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A National treasure
Steven LynchMarch 16, 2015
Which horse finished third, second and first in successive Grand Nationals? asked Craig Montague
The horse that built so neatly to Aintree success was L'Escargot, who was third in 1973 behind Red Rum and Crisp, followed Red Rum home in 1974, and finally beat him in 1975. L'Escargot's jockey was Tommy Carberry, who had also ridden him to victory in the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 1970 and 1971.
Four other horses have finished first, second and third in the Grand National, but not in successive years. Huntsman was third in 1859, second in 1860, and won in 1862.
The Liberator finished third in 1877, first in 1879, and second in 1880. Why Not was second in 1889, third in 1893, and won in 1894. More recently Royal Tan finished second in 1951, first in 1954, and third in 1956.
Red Rum's five successive placings (first-first-second-second-first) between 1973 and 1977 is the National record, although Manifesto was placed six times between 1895 and 1903, winning twice.
West Tip was placed in four successive Nationals: first in 1986, fourth in 1987 and 1988, and second in 1989.
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