National Hunt racing has produced a number of iconic chasers over the years, and Many Clouds was undoubtedly one of the stars of the sport. Foaled in April 2007 in Ireland, the Trevor Hemmings-owned runner quickly became a firm favourite with horse racing fans, and the popular stayer won a number of top class contests throughout his five-year career on the track.
Many Clouds became a household name following his unlikely triumph in the Aintree Grand National in 2015. Ridden by Leighton Aspell, the seven-year old carried 11st 9lb to victory around the notoriously-taxing Merseyside course adding his name to the exclusive list of previous winners. This feat was made even more remarkable considering that he was the heaviest winner of the world-famous steeplechase since Red Rum in 1977. He also became the youngest victor since Bindaree in 2002.
72,000 spectators gathered in the north-west to witness a determined Many Clouds edge out Saint Are and make history in the Aintree spectacle. The four-mile contest is always one of the most-watched sporting events of the year, and anyone who had taken a chance on the 25-1 shot would have been delighted to see the outstanding chaser pass the winning post ahead of the rest of the 39-strong field. The 2019 renewal will take place on April 6th and there are a plethora of free bets available ahead of this year’s contest. Oddschecker have compiled a list of the best Grand National offers including a £30 free bet at William Hill.
His success in the 2015 race left trainer Oliver Sherwood in tears and enabled Leighton Aspell to celebrate back-to-back victories in the Aintree event. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to build on his unlikely achievement as he finished unplaced in the same race twelve months later.
Many Clouds enjoyed plenty of success prior to his Grand National heroics, including a three length defeat of Hoblon Des Obeaux in the 2014’s Ladbrokes Trophy. He was also victorious in the Cotswald Chase at Cheltenham in 2015, before returning to the track in 2017 to secure yet another triumph in the Grade 2 steeplechase.
The popular chaser’s enduring appeal has been encapsulated in a 13-minute film, which was nominated for two awards at New York’s EQUUS Film Festival back in 2017.
Sadly, Many Clouds did not get the chance to compete in a third consecutive Aintree Grand National. The ten-year old collapsed following a second success in the Cotswald Chase, beating Thistlecrack by a head. Joy turned to despair as the relentless chaser hit the ground shortly after passing the finishing line with veterinary staff arriving quickly on the scene to assess the gelding.
Oliver Sherwood’s charge is thought to have suffered a fatal heart attack and was pronounced dead at the scene. The course fell silent as the news was announced, and his untimely passing also prompted an outpouring of grief on social media.
Many Clouds had career earnings of over £900,000 and is fondly remembered by National Hunt devotees. He gave everything throughout his racing career, but will be best remembered for overcoming a huge weight disadvantage to win the 2015 Aintree Grand National.
