Horse Racing

How Many Times Has Nicky Henderson Won The Grand National?

Joe Lyons Sports Editor

Published04 Apr 2025

Disclosure

We publish independently audited content meeting strict editorial standards. Ads on our site are served by Google AdSense and are not controlled or influenced by our editorial team.

Six-time British champion trainer Nicky Henderson is one of the most successful handlers in racing history – but how many times has he won the Grand National?

How many times has Nicky Henderson won the Grand National?

Considering Henderson’s fabulous record in horse racing, you’d expect the 75-year-old to have landed the Aintree Grand National at some point.

He’s won two Cheltenham Gold Cups, nine Champion Hurdles, six Champion Chases, eight Arkles, five Supremes, seven Triumphs – the list goes on, we could be here all day.

However, Nicky Henderson has never won the 4m 2½f handicap steeplechase at any point since starting out in 1978.

With 75 Cheltenham Festival wins and tens of millions collected in prize money along the way, there isn’t much left for Henderson to tick off – bar this.

He has also never won the Irish, Scottish or Welsh Grand National – so these races might not be his cup of tea.

Nicky Henderson’s first Grand National runner was Zongalero in 1979

Shortly after taking out his trainers license, Henderson saddled his first Grand National runner at Aintree in 1979.

Zongalero finished second at odds of 20/1, ridden by Bob Davies.

Unfortunately for Henderson, his first runner in the race would match his best-ever finish despite his career ascending to the very top of the sport in every other aspect.

WATCH: Zongalero’s runner-up finish in the 1979 Grand National

The Tsarevich also finished as runner-up in 1987

Henderson endured another agonising runner-up finish in 1987 when The Tsarevich was beaten by 4 lengths, also at 20/1 odds.

The Tsarevich was just outstayed by Maori Venture in the closing stages of the race to give Henderson another silver medal in the Aintree showpiece.

Henderson hasn’t enjoyed a result as good as second since the ’87 renewal.

WATCH: The Tsarevich’s runner-up finish in the 1987 Grand National

Hyland is Nicky Henderson’s best Grand National hope in 2025

Henderson returns to the Liverpool venue in 2025 for his 46th crack at winning the Grand National.

His best chance is Hyland, currently a 25/1 chance with the best horse racing betting sites and stable jockey Nico de Boinville will take the ride.

The eight-year-old has won three of his six starts over fences and the forecast good ground at Aintree should be right up his street.

Despite being a novice chaser, Henderson is especially keen for a national tilt with Hyland and welcomes the challenge.

Hyland began the season with victory at Cheltenham’s October meeting before following up in listed company again at Prestbury Park in November.

He finished two-and-a-half lengths off Ben Pauling’s The Jukebox Man in the Grade 1 Kauto Star Novices’ Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day.

Last time out, Hyland was a distant runner-up to Katate Dori at Kempton in February on ground with a bit too much juice for his liking after being sent off an 11/4 favourite.

He’s one of a few grey horses running in the Grand National too, meaning he’s likely to attract decent support from the ‘once-a-year‘ punters on Saturday, April 5.

With a rating of 147, Hyland will carry a racing weight of 10st 6lbs on the day.

Henderson could also have the JP McManus-owned Chantry House in the race – but as the age of 11 the Grand National trends are favouring the slightly younger horses in recent years.

WATCH: Hyland wins the Listed Paddy Power Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham

Hyland makes all! ✅

The first 10 points in the David Power Jockeys’ Cup goes to @NdeBoinville… next up Jonbon pic.twitter.com/A1bVW1yyCE

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) November 15, 2024