Mon Mome was no ordinary Grand National winner. The Venetia Williams-trained horse encapsulated the underdog spirit and competitiveness of the world-famous Aintree Grand National.
Prior to the 2009 renewal, It had been 42 years since Foinavon, the last 100-1 victor, became a part of the sport’s fabric. However, in a typically competitive renewal of the race Mon Mome became part of an incredibly unique club proving yet again the remarkable unpredictability of the race.
Mon Mome had showed a great deal of promise a year earlier when finishing 10th in the 2008 edition of the race. The horse and his rider, the late Liam Treadwell, proved they were to be no back number a year later as they ran out convincing winners of the richest prize in Jump racing.
Unlike Foinavon this rank outsider’s memorable victory owed nothing to luck, he was a seriously talented horse.
2009 GRAND NATIONAL
Following his retirement in 2013, Mon Mome, now more affectionately known as ‘Monnie’ has lived out his retirement at Sarah Mcqueen’s point to point and livery yard in Herefordshire.
We caught up with Sarah this week to see how he was getting on!
“Well, he’s just turned 21 (although he thinks he is still a 5yr old) and he’s still got plenty of energy and love to give. He has such a wonderful demeanour and spends most of his time causing trouble on the yard with our band of point to pointers!”
“He loves to show off still and is still the same strong personality he was when he was in full training”
Sarah got the know the horse whilst working at Venetia Williams training base; caring for him throughout his racing journey. Whilst Sarah is always on hand to care fro the horse that has always been so special to her, he is still owned by Vida Bingham.
Sarah notes that Vida is still very much on hand to ensure Mon Mome is suitably spoilt, “Vida never leaves him without anything and he has absolutely everything he could ever want!”.
Judging by these photos of him the snow, it’s clear he is still loving life!
If this article has got you looking forward to next week and reminiscing of past winners, why not find which past winner is most like you!
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