The Grand National is a spectacle that captures the imagination of racing enthusiasts and casual observers alike, renowned for its unpredictability and knack for producing fairy-tale endings.

As this year’s renewal approaches, defending champion Corach Rambler is the short-price favourite in the Grand National 2024 betting with odds of 9/2.

However, throughout its rich history, the iconic steeplechase has witnessed several underdogs triumph against all the odds — defying the bookmakers and writing their name in racing folklore.

Among these legendary tales are the remarkable victories of horses whose odds seemed insurmountable, yet defied expectations to emerge triumphant on the hallowed turf of Aintree.

Tipperary Tim was the unlikely hero of the 1928 Grand National, standing as a testament to the unpredictable nature of the race.

As staggering odds of 100/1, few gave him a chance almost 100 years ago. However, in a race marred by chaos and falls, Tipperary Tim navigated the treacherous obstacles unscathed alongside just one of the other runners and seized victory in a moment of sheer pandemonium.

The following year, in 1929, another 100/1 outsider, Gregalach, etched his name in Grand National history. With the odds stacked against him, Gregalach once again proved that in this prestigious race, anything is possible.

The fact that the 1929 renewal had the biggest field in Grand National history with a massive 66 runners adds another layer to Gregalach’s memorable success.

Almost 20 years later, in 1947, Caughoo joined the ranks of the Grand National’s greatest surprises. Despite being dismissed as a long shot with odds of 100/1, Caughoo won the grand steeplechase by a commanding 20 lengths — leaving the other 56 runners in awe.

Fast forward to 1967, and the Grand National witnessed yet another underdog story for the ages — as Foinavon joined the 100/1 club.

With three other jockeys refusing to ride Foinavon, John Buckingham ultimately took the reins and the pair seized their moment of destiny in a race that will forever be remembered for the chaos that ensued at a fence that is now named after this legendary horse.

In 2009, Mon Mome added his name to the illustrious list of Grand National outsiders turned champions. Also priced at 100/1, the Venetia Williams-trained horse beat the defending champion Comply Or Die by a comfortable 12 lengths.

As a result of Mon Mome’s historic win, Williams became just the second female trainer to win the Grand National. Jenny Pitman, who saddled Corbiere in 1983, was the trailblazer and Sue Smith has since followed in the pair’s footsteps with Auroras Encore in 2013.

Noble Yeats is a more recent outsider to romp to Grand National glory. Triumphing at 50/1 in the Aintree odds, the surprise victory was a fairy-tale ending to the career of Sam Waley-Cohen — who announced that he would be retiring from the saddle following the 2022 renewal of the race.

In the storied history of the Grand National, the tales of Tipperary Tim, Gregalach, Caughoo, Foinavon, Mon Mome, and even Noble Yeats will forever be celebrated as a testament to the race’s capacity to produce the most improbable of champions.