There can be no denying that the Liverpool-hosted Grand National is the biggest spectacle in British racing, but the Cheltenham Festival does indeed run it close. It can be argued that the Gloucestershire showdown does possess more quality, with four championship races on each day of the annual extravaganza, as well as a plethora of Grade 1 showdowns. But some special horses have shone both over the gruelling Aintree course and climbing up the Cheltenham Hill.
Cheltenham 2025
Ahead of this year’s Cheltenham showdown, all the talk is surrounding two horses. The first of those is Galopin Des Champs, who looks to enter the history books by claiming a third straight Gold Cup, and the bookies fancy his chances. The latest Cheltenham Festival odds currently make him a short-priced 1/2 favourite to complete the three-peat, and it would take a brave punter to bet against him.
Also, there is plenty of hype about Constitution Hill. Last year, he was pulled from the Champion Hurdle due to a suspected lung infection and thus surrendered his crown to State Man. This year, he is back and aiming to reclaim his throne. The latest horse racing betting odds make him a 4/6 favourite to do exactly that.
Neither of those two have had the chance to shine at Aintree just yet, but that could be in the offing in the not-so-distant future. These two certainly have, however.
Tiger Roll
Tiger Roll’s name is etched in racing lore, a diminutive champion whose record at Cheltenham and Aintree is simply unparalleled. With five victories at the Cheltenham Festival and back-to-back triumphs in the Grand National, this gutsy gelding redefined what it means to be versatile.
Tiger Roll burst onto the scene at Cheltenham as a four-year-old, winning the Triumph Hurdle in 2014. His appetite for big occasions grew as he went on to claim victories in the National Hunt Chase in 2017 and three editions of the Cross Country Chase (2018, 2019, and 2021). His ability to adapt from the gruelling endurance of Cheltenham’s cross-country course to the relentless test of Aintree’s Grand National fences showcased a level of all-round talent rarely seen.
At Aintree, Tiger Roll’s star shone even brighter. He captured two Grand Nationals (2018 and 2019), the ultimate test of stamina, jumping precision, and heart. His first victory was a nail-biter, holding off Pleasant Company by a mere head. A year later, he dominated the field, becoming the first horse since the legendary Red Rum to win consecutive Nationals. His two-track mastery solidifies him as one of the greatest to grace National Hunt racing.
Tiger Roll wins the Randox Health Grand National!
Back-to-back Grand Nationals and a place in history pic.twitter.com/vcF6v9JEOL
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) April 6, 2019
Red Rum
Speaking of Red Rum, this master of Aintree was the embodiment of grit and glory. While Tiger Roll stood tall at both venues, Red Rum’s dominance lay primarily in his unmatched Grand National record. Yet, his Cheltenham showings added another layer to his legacy.
Red Rum was designed for the Grand National, claiming three victories in 1973, 1974, and 1977, and finishing second twice. His tenacity in the 1973 race is the stuff of legend, overcoming a 15-length deficit to deliver a stunning finish past Crisp. However, Red Rum’s forays at Cheltenham also demand recognition. Though not a Festival winner, he placed admirably in the Champion Chase, underscoring his adaptability.
Red Rum’s Aintree exploits remain iconic, but his ability to compete across disciplines showcases the balance and precision needed to succeed at the highest level.