Grand National’s wackiest winners: Funny names that came up trumps

The Grand National isn't just Britain's biggest horse race—it's also a showcase for some truly unforgettable horse names. For casual punters, Grand National betting often means picking horses based purely on their quirky or amusing names.

And sometimes, those whimsical picks pay off spectacularly.

Here’s a quick gallop through some of the funniest, most unusual names ever to win the Grand National, and a peek at a few amusingly-named hopefuls lining up for the 2025 race.

• Foinavon (1967 – 100/1) – A true outsider who won due to a chaotic pile-up at the 23rd fence. His name now famously graces that fence at Aintree.
• L’Escargot (1975 – 13/2) – French for "the snail," this ironically speedy horse famously beat the legendary Red Rum.
• Seagram (1991 – 12/1) – Perfectly named winner, sponsored and victorious in a race backed by the Seagram drinks company.
• Numbersixvalverde (2006 – 11/1) – With a name resembling a password, this quirky horse took home victory named after his owner's holiday home address in Portugal.
• Mon Mome (2009 – 100/1) – Translating to "my kid," Mon Mome stunned everyone as a rank outsider, becoming one of the longest-odds winners in history.
• Don’t Push It (2010 – 10/1) – Finally breaking jockey AP McCoy's National curse, the horse humorously contradicted its own name by cruising to victory.
• Rule The World (2016 – 33/1) – This horse certainly lived up to his ambitious name, winning despite never previously securing a fences victory.
• One For Arthur (2017 – 14/1) – Named in honour of Arthur Guinness, he delivered a historic Scottish victory and gave punters a perfect excuse to raise a pint.
• Tiger Roll (2018 – 10/1) – Sounding more like sushi than a champion, Tiger Roll became a legend by winning back-to-back Nationals.
  

These amusingly-named horses highlight the charm of betting on the Grand National—a race where the unexpected often triumphs, and picking a name that makes you smile can be just as valid as studying the form guide.

Looking ahead, the 2025 Grand National features plenty of amusing contenders:

• I Am Maximus (9/1) – Inspired by the film Gladiator, he brings epic excitement—and solid winning credentials—as he defends his 2024 crown.
• Threeunderthrufive (66/1) – A golfing term turned tongue-twisting name, this runner might appeal to punters looking for an oddball choice.
• Mr Incredible (150/1) – Pixar-inspired, he'll need some superhero performance to justify his name, but the story alone tempts a cheeky bet.
• Velvet Elvis (50/1) – Nostalgically kitschy, his name conjures up Elvis Presley memorabilia and might just rock the bookmakers.
• Shakem Up’Arry (66/1) – This delightfully Cockney-sounding contender could shake things up for punters who love shouting at their TV.
• Duffle Coat (66/1) – Warmly humorous, he's the type of outsider that Grand National fans might bet on for fun—and possibly a stylish upset.
• Yeah Man (40/1) – The laid-back entry whose name alone could make him a trendy, casual pick.
  

When it comes to Grand National betting, sometimes choosing the funniest or most unusual name on the racecard can lead to legendary wins. Whether you're backing a gladiator, a rock 'n' roll icon, or just your favourite coat, betting on the Grand National has never been more entertaining. So, pick your favourite quirky name and see if this year’s laughs turn into winnings at Aintree.

As for the 2025 race, the bookies have I Am Maximus as the favourite to win this year's Grand National, ahead of Iroko and Stumpdown in the betting.

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All odds and markets correct as of date of publication