The Best Jump Horses Of All Time - (A - M)
Features | 8th November 2022
There are endless discussions about the greatest National Hunt horses. When jumping fans come together to argue the case for their favourites, there are mentions for more horses than could possibly fit in the alphabet. We’ve come up with our A to Z of great jumpers. Here we start with the first half.
A – Arkle
The three-time Gold Cup winner is considered the greatest steeplechaser of all time by many.
Known simply as ‘Himself’ to his adoring fans, he gave away a huge amount of weight to smart horses when
winning top handicaps in the 1960s. He also won the King George and the Irish National during a
peerless career.
B – Best Mate
The most recent three-time Gold Cup winner was expertly trained by Hen Knight and her ex-champion jockey husband Terry Biddlecombe. He was ridden to all three of those Cheltenham Festival victories in the 2000s by Jim Culloty.
The jockey was later to win another Gold Cup as a trainer.
C – Cue Card
Largely responsible for launching Colin Tizzard into the big time with a whole host of big-race
victories. He caused a shock in the Cheltenham Festival Champion Bumper in 2010 and when he was
retired eight years later he had picked up the trophies for winning three Betfair Chases, two Ascot
Chases, the King George and the Ryanair Chase.
D – Desert Orchid
Possibly the best-loved jumper of them all. The dashing grey put in some incredible leaps on his way
to winning four King George Chases as well as his famous 1989 Gold Cup victory. Just as happy over
two miles as three-and-a-half, as his wins in the Tingle Creek and Irish National show.
E – Edredon Bleu
Narrowly edged out Direct Route to win the Champion Chase in 2000 in one of the most thrilling
finishes ever seen at the Cheltenham Festival. He was a frontrunning force in all the top races up to
two-and-a-half miles. At the age of 11 he stepped up to three miles to land the King George from the
front and prove his versatility.
F – Frodon
One of the toughest chasers of recent times. He’s struck up a super partnership with Bryony Frost
and the pair have enjoyed a string of big-race victories together. They teamed up to win the 2019
Ryanair Chase, landed the King George the following season and showed they’re still a force to be
reckoned with when lifting the Badger Beer Chase this season.
G – Golden Miller
The only horse to have won the Cheltenham Gold Cup five times. Owned by eccentric millionaire
Dorothy Paget, he also won the Grand National in 1935, the same year as his third Gold Cup victory.
He remains one of only two horses to have won both great chases.
H – Honeysuckle
Possibly the greatest mare to run over hurdles. She heads into the new season unbeaten after 16
races. Her winning streak includes two Champion Hurdles, three Irish Champion Hurdles and two
Punchestown Champion Hurdles – all when ridden by Rachael Blackmore.
I – Istabraq
One of the truly great hurdlers. Trained by Aidan O’Brien and owned by JP McManus, he won 23
races in 29 starts after switching from the Flat. He was denied the chance to win a record four
Champion Hurdles by the outbreak of foot and mouth disease. He bowed out to a mid-race standing
ovation when pulling up in the 2022 Champion Hurdle.
J – Jodami
One of the darlings of the north. Built like chasers used to be built – big and strong with a relentless
galloping style. Trained by Peter Beaumont in North Yorkshire, he will forever be remembered for his
1993 Gold Cup win but he also won three Irish Gold Cups.
K – Kauto Star
A record five King George wins and the only horse to regain his Gold Cup crown make Kauto Star one
of the true greats. Trained by Paul Nicholls, his Cheltenham battles with stablemate Denman were
box office blockbusters. Despite all his success his most emotional success was probably his fourth
Betfair Chase victory in 2011 when most people had written him off.
L – L’Escargot
Often ignored in discussions about jumping greats but no doubt he belongs in the argument. The only horse since WWII to win both the Cheltenham Gold Cup and the Grand National. He won the Gold Cup in both 1970 and 1971 before twice hitting the frame behind Red Rum in the National. Finally enjoyed Aintree Glory when ending Red Rum’s winning streak in 1975 at the age of 12.
M – Moscow Flyer
The best of a vintage crop of two-mile chasers in the 2000s. He crossed swords and beat the likes of
Azertyuiop and Well Chief on numerous occasions when winning two Champion Chases and two
Tingle Creeks. Trained by Jessie Harrington, he cleaned up in his native Ireland and his 12 Grade 1
victories – three of them over hurdles – shows how good he was.
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