish a National never mind to win one. It's hard to believe he could win so easily."

Easy it seemed by so many lengths, and with rivals such Shotgun, Amberleigh House and Supreme Glory, the way this race was won will be more talked about in the future than how many horses were able to finish the race.

Bindaree 2002

The 2002 Grand National winner will stick in most minds due to his fantastic ability in jumping the fences, winning the race by a close length and three quarters to the well known 'What's Up Boys'. The race was possibly more memorable due to the fact that only 11 of the forty runners were able to finish the race.

Bindaree was ridden very well by jockey Jim Culloty who had to negotiate the riderless horse Beau, Jim was able to switch and dive between What's Up Boys and the rail with Bindaree pushing on at the right moment to win the 2002 National.

Memory of J. Parkhurst - 21st April 2009 - Nottingham, UK

I was at my Grans for this National, I had just reached 19 years old and was giving it the big 'I know everything about betting'. What an idiot I was, offering advice on just about every horse to every memeber of the family telling them their horse wouldn't win.

I must have backed about 10-15 horses that day, all of them each way and I didn't get one in the top 4. Thankfully the family didn't have a go at me, in fact I probably lied and told them I had picked Bindaree - what an idiot!

Red Marauder 2001

Poor weather made this National one of these races you will never forget, rain, rain and more rain! Add some wind, forty horses, two riderless horse and what do you get?

Red Marauder was able to pull away from the well backed Smarty to claim his first National and a first for owner Norman Mason. Richard Guest, who was the jockey in 2001 is now a trainer and Red Marauder has retired.

Memory of G.Murray - 4th May 2009 - Glasgow

I work abroad a lot and was out of the country at the time of the 2001 Grand National and unable to have a bet through the normal channels. An Irish friend and retired bookmaker lived nearby and I mentioned I would like to have a bet in the national. He offered to take my bet. I was a bit out of touch with what was what but I sat down in front of the computer and began making selections.

I could remember Red Marauder winning at Ascot on TV seen he had run 2nd recently and decided to back him ew. Being the national I opted to bet 4 in total all ew. Beau because he had good form, Smarty because he was Jenny Pitmans and Blowing Wind because he had been such a good hurdler and AP was on board. I ended up with the first 3 and had Beau not UR most likely would have had the first 4.

My friends reaction was "A bigger fluke than Foinavaon" of course he was dead right, but that's the national for you.

Papillon 2000

The 2000 Grand National winner almost did not run as owner Mrs Betty Moran did not like the National. After much persuasion Papillon was entered into the race at odds of 33-1 and was ridden by a very young Ruby Walsh, his father Ted Walsh was the trainer.

After the win, pressure was mounted on the owner to enter the 2001 National which Papillon did and came an impressive fourth in a National where the conditions were probably at there worst. After falling at the 19th fence Ruby Walsh manage to climb back onboard and finished 4th out of the only four that were able to complete the race in its harsh conditions.

Bobbyjo 1999

Bobbyjo ridden by Paul Carberry, won the 1999 Grand National and is remembered specifically because he was the first Irish trained horse to win the National in an astonishing 25 years. Incredible when you think of all the great Irish trained horses over that period of time. The jockeys father, Tommy Carberry, was the last jockey to ride an Irish trained National winner when L'Escargot won the 1975 National. The fact Bobbyjo won the Irish National the previous year in 1998 makes the story of this horse even more fascinating.

Bobbyjo died at the very early age of 11 due to the non-recovery of a broken bone in his knee.

Memory of T. O'Shea - April 10th 2009 - Ireland

This was the first Grand National I was legally allowed to bet on. Everyone at school was going on about Bobbyjo because we had a girl there that shared the same name. Unfortunately I didn't listen and as a Michael Jackson fan I went for Double Thriller who fell at the first!

The thing that sticks most in my mind is that back then we had to pay tax before or after the race depending on the result. I suppose I was lucky in one way because I didn't pay tax on the stake, saved me 90p!

Earth Summit 1998

A Great Horse. Earth Summit is the only horse to have won The Grand National, Welsh National and Scottish National. Having won the Scottish National in 1994 Earth Summit won the 1998 Grand National ahead of Suny Bay by a huge eleven lengths.

This was after a near fatal accident at the Haydock Course. Whilst he also won the Welsh National in 1997 at a great price of 25-1 Earth Summit will always be remembered as the horse that won a triple crown of Nationals. Something that may never be done again.

Earth Summit passed away peacefully in 2005 from cancer.

Memory of M. Etherington - 21st April 2009 - UK

I really remember the 1998 National well because my husband and I backed the winner Earth Summit at 18-1, but Jerry didn't pay tax on the stake which was the thing to do at the time.

Therefore after betting £50 to win we would have expected £900, nonetheless a great race and good to get a win, even if we had to pay the Labour Party for the pleasure!

Lord Gyllene 1997

The 1997 Grand National winner Lord GYllene was actually bred in New Zealand and with top jockey Tony Dobbin always had a fighting chance of getting the result.

One of seventeen who completed the race, he had to compete with greats such as Suny Bay, Master Oats and Nahthen Lad.

Lord Gyllene was retired in 2001 due to injury.

Memory of V. Fanning - May 23rd 2009 - UK

I worked in a call centre and had to work the saturday. I was lucky enough to get off a little earlier for the National as I still had a 35 minute drive. Feel stupid now but I had enough time but I sped and was stopped by the police. They were understanding (slightly) and after all the usual paperwork and tests was sat in my car with the police listening to the race on Five Live. I think even one of the policemen won!!

Rough Quest 1996

This was a close one! A Grand National where a stewards enquiry had to be held as it seemed Rough Quest had drifted into Encore Un Peu's path on the final run in.

Royal Athlete 1995

1995 Winner Royal Athlete beat the 1992 winner Party Politics by seven lengths in this wonderful National. Royal Athlete had sustained so many injuries over his time it was hard to predict if or when he would run.

Memory of R. Lee - May 21st 2009 - UK

After 6 years being engaged, I proposed to my girlfriend on this day so there was more than the usual excitement. That was until we thought we were invincible and placed half our savings on Royal Athlete! After that we felt immortal. Been married 13 years now too!

Miinnehoma 1994

Owned by the very funny comedian Freddie Starr, Miinnehoma won the 1994 Grand National by a length and one quarter to 'Just So'. 36 started the race with only six finishing the Aintree course.

Snow and rain meant the conditions were not ideal for most horses but with Miinnehom and Just So fighting it out at the end it was memorable enough to class this as one of the best, if not to look at for weather reasons but for the jockeys and horses.

Memory of S. Corrigan - 23rd April 2009 - UK

I actually saw Freddie Starr before the race, I didn't know he owned a horse and he told me his horse had a small chance because the weather was so bad, he was so funny telling jokes to those around him, everyone was in stitches, I remember there being a sort of aura about him, as if he was special, I was so glad his horse won.

1993 VOID

Everyone will remember the mal-organisation of the 1993 Grand National, the false start, the flag raised but not flying. Of 39 horses that started this race only 9 stopped, the other 30 went round as normal, jumping and negotiating fences, some other jockeys were informed by which time it was too late.

The day started with Animal Rights protestors on the track, then certain horses were became entwined in the starting tape meaning there were two false starts prior to the third and final start. Esha Ness was the first horse to cross the line ridden by John White who believe even after crossing the line that others had fallen and he had won the race.

Memory of H. Brown - May 22nd 2009 - Ireland

To this day I am sure if the race had run its correct course I would have won big this time. Must have been a very difficult day for the bookmakers.

Memory of U. Potter - 20th April 2009 - Ireland

In a strange way I got quite excited about this race as the horse I had picked(cannot remember the name) was a 150-1 shot and was one of about 10 horses that did not go round.

There was talk that the race would be re-run, possibly with the remaining horses, and as I had taken the price each way I felt I had a good chance.

Unfortuntaley for me that was not the case and the whole race became void, it must been really embarrassing for the staff as I felt it was they that balls'd it up. At least the bookies were so king to pay all the bets back. I could imagine them trying to pull a sneaky one out of that.

Party Politics 1992

The 1992 National was not just about the race but about the General elections which were to be held a few days after the race. Ironically Party Politics won the race at odds of 14-1 and ridden by the very experienced Carl Llewellyn.

15-2 favourite Docklands Express came fourth but it what one of those Nationals that you felt what was going on in the country, that Party Politics would be the only winner. Some may remember the race when after the 12th fence, the public on that side came rushing across to get to the finish line. An amazing sight.

Memory of Q. Felger - 23rd April 2009 - UK

I remember all the politics going on with John Major and Thatcher which is why I chose Party POlitics, it was pretty obvious it was going to win although I should have backed it more at the time, I paid the 9% stake at the time of the bet but it's only when the winner comes in that you think I should have placed more on it. I know that's always the way but I with something like Party Politics happening at the time of the race you should realise this it going to be it. Still had fun although I will always regret not placing more money on him.

Memory of A. Onjo - May 16th 2009 - London

Me and my husband were in New York for this race and because of the time difference we were watching the race at breakfast! It took a while to find a place that would show it, but where theres people theres always an Irish O'Neils bar. God bless them x

Seagram 1991

In 1991 the Grand National was sponsored by Seagram Distillers. That should have told everyone something when a horse called Seagram turned up at 12-1 beating the favoured 7-1 chance Garrison Savannah.

The subsidary of Seagram Distillery were called Martell Cognac - ring any bells? From 1992 the National was sponsored by Martell but as yet, no horse with that name has sprung up.

Mr Frisk 1990

A winning horse ridden by an amateur jockey by the name of Marcus Armytage, this was a truly fascinating finish with Mr Frisk and Durham Edition going all out after the final fence. Mr Frisk was always in the lead, with it looking like he was being caught up, then he wasn't, then he was, then he wasn't.

It was real nail and tooth stuff but Mr Frisk just had enough of a lead, the fans were going loopy with Durham Edition a punters choice with odds of 9-1 just being beaten to the post by 16-1 Mr Frisk 1990 Grand National Champion by half a length.

Memory of P. Somersall - 24th April 2009 - UK

This has to be my favourite National of all time, the first one I watched was in 1987 when Maori Venture won it, but because 1990 was so close I reckon it has to be up there with the best of them. I was watching this one on tv and everyone who was watching with me were shouting for Durham Edition to catch Mr Frisk up. It looked as though it would but Mr Frisk just kept on going showing great stamina although you would have to give credit to both jockeys for making this National such a great close race!

Little Polveir 1989

Rhyme 'N' Reason 1988

Ridden by Brendan Powell the 1988 Grand National winner was a generous 10-1 shot which made this a bad day for the bookmakers. Especially as Rhyme 'N' Reason fell at Bechers Brook first time round but managed to continue to victory. 2nd favourite was 1986 winner West Tip at 11-1 who managed a respectable 4th.

Rhyme 'N' Reason also won the Irish National in 1985 making him one of the 'Special' horses that were able to complete a double.

Maori Venture 1987

1987 Grand National Winner Maori Venture was a rank outsider at 28-1, and at 11 years old but at a good weight of 10-13 was ridden superbly by Steve Knight was able to see off the likes of The Tsarevich,Lean Ar Aghaidh and 1986 winner West Tip who was the 5-1 favourite.

T & J. Dowd - 23rd April 2009 - New Zealand

I think we backed Maori Venture because we were visiting friends in Cheshire and we come from New Zealand. We had not heard about this race but our friends told us how amazing it was.

We told them we knew nothing about racing and doubted we would win any money. When my wife saw that a horse called Maori Venture was running we just had to back it, I mean most people just back a horse they like the sound of so why not. When we went back to New Zealand we made a habit every year of making sure we watch it, if the horse has a name that means something to our homeland then we will back it 100%!

West Tip 1986

One of the Grand National's best. West Tip not only won in 1986 at odds of 15-2 but ran a consecutive six Nationals from 1985 to 1990 on West Tip, where he was actually favourite in 1985 but fell at Bechers Brook on the second lap, finishing each way in all but 1990 where he finished a respectable tenth.

Richard Dunwoody, the famous jockey also won in 1994 aboard Freddie Star's horse Miinnehoma when the conditions could have been classed as torrential.

Last Suspect 1985

A brilliant 50-1 outsider no-one saw Last Suspect coming, ridden by Hywel Davies fended off some classic National horses to win the 1985 Grand National in Mr Snugfit, Corbiere and Greasepaint who was the 13-2 joint favourite.

Hallo Dandy 1984

Gordon Richards was the jockey on Hallo dandy for this race and did wonderfully in seeing off favourite Greasepaint, Corbiere and Lucky Vane. He retied in 1986 but was unfortunately loaned to an Earl of Onslow, a Tory member of the House of Lords who used Hallo Dandy for hunting. 8 years later Hallo Dandy was in a terrible state and had obviously not been looked after at all.

Thankfully a Carrie Humble (Thoroughbred Rehabilitation Centre that retrains retired horses) and Aintree commentator Peter O'Sullevan, bought Hallo Dandy back to full health. He died at the Grand Old age of 33 - thankfully, due to Carrie Humble, more happy years than miserable years with this Earl of Onslow.

Donations can be made to the Thoroughbred Rehabilitation Centre by clicking the link.

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