How Many Grand Nationals Have There Been

1. How Many Grand Nationals Have There Been Won
2. How Many Grand Nationals Were Made
3. How Many Grand Nationals Have Been Run
4. How Many Virtual Grand Nationals Have There Been
5. How Many Grand Nationals Have There Been Paid

Whatever the reason, this is might one of the most original out there. Considering not even 21,000 Grand Nationals were built for the 1987 model year, which was the biggest production run, it’s no. But first, is a solid semifinalist and perennial finalist, Marian Catholic. Marian Catholic has not missed a Grand National finals. It is one of the most impressive streaks in the performing arts. There had been many questions about whether they would make finals the past few years, but they still pushed through into Saturday night.

The 2018 Grand National Championships were held Nov. 8–10 at Lucas Oil Stadium. After a very close semifinals competition, Carmel swept captions in finals and earned a third consecutive national champion title.
This year’s Grand National Championships kick off bright and early Thursday morning with a new system of adjudication that allows the elimination of most breaks throughout the day. While a typical block of performances in years past was limited to around 10–14 bands followed by a break, this year, there are stretches of as many as 30 performances back-to-back. For our purposes below, we’ll group bands into blocks based on adjudication panel. Those bands colored green are ones we consider a lock for semifinals and those in yellow we consider on the bubble for semis.

Prosper performs at the San Antonio Super Regional on Nov. 3, 2018, at the Alamodome. // Photo by Jeremiah Wooten

(Adjudication Panel 1)
7:45 Prosper, TX
8:00 Collinsville, IL
8:15 Nordonia, OH
8:30 Bourbon County, KY
8:45 Russell, KY
9:00 Blackhawk, PA
9:15 Woodford County, KY
9:30 New Philadelphia, OH
9:45 Chesapeake, OH
10:00 Lakota East, OH
10:15 Campbellsville, KY
10:30 Indian Hill, OH
10:45 Milford, OH
11:00 Rockford, MI
11:15 Northeastern, OH
Kicking off the 2018 Grand National Championships on Thursday morning will be the lone band from the lone star state. Prosper is certainly a group to look out for this year. After finishing just two spots outside of finals this past weekend in San Antonio, they are certainly within striking distance of a Saturday night performance.In previous years, we’ve seen bands miss finals by larger margins in San Antonio and still make finals a few days later in Indianapolis.
Lakota East has made finals at two BOA events this year: claiming 13th in Indianapolis and third at Bowling Green. With this in mind, this program could certainly earn a spot in semifinals.

How Many Grand Nationals Have There Been Won

Rockford is another band on the semifinals bubble. After a fourth place finish at Bowling Green, we think they could edge out some other heavy hitters who are competing for a Saturday performance.

Plymouth-Canton performs at the Grand National Championships on Nov. 11, 2017, at Lucas Oil Stadium. // Photo by Jeremiah Wooten

(Adjudication Panel 2)
11:45 Central Hardin, KY
12:00 North Hardin, KY
12:15 Wilmington, OH
12:30 Larry A. Ryle, KY
12:45 Rockwood Summit, MO
1:00 Cary, NC
1:15 Archbishop Alter, OH
1:30 Father Ryan, TN
1:45 Logan Elm, OH
2:00 Norton, OH
2:15 Plymouth-Canton E.P., MI
2:30 Northmont, OH
2:45 Hamilton, OH
3:00 Greenon, OH
3:15 Green Hope, NC
The early afternoon block of bands consists of many regional finalist bands hoping to earn a spot in semifinals. Starting off the group is Central Hardin who placed tenth at Clarksville. They are followed by fellow Kentucky band, North Hardin. North Hardin is a consistently high achieving group that we expect to make semifinals. They also were at the Clarksville, TN regional and earned fourth behind some great bands.
Speaking of Tennessee, be sure to catch Father Ryan at 1:30 p.m. This AA group always brings a high level of individual achievement that allows them to compete with much larger bands. Unfortunately, they’re being judged by the same panel as Marian, North Hardin, and Tarpon, so they won’t be able to advance based on class representation. The band placed sixth earlier this year in Jacksonville.
At 2:15 p.m., we get to see former Grand National champion Plymouth-Canton. They are another group that could be right on the bubble of semifinals after a seventh place finish at Bowling Green.
Closing out the second block is Green Hope from North Carolina. Green Hope is a consistent regional finalist and placed 10th at the 2018 Gaffney Regional.

Castle performs at the Indianapolis Super Regional on Oct. 20, 2018, at Lucas Oil Stadium. // Photo by Jeremiah Wooten

(Adjudication Panel 1)
3:30 Troy, OH
3:45 Carroll, OH
4:00 Lake Park, IL
4:15 Dobyns-Bennett, TN
4:30 Tippecanoe, OH
4:45 John Hardin, KY
5:00 Nation Ford, SC
5:15 Castle, IN
5:30 Lockport Township, IL
5:45 O'Fallon Township, IL
6:00 Lakeland, MI
6:15 Piqua, OH
6:30 Lake Hamilton, AR
6:45 William Mason, OH
Dobyns-Bennett headlines the Thursday afternoon block. Coming off an impressive top six finish at Grand Nationals last year, the Tennessee group is poised for another top half finish. You won’t want to miss their massive stage and vibrant colors that are brought to life on the field.
Nation Ford is another group to watch this year. So far, they have placed third and fifth at the Jacksonville and Gaffney regionals respectively. Their 2018 program, “From the Other Side” features an impressive musical repertoire including Shostakovich Symphony No. 10.
Castle looks to regain momentum with their prelims performance on Thursday. After two straight Grand National finals appearances, the band placed third in Clarksville and eighth in Indianapolis, several spots off of their placements the past two years.
O’Fallon Township has had a tremendous 2018 season as they secured a regional victory in Clarksville and a fifth place finish at the St. Louis Super Regional. Their stark white, endzone-to-endzone, full-field tarp is one of the most bizarre and impressive sights you will see at Grand Nationals. “Tarp Town” is far more than a gimmick, as the spread creates a truly powerful visual impact in contrast to the band’s dark uniforms.
Closing out the block is a band coming back into the finalist discussion. After an incredible climb to fourth place at the 2015 Grand National Championships, William Mason spent last season on the outside looking in. An impressive early season win in Bowling Green sets them up nicely for a strong finish to the season.

Homestead performs at the Indianapolis Super Regional on Oct. 20, 2018, at Lucas Oil Stadium. // Photo by Jeremiah Wooten

(Adjudication Panel 2)
7:30 Avon, IN
7:45 Lawrence Township, IN
8:00 Center Grove, IN
8:15 American Fork, UT
8:30 Homestead, IN
8:45 Columbus North, IN
9:00 Jenison, MI
9:15 Carmel, IN
9:30 Wando, SC
9:45 Greendale, WI
10:00 Adair County, KY
10:15 Reeths-Puffer, MI
10:30 Ada, OH
10:45 Centerville, OH
11:00 Morton, IL
If you had to choose only one prelims block to go to, make sure it is Thursday night. It features SEVEN bands that have made finals within the past ten years. Avon begins the night block and we really shouldn’t need to convince you on why you need to be there right no time. They are one of the best music programs in the country and will blow your socks off.
Lawrence Township and Center Grove are two more Indiana groups that perform directly after Avon. Although following up a finalist lock is difficult, both of these groups are certainly up to the task after each producing impressive finalist placements at the Indianapolis Super Regional.
American Fork is a huge wild card at this year’s competition and is travelling all the way from Utah. The band is consistently a top performer on the west coast and placed just shy of former Grand National finalist Ayala at St. George. Could this be the year that they push through to finals?
Homestead is once again in a solid place to make finals at Grand Nationals. Over the past few years, the band has become a consistent finalist and they look to continue the streak this year.
Speaking of streaks, possibly the biggest question of the weekend will be whether Carmel can three-peat. Performing at the very top of the national stage is an incredible feat, but doing it years in a row is absolutely amazing. The Carmel visual package is always mesmerizing and engaging. The quest for #3 starts at 9:15 PM Thursday for the Marching Greyhounds.
But wait, there’s more! Wando, one of the top bands from the southeast will prove why they are another finalist caliber band. Wando has a new look, but their 2018 program continues their tradition of excellent performance. The individual level of achievement from this group makes them one of the most impressive groups in the nation.
This block also contains a huge group of bands on the bubble of snatching a semifinals spot if everything works in their favor. Jenison, Greendale, and Reeths-Puffer have all been in within 10 spots of semifinals in recent years, and Adair County should advance on class representation if they're unable to advance based on score. Centerville and Morton, who have both made finals at super regional earlier this season round out the Thursday prelims performances.

Blue Springs performs at the St. Louis Super Regional on Oct. 27, 2018, at the Dome at America's Center. // Photo by Jeremiah Wooten

(Adjudication Panel 1)
7:00 Southwestern, KY
7:15 Avon, OH
7:30 Kennesaw Mountain, GA
7:45 Franklin, TN
8:00 North East, PA
8:15 Fort Mill, SC
8:30 Camdenton, MO
8:45 Hardin Valley Academy, TN
9:00 Bentonville, AR
9:15 Homestead, CA
9:30 Fred J. Page, TN
9:45 Blue Springs, MO
Although you may have been up late Thursday watching some incredible groups from the night block, make sure you set your alarm early to make it in time for several great bands performing early Friday morning.
Kennesaw Mountain’s last trip to Grand Nationals was in 2014 when they placed eighth overall in finals. Although, the past few seasons have not been as strong, they have found their new direction over the last two seasons. This year, the band has impressive second and third place finishes at the Jacksonville and Powder Springs regionals behind talented groups like Harrison and Wando.
Franklin is looking to bounce back on the national stage after dropping down to 27th last year in semifinals. Prior to that, the band had placed as high as 15th in 2013 and 13th in 2015. Their 2018 production, “Out There”, features a space theme centered around the Russian Sputnik launch.
Fort Mill, Camdenton, and Bentonville each perform in the middle of this block, so you'll want to hold off on taking a break just yet. All three will be pushing for a spot in semifinals, and with few class AA bands assigned to panel 2, Camdenton could be able to earn a semifinalist spot on class representation, even if they don't on score.
One of the farthest travelling bands this year is Homestead from California. They are another consistent top performing finalist at west coast regionals and look to represent the California bands at Grand Nationals this season. We expect them solidly in semifinals.
Closing out the morning block is Blue Springs. The Missouri band has achieved some impressive milestones over the past few years and they don’t plan on stopping anytime soon. This year, they tied Broken Arrow for the GE caption in St. Louis and finished within half a point of the perennial powerhouse. That alone is enough to be proud of for the 2018 season, but we have a feeling the could turn some more heads this weekend in Indianapolis.

Jenks performs at the St. Louis Super Regional on Oct. 27, 2018, at the Dome at America's Center. // Photo by Jeremiah Wooten

(Adjudication Panel 2)
10:30 Tarpon Springs, FL
10:45 Independence, IA
11:00 Mustang, OK
11:15 Urbana, MD
11:30 Fairborn, OH
11:45 Cabell Midland, WV
12:00 Central Crossing, OH
12:15 DeSoto Central, MS
12:30 Bishop Fenwick, OH
12:45 Jenks, OK
1:00 Stebbins, OH
The second block of the day starts off with a bang. Tarpon Springs will be bringing their production, “Ready Player One”, to Lucas Oil Stadium at 10:30. Tarpon Springs brought home the Eagle in 2014 and had an impressive fourth place finish in 2016. Could they take the championship back home to Florida? Either way, this show is a lot of fun to watch.
Mustang is a semifinals bubble band from outside of Oklahoma City who we haven’t seen much of this year. However, they recently placed sixth at their state championships. We are excited to see what they will bring to Indianapolis!
DeSoto Central is the sole band traveling from Mississippi this year. They made semifinals last year at Grand Nationals and hope to repeat that this year. They have already racked up to finalist performances in Jacksonville and Powder Springs in 2018.
Jenks from Oklahoma could be a very interesting group to watch this weekend. After a very impressive performance in St. Louis, they have their sights set on making finals. After a third place finish behind Grand National finalists Broken Arrow and Blue Springs, they certainly have what it takes to jump into the top twelve.

Broken Arrow performs at the St. Louis Super Regional on Oct. 27, 2018, at the Dome at America's Center. // Photo by Jeremiah Wooten

(Adjudication Panel 1)
1:30 Casey County, KY
1:45 South Point, OH
2:00 Greenfield Central, IN
2:15 Normal, IL
2:30 Sequoyah, TN
2:45 Laquey, MO
3:00 Broken Arrow, OK
3:15 Panther Creek, NC
3:30 West Salem, OR
3:45 Christian Academy of Louisville, KY
4:00 Pulaski County, KY
4:15 Talawanda, OH
4:30 Monrovia, IN
Broken Arrow is always a must-see performance, and this year is no different. Their 2018 show is patriotic themed and presents the full band outfitted in red, white , and blue. The whole production is top notch and will compete for the Eagle this year.

How Many Grand Nationals Were Made

Panther Creek has the tough task of following Broken Arrow this year. However, the North Carolina band has a strong record of regional finalist placements and placed eighth this year at Gaffney. Expect another strong showing from them!
We have been lucky to see several groups travel from California over the past few years, but this year we are being treated to another group from the west coast! West Salem makes the long haul from Oregon. While many fans from the rest of the country haven’t heard of them, West Salem will be a familiar name by the end of the weekend. The band won the Pleasant Hill regional earlier this year against some tough California competition.

Marian Catholic performs at the St. Louis Super Regional on Oct. 27, 2018, at the Dome at America's Center. // Photo by Jeremiah Wooten

(Adjudication Panel 2)
5:00 Marian Catholic, IL
5:15 Union City, TN
5:30 Bellbrook, OH
5:45 East Clinton, OH
6:00 Meade County, KY
6:15 Milton-Union, OH
6:30 Miamisburg, OH
6:45 Goshen, IN
7:00 Walled Lake Central, MI
7:15 Fishers, IN
7:30 Carlisle, OH
7:45 Lewis Cass, IN
8:00 Siegel, TN

How Many Grand Nationals Have Been Run

The final block of the preliminary competition features many midwestern groups that will be vying for a semifinals spot. But first, is a solid semifinalist and perennial finalist, Marian Catholic. Marian Catholic has not missed a Grand National finals. It is one of the most impressive streaks in the performing arts. There had been many questions about whether they would make finals the past few years, but they still pushed through into Saturday night. While a seventh place finish at St. Louis isn’t ideal, nobody cleans a show better than Marian Catholic in November.
Fishers had an impressive showing at the Indianapolis Super Regional as they finished in the top half of finals. In addition, they held off a previous Grand National finalist in Castle. We expect them to be a solid semifinalist lock.
Closing out over 100 bands competing in prelims is Siegel from Murfreesboro, Tennessee. The band had a good sixth place finish in Clarksville behind some very notable programs. More recently, they placed second in a Tennessee competition to Franklin. They will have a massive crowd to perform for as they try to lock up a semifinals spot.
Chief Judge: Gary Markham

How Many Virtual Grand Nationals Have There Been

SOME FAMOUS GAMBLES

• The very first winner Lottery (1839) was made 5/1 favourite following his earlier success in the Cheltenham Steeplechase.
• Another successful 19th century punt came in 1866 when owner/ trainer Edward Studd had £1,000 at 40/1 about Salamander. His £40,000 winnings would equate to nearly £3 million at today’s values.
• Manifesto hit the bookies hard on both occasions he won the Grand National, in 1897 and 1899. He was sent off 6/1 favourite for his first win when owned by heavy-gambling Irish solicitor Harry Dyas. He was 5/1 second favourite two years later when scoring for new owner John Bulteel. The 4/1 favourite was his half-sister Gentle Ida, who fell.
• A confident Vincent O’Brien told owner Joe ‘Mincemeat’ Griffin to have a good bet on Early Mist in the 1953 race. Griffin won £100,000 when his horse came in and he also owned the 1954 winner Royal Tan, trained by O’Brien too.
• Prolific gambler Terry Ramsden bet £50,000 eachway at 8/1 about Mr Snugfit in the 1986. The horse, who was also combined in doubles and trebles, returned a profit when coming fourth.
• Papillon’s success in 2000 for trainer Ted Walsh and his jockey son Ruby was a popular victory. Tipped by the Racing Post’s Pricewise column at 33/1 on the morning of the race, he was sent off at 10/1 by race time.
• Part-owner Mike Futter estimated his total winnings were £800,000 when Monty’s Pass scored in 2003. The five-person Dee Racing syndicate netted over £1 million on the winner, who started at 16/1 but had been backed down from 66/1 by his owners.

OUTSIDERS WINNING

100/1 Mon Mome (2009), Foinavon (1967), Caughoo (1947), Gregalach (1929) and Tipperary Tim (1928).

66/1 Auroras Encore (2013), Ayala (1963), Russian Hero (1949), and Rubio (1908).

50/1 Last Suspect (1985), Anglo (1966), Sheila’s Cottage (1948) and Forbra (1932).

SHORTEST-PRICED WINNERS

• Poethlyn (1919) at 11/4
• Huntsman (1862) at 3/1
• Roquefort (1885) at 100/30

Grand National Weights

HIGHEST WINNING WEIGHT

12st 7lb carried by four winners to victory in the Grand National: Poethlyn (1919), Jerry M (1912), Manifesto (1899) and Cloister (1893).

This is a record that will not be broken as the top-weight was lowered to 12st in 1956, then went down to 11st 12lb in 2002 and to 11st 10lb in 2009.

Since Poethlyn, only four horses have triumphed with 12st or more – Red Rum (12st in 1974), Reynoldstown (12st 2lb in 1936), Golden Miller (12st 2lb in 1934) and Sprig (12st 4lb in 1927).

LOWEST WINNING WEIGHT

9st 6lb by Freetrader in 1856.
The minimum weight now is 10st, regardless whether a horse’s rating merits less (termed “racing from out of the handicap”).
The race’s popularity in recent years has seen few entries from out of the handicap make the final field.

SPECIAL DISCRETION

The Randox Health Grand National is the only race where the official handicapper specially frames the weights, often taking into account past Aintree form.
The weights are announced at a launch in February and do not change afterwards as there are no penalties for success after that time. British Horseracing Authority Head of Handicapping Phil Smith has framed the weights since 1999. Smith has encouraged the best horses to take part by compressing the weights at the top of the handicap since 2001 – giving them a more lenient mark than their official rating, mainly because of the race’s long distance.
He was rewarded with the closest finish in Grand National history in 2012 when Neptune Collonges defied 11st 6lb to beat Sunyhillboy by a nose, while Many Clouds, the 2015 Grand National winner, carried 11st 9lb, the highest victorious weight since Red Rum’s 12st in 1974.

WEIGHTS CARRIED BY LAST 20 WINNERS

11ST 9LB Many Clouds (2015)
11ST 6LB Neptune Collonges (2012)
11ST 5LB Don’t Push It (2010)
11ST 1LB Hedgehunter (2005)
11ST 0LB Mon Mome (2009), Ballabriggs (2011)
10ST 12LB Papillon (2000)
10ST 11LB Red Marauder (2001)
10ST 10LB Amberleigh House (2004)
10ST 9LB Comply Or Die (2008)
10ST 8LB Numbersixvalverde (2006), Monty’s Pass (2003)
10ST 7LB Rule The World (2016)
10ST 6LB Silver Birch (2007), Pineau De Re (2014)
10ST 5LB Earth Summit (1998)
10ST 4LB Bindaree (2002)
10ST 3LB Auroras Encore (2013)
10ST 0LB Lord Gyllene (1997), Bobbyjo (1999)

SMALLEST NUMBER OF FINISHERS

Two, in 1928 when 42 started, with Tipperary Tim beating the remounted Billy Barton by a distance. Three finished in both 1913 and 1951. The remounting of horses was banned in all races by the British Horseracing Authority in November, 2009.

MOST FINISHERS

23 in 1984, from 40 starters. There were 22 finishers in 1963, 1987 and 1992.

MOST RUNNERS

66 in 1929, while 57 lined up in 1947. The maximum field size is now 40.

LEAST RUNNERS

10 in 1883

Grand National Greys

Grey WINNERS

Three different grey horses have won the Grand National four times:

• The Lamb (1868 and 1871),
• Nicolaus Silver (1961) and
• Neptune Collonges (2012).

Greys that PLACED RECENTLY

• 1997 Suny Bay (2nd)
• 1998 Suny Bay (2nd)
• 2002 What’s Up Boys (2nd)
• 2002 Kingsmark (4th)
• 2008 King Johns Castle (2nd)

How Many Grand Nationals Have There Been Paid

WINNERS (13)

Charity (1841), Miss Mowbray (1852), Anatis (1860), Jealousy (1861), Emblem (1863), Emblematic (1864), Casse Tete (1872), Empress (1880), Zoedone (1883), Frigate (1889), Shannon Lass (1902), Sheila’s Cottage (1948) and Nickel Coin (1951).

PLACED SINCE 1951

Gentle Moya (2nd 1956), Tiberetta (3rd 1957, 2nd 1958 & 4th 1959), Miss Hunter (3rd 1970), Eyecatcher (3rd 1976 and 1977), Auntie Dot (3rd 1991), Ebony Jane (4th 1994) and Dubacilla (4th 1995).

Grand National Lengths

The Grand National race is 4 miles, 2 ½ furlongs.

SHORTEST WINNING DISTANCE

Neptune Collonges by a nose from Sunnyhillboy in 2012.

FURTHEST WINNING DISTANCE

A distance – Cloister (1893), Covertcoat (1913), Shaun Splash (1921), Tipperary Tim (1928), Mr What (1958) and Red Marauder (2001).

Grand National Running Times

FASTEST Grand National Time

Mr Frisk (1990) 8m 47.8s.

SLOWEST Grand National Time

Lottery (1839) 14m 53s.

MOST COMMON WINNING AGE

Nine-year-olds have won 45 of the 169 runnings of the Grand National where the winner’s age was recorded. The best recent record is by 11-year-olds, accounting for three of the last five winners – Neptune Collonges (2012), Auroras Encore (2013) and Pineau De Re (2014).

OLDEST WINNER

Peter Simple (1853), aged 15.

YOUNGEST WINNER

Alcibiade (1865), Regal (1876), Austerlitz (1877), Empress (1880) and Lutteur III (1909) were all aged five. Since 2012, only seven-yearolds and upwards can take part.

WINNING AGES IN THE LAST 30 RUNNINGS

• 8-Y-O (3 winners) Party Politics (1992), Bindaree (2002) and Many Clouds (2015).
• 9-Y-O (9 winners) West Tip (1986), Rhyme ‘N’ Reason (1988), Lord Gyllene (1997), Bobbyjo (1999), Papillon (2000), Hedgehunter (2005), Comply Or Die (2008), Mon Mome (2009) and Rule The World (2016).
• 10-Y-O (7 winners) Rough Quest (1996), Earth Summit (1998), Monty’s Pass (2003), Numbersixvalverde (2006), Silver Birch (2007), Don’t Push It (2010) and Ballabriggs (2011).
• 11-Y-O (8 winners) Maori Venture (1987), Mr Frisk (1990), Seagram (1991), Miinnehoma (1994), Red Marauder (2001), Neptune Collonges (2012), Auroras Encore (2013) and Pineau De Re (2014).
• 12-Y-O (3 winners) Little Polveir (1989), Royal Athlete (1995) and Amberleigh House (2004).