The Biggest Names to Have Won the Irish Grand National

The Irish Grand National, established in 1870 and held on Easter Monday every year at the Fairyhouse Racecourse, is one of the biggest events on the Irish racing calendar - and it’s pretty popular with racing fans all over the UK and even the world. Because of this, some of the biggest names in the world of racing have used it as a stage to show off their stamina, strength and overall racing prowess. And as the 2025 Irish Grand National odds are released, we’re expecting more of the same.

Here, we’re going to look at some of the biggest names to have won this iconic race.

Arkle - 1964

We have to start the list with Arkle - arguably the best steeplechaser of all time. His win, back in the 1964 Irish Grand National, has to be one of the most brilliant moments in the race’s history.

Trained by Tom Dreaper and ridden by Pat Taaffe, there was nothing lightweight about this victory… as he had to carry a pretty hefty 12st 0lbs to victory, showing off both class and stamina. And this was no one-trick pony either. He went on to completely dominate the Cheltenham Gold Cup - winning it three consecutive times in 1964, 1965, and 1966. Even to this day, Arkle’s legacy hasn’t yet been matched and his Irish Grand National win is still one of the biggest moments of the race.

Brown Lad - 1975, 1976, 1978

How can we not mention Brown Lad? He’s the only horse that’s managed to win the Irish Grand National three times - which makes him one of the most successful horses in the race’s history.

The horse, who was trained by Jim Dreaper, son of Tom Dreaper won in 1975, 1976, and then again in 1978 - a sure sign of both incredible ability and endurance. This three-time success has earned him a reputation as one of the very best National Hunt horses Ireland has ever seen.

Desert Orchid - 1990

Another legendary horse to take the win at the Irish Grand National was Desert Orchid - who was already a fan favourite by the time he pounded his way around the Irish Grand National in 1990.

This was a grey famed for his attacking style and fearless jumping - and he produced a seriously impressive performance to take the win - under what was no insignificant weight burden. His win at Fairyhouse was yet another brilliant addition to his already incredible career, which included wins in the Cheltenham Gold Cup and King George VI Chases.

Bobbyjo - 1998

Next, we have Bobbyjo who won the 1998 Irish Grand National - and this was to set the stage for an even bigger and better achievement when he went on to be the first Irish-trained horse in 24 years to win the Aintree Grand National the very next year.

Bobbyjo, who was trained by Tommy Carberry and ridden by his son Paul Carberry, not only won an impressive victory at Fairyhouse - but this was just a stepping stone to his legendary win at Aintree in 1999. Irish eyes were smiling indeed when he went on to win one of the most famous races in the world.

Our Duke - 2017

We then have Our Duke, whose 2017 Irish Grand National win, is still considered to be one of the most impressive and dominant displays in the history of the race.

This stunning horse was nothing short of spectacular. Trained by Jessica Harrington and ridden by Robbie Power, the seven-year-old enjoyed an incredible victory - and earned himself a name as a rising star in the world of National Hunt racing. Sadly, his career was cut short due to illness. But despite this, his Irish Grand National win is still one of the best in recent history.

Freewheelin Dylan - 2021

Finally, we’ll finish off with a true underdog story - when Freewheelin Dylan shocked the world of horse racing when he won the 2021 Irish Grand National… at odds of 150/1.

Having been trained by Dermot McLoughlin and ridden by Ricky Doyle, he ran his way to a shock win - which just goes to show how unpredictable this race can be… and serves as a reminder that, when it comes to the Irish Grand National, literally anything can happen.

So, there you have it! Some of the very best and most interesting winners in the history of the Irish Grand National.