Ten interesting statistics about the Grand National

It is that time of year again with the Grand National this weekend at Aintree. I am asked all sorts of questions about the race this time if year, not least 'which one is going to win Girdy?' I don't always get that question right obviously, this is the Grand National after all, but I do have a few interesting facts about the race that you can impress family and friends with if you wish. The last fact is a concern for those of you who like to back a grey for the race. 

Ten interesting statistics about the Grand National

Shortest priced winner: Poethlyn (1919) at 11/4.

Biggest priced winner: Mon Mome (2009), Foinavon (1967), Caughoo (1947), Gregalach (1929) and Tipperary Tim (1928) were all priced at 100/1.

Shortest winning distance: Neptune Collonges by a nose from Sunnyhillboy in 2012. 

Furthest winning distance: Cloister (1893), Covertcoat (1913), Shaun Splash (1921), Tipperary Tim (1928), Mr What (1958) and Red Marauder (2001) all won by ‘a distance’ (over 30 lengths). 

Oldest Winner: Peter Simple (1853) aged 15. 

Most Finishers: 23 in 1984, 40 started. 

Most runners: 66 in 1929, the maximum field size is now 40.

Smallest number of finishers: Two, in 1928. 42 started, with Tipperary Tim beating the remounted Billy Barton by a distance.

Smallest number of runners: 10 in 1883. 

Greys: Three different grey horses have won the Grand National at total of four times: The Lamb (1868 and 1871), Nicolaus Silver (1961) and Neptune Collonges (2012).