2000 Grand National Winner

Papillon

The 153rd renewal of the famous Grand National took place at Aintree racecourse, Liverpool on 8th April 2000, the race being won in an impressive time of just 9 minutes 9.7 seconds by 10/1 punt Papillon. The Ted Walsh-trained runner won by a length of one and three-quarter lengths and was ridden by Ted’s son Ruby Walsh. A maximum field of forty runners started the race and seventeen successfully completed the course. None of the horses which failed to finish were injured in any way and all returned safely to their stables at the conclusion of the race.

Dark Stranger went off as 9/1 favourite due to his mount being Tony McCoy, however this pairing had yet to win any race in excess of three miles and hopes were dashed early in proceedings when McCoy fell at the third. Papillon went into Grand National day as 33/1 outsider but he was the subject of a big public gamble prior to the race and his odds tumbled to just 10/1. Ruby Walsh managed to keep Papillon in the leading group for much of the race before going out in front four fences from the finishing line and ultimately winning by one and three-quarter lengths.

Once again the BBC provided full live coverage of the race as part of their Grandstand special, Sue Barker making her debut as anchor from the unsaddling enclosure. Roving reporter was Clare Balding, while Richard Dunwoody interviews the jockeys in the weighing room and Angus Loughran provided the latest betting news. BBC Radio once again presented live race commentary.

Finishing Order

1:  Papillon

2:  Mely Moss

3:  Niki Dee

4:  Brave Highlander

5:  Addington Boy

6:  Call It A Day

7:  The Last Fling

8:  Lucky Town

9:  Djeddah

10: Hollybank Buck

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