Which Horses Have Won The Biggest Races Back-to-back?

The question which horses have won the biggest races back-to-back could have a new alumni come Saturday 13th April 2024 when Corach Rambler seeks to reprise his victory in last year's Grand National at the famous Aintree course.

Aintree Racecourse

In the thrilling world of horse racing, achieving victory in one major event is a monumental accomplishment for any thoroughbred and their team.

However, etching a name into the annals of history as a back-to-back winner is an extraordinary feat that takes on a life of its own. Only a few have ever managed to accomplish such a feat and this year, Corach Rambler will look to follow in the footsteps of Red Rum some five decades ago.

The famed horse romped to Grand National glory in back to back in 1973 and 1974, and he wasn't stopped there. Three years later, he became the only horse in history to win the esteemed race three times, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest horses to ever come out of the UK.

In a recent Derek Fox interview with Yahoo, the reigning champion Corach Rambler's esteemed jockey claimed that his charge could have secured victory in the recent Cheltenham Gold Cup. That ultimately didn’t come to pass, with Galopin Des Champs ultimately reigning supreme. But the National is the big one, and the Rambler will be hoping for one more hurrah as a huge betting favourite.

But it isn't with Red Rum nor Corach Rambler where we start. Instead, it is the aforementioned Galopin, the most recent back-to-back winner after retaining his Cheltenham Gold Cup crown.

Which Horses Have Won The Biggest Races Back-to-back?

Galopin Des Champs

Under the tutelage of Willie Mullins, Galopin Des Champs stormed to victory in the Cheltenham Gold Cup last year, beating 6/1 second favourite Bravemansgame by a narrow margin.

Heading into the race, the French-bred horse had history on his side with the favourite winning the race in two of the three years prior and with Mullins trainer horses winning three of the previous five.

The then six-year-old was a short-priced 7/5 favourite heading into the jewel in the Cheltenham Festival crown and he duly delivered, and earlier this year, he was back to defend his crown.

The Gold Cup had been successfully defended just once in the previous 19 years, with Al Boum Photo successfully going back-to-back in 2019 and 2020. Galopin Des Champs was heavily favoured to follow in his footsteps last month, being priced as a 10/11 favourite to retain the gold and secure the £500,000 purse that comes with it.

He was the first odds-on favourite in the Gold Cup since 1966 when Arkle went off as a whopping 1/10 favourite and duly claimed his third straight triumph. Mullins, Townend and Des Champs duly delivered, romping to glory once again. Now, they have the chance to emulate both Arkle and Best Mate in completing the three-peat.

Cheltenham - Home of the Cheltenham Gold Cup

Tiger Roll

Tiger Roll’s back-to-back victories in the Grand National, one of the most challenging steeplechases in the world, are nothing short of legendary. Winning in 2018 and then again in 2019, the prize horse became the first horse since Red Rum in the 1970s to claim consecutive victories in the gruelling showpiece.

Trained by Gordon Elliott and ridden by jockey Davy Russell in both triumphs, Tiger Roll showed incredible heart, stamina, and agility to navigate the treacherous Aintree course, filled with its imposing fences and demanding distance.

In 2018, Tiger Roll clinched victory by a mere nose in a heart-stopping finish. He went off as a 10/1 contender however, as the four-mile race progressed, it became clear that he was the horse to beat. Once the 7/1 Total Recall fell, the door was wide open and Tiger Roll and 25/1 outsider Pleasant Company went head to head, with Tiger Roll running out victorious.

The following year, he returned stronger, not just winning but dominating the field to secure his place in history.

The second time around, he was now the short-priced 4/1 favourite, and he didn't disappoint. He finished well clear of the 66/1 Magic of Light but was unable to go for the trifecta due to global events cancelling the 2020 instalment of the race.

The National has had many memorable moments in recent years, with these two victories, as well as One For Arthur becoming the first Scottish winner in 2017 and Rachel Blackmore becoming the first female jockey to win on board Minella Times in 2021. This year, Corach Rambler is hoping to also have a milestone of winning two straight.

Racehorses Head to Head

Honeysuckle

Speaking of Blackmore, she rode the blistering Honeysuckle to victory in back-to-back Champion Hurdles in 2021 and 2022. Her victories were not just a testament to her outstanding ability but also marked significant milestones in the sport, making her the first female jockey to win the Champion Hurdle just months before becoming the first woman to win the national as well.

The performances of the Henry de Bromhead trained horse in these races were a masterclass in hurdling, combining speed, agility, and a fighting spirit that left her competitors trailing.

Her dominance in the Champion Hurdle, coupled with an unbeaten record that spanned several seasons, affirmed her status as one of the greatest hurdlers of her generation.

In Conclusion

While Corach Rambler attempts to join these legendary ranks with a back-to-back Grand National victory, his quest is a reminder of the immense skill and determination required to achieve such a feat.

Only time will tell if he can conquer Aintree once more, but one thing is certain: the pursuit of consecutive wins adds an extra layer of drama and excitement to the already prestigious world of horse racing.

Back to Famous Racehorses from Which Horses Have Won The Biggest Races Back-to-back?