The Cheltenham Gold Cup represents the pinnacle of National Hunt racing, where only the best stayers and chasers prove their mettle over three miles and two and a half furlongs. However, the ultimate challenge in jump racing comes at Aintree, where the Grand National’s grueling four-mile-plus test has humbled even the finest of champions.
Over the years, a select few have attempted to etch their names into racing folklore by competing in both races. While many Gold Cup winners have tried their luck over Aintree’s famous fences, only two have managed to triumph in both contests. Here’s a closer look at five notable horses that made the bold leap from Cheltenham glory to Grand National ambition.
1. Golden Miller (1934)
Arguably the greatest National Hunt horse of all time, Golden Miller remains the only horse to have won both the Cheltenham Gold Cup and the Grand National in the same year. Owned by the formidable Dorothy Paget, he dominated the Gold Cup, winning it an unprecedented five times between 1932 and 1936. His most remarkable feat came in 1934 when he conquered Aintree’s treacherous fences, setting a new course record in the process. However, despite his brilliance, Golden Miller was never fond of Aintree, failing to complete the race in three other attempts. Nevertheless, his unique double remains a benchmark of excellence in steeplechasing history.
2. L’Escargot (1970, 1971)
This Irish-trained star cemented his legacy by winning back-to-back Gold Cups in 1970 and 1971 under trainer Dan Moore. But it was his exploits in the Grand National that further enhanced his reputation. L’Escargot finished third behind the legendary Red Rum in 1973 and was fourth in 1974. However, in 1975, at the age of twelve, he turned the tables on Red Rum, storming to victory by 15 lengths and denying the great horse a third consecutive win. L’Escargot remains one of only two horses to have won both the Gold Cup and the Grand National, a testament to his extraordinary stamina and versatility.
3. Garrison Savannah (1991)
Trained by the trailblazing Jenny Pitman, Garrison Savannah claimed Gold Cup glory in 1991, narrowly holding off The Fellow in a thrilling finish. That same year, he attempted the Grand National, aiming to achieve a remarkable double. Carrying 11st 3lbs, he ran a gallant race under Mark Pitman, finishing second to Seagram. His effort was particularly impressive, given that only two horses in history had managed to win both races, and his runner-up finish remains one of the closest any Gold Cup winner has come to replicating Golden Miller’s feat.
4. Master Oats (1995)
A powerhouse of a staying chaser, Master Oats delivered a dominant performance in the 1995 Gold Cup, winning by 15 lengths for trainer Kim Bailey. With his stamina proven, he was sent to Aintree the following month as the 5/1 favorite for the Grand National. However, the burden of carrying 11st 10lbs took its toll, and he faded late on to finish seventh. He returned to the race in 1997, this time finishing fifth, but never quite replicated his Cheltenham heroics. Despite this, he remained one of the most respected stayers of his generation.
5. Synchronised (2012)
A horse beloved for his toughness and tenacity, Synchronised won the 2012 Cheltenham Gold Cup under A.P. McCoy for trainer Jonjo O’Neill and owner J.P. McManus. His victory at Cheltenham, where he stayed on powerfully to beat The Giant Bolster and Long Run, marked him as an ideal candidate for the Grand National. However, tragedy struck at Aintree. Carrying top weight of 11st 10lbs, Synchronised unseated McCoy at Becher’s Brook before continuing riderless and suffering a fatal fall at the 11th fence. His loss was deeply felt across the racing world, a poignant reminder of the risks inherent in the sport.
The Challenge of the Gold Cup-Grand National Double
The record books show that while many Gold Cup winners have attempted the Grand National, few have managed to replicate their Cheltenham success at Aintree. The demands of both races differ significantly—Cheltenham’s undulating course tests a horse’s staying ability and class, while Aintree’s vast fences and extended distance place an even greater emphasis on endurance and jumping prowess.
Golden Miller (1934) and L’Escargot (1975) stand alone in completing the rare double, a feat that modern-day racing continues to struggle to replicate. As future generations take on this monumental challenge, the question remains: will we ever see another horse conquer both Cheltenham’s blue riband and Aintree’s ultimate test?
Photo: Freepik
