The Grand National, one of the most famous horse races in the world, is a test of stamina, skill, and bravery for both horse and jockey. Over its long and storied history, many winners have made their mark, but only a select few have achieved victory in this prestigious race while standing out for their striking appearance. Grey horses, making up a small proportion of the racing population, are rarely seen in the winner’s enclosure. However, three remarkable grey horses have defied the odds to claim victory at Aintree: The Lamb, Nicolaus Silver, and Neptune Collonges.
The Lamb: The First to Shine:
The Lamb became the first grey horse to win the Grand National, securing his place in history with victories in 1868 and 1871. Owned by Lord Poulett and trained by Ben Land, The Lamb was an unusually small horse, which made his two wins all the more surprising.
In 1868, The Lamb faced a tough field of 25 horses but proved his mettle with an astonishing display of stamina and agility over the 30 gruelling fences. His ability to stay on his feet in a race that saw many fallers earned him immediate recognition. Returning in 1871, The Lamb once again showed his class, becoming only the second horse in Grand National history to win the race twice at the time. His double victory, coupled with his striking grey coat, ensured his legend would endure for generations.
Nicolaus Silver: Breaking a 90-Year Drought:
It would take nearly a century before another grey horse triumphed in the Grand National. In 1961, Nicolaus Silver ended the 90-year drought for grey horses, claiming victory for owner Charles Vaughan and jockey Bobby Beasley. Trained by Fred Rimell, a four-time Grand National-winning trainer, Nicolaus Silver was relatively unheralded before the race, with few giving him much of a chance.
Despite this, the Irish-bred gelding handled the challenging Aintree course with poise, navigating the notorious Becher’s Brook and The Chair to emerge victorious. His win was a surprise to many, but it solidified his place in racing history as only the second grey to conquer the National. Nicolaus Silver’s success showed that the long-standing superstition against grey horses in the race was no longer a reliable predictor of performance.
Neptune Collonges: A Heart-Stopping Finish:
The most recent grey horse to win the Grand National was Neptune Collonges, who achieved victory in 2012 in one of the race’s most thrilling finishes. Owned by John Hales and trained by Paul Nicholls, Neptune Collonges was already a respected horse, having placed in several top-level races, including the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
The 2012 Grand National came down to a photo finish, with Neptune Collonges just edging out Sunnyhillboy by a nose in the closest finish in the race’s history. Ridden by jockey Daryl Jacob, Neptune Collonges showed immense courage and determination, surging forward in the final strides to claim the win. His victory was also significant as it marked Paul Nicholls’ first Grand National triumph after years of trying. Following his win, Neptune Collonges was retired, leaving the sport on a high note as one of the few grey champions of Aintree.
The Grey Legends:
The Grand National has seen countless legendary horses, but the victories of The Lamb, Nicolaus Silver, and Neptune Collonges stand out for their rarity and brilliance. Their wins, separated by decades, remind us that while grey horses may be a rare sight on the racetrack, they are more than capable of triumphing in the most testing of races. Each of these grey champions has left an indelible mark on the Grand National’s history, proving that, sometimes, racing legends come in shades of grey.
Photo: Freepik
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