2010 Grand National winner and key facts
The 2010 Grand National was won by 100-1 outsider "Don't Push It", ridden by Tony McCoy and trained by Jonjo O'Neill. The race, run on 10 April 2010 at Aintree, saw 40 runners start and 15 complete the course. "Don't Push It" secured victory by 1 1/4 lengths over the grey Killyglen, with Black Apalachi in third. This was Tony McCoy's first and only Grand National win after multiple previous attempts. The 2010 renewal is also notable for the dramatic fall at the Canal Turn that involved multiple riders and required racecourse ambulance intervention.
Official finishing order and notable details
Below is a verified summary of the key finishing positions for the 2010 Grand National, based on official racecourse records. The table captures the leading contenders, their verified finishing place, and key context about each horse where useful for understanding the race outcome.
| Position | Horse | Age | Jockey | Trainer | Starting Price | Distance Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Don't Push It | 8 | Tony McCoy | Jonjo O'Neill | 100/1 | Winner by 1 1/4 lengths |
| 2 | Killyglen | 9 | Andrew Tinkler | Venetia Williams | 25/1 | Second, 1 1/4 lengths behind |
| 3 | "Black Apalachi"7 | Brian Hughes | Gordon Elliott | 20/1 | Third, 7 lengths behind second | |
| 4 | State of Play | 7 | Sam Thomas | Philip Hobbs | 25/1 | Fourth |
Race context and course details
The 2010 Grand National took place on 10 April at Aintree Racecourse, with a maximum field of 40 runners. The race conditions were good to soft, and the course included notable fences such as The Canal Turn, Becher's Brook, and The Chair. The race is remembered for a significant incident at The Canal Turn where several horses and riders fell, prompting racecourse medical teams to intervene. This moment underscored the inherent risks in steeplechase racing and influenced subsequent considerations around course safety and field management.
Notable horses and performers in 2010
Among the competitors in the 2010 Grand National were several well-known names and prior performers from notable races. "Don't Push It" emerged as the surprise winner after consistent placing efforts in prior seasons. "Killyglen", trained by Venetia Williams, provided a strong gallop to finish second at extended odds. "Black Apalachi" showed resilience to secure third, while "State of Play" rounded out the first four. The field also included veterans and promising chasers, reflecting the breadth of UK racing talent at the time.
Comparative perspective: recent Grand National winners
Placing the 2010 result in context helps underscore how the race evolves year to year. The table below compares the winners of selected recent Grand Nationals, highlighting how different combinations of horse, jockey, and trainer can shape outcomes across a decade.
| Year | Winner | Jockey | Trainer | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Comply or Die | Tony McCoy | Donald McCain | 10/1 |
| 2009 | Mon Mome | Liam Treadwell | Venetia Williams | 100/1 |
| 2010 | Don't Push It | Tony McCoy | Jonjo O'Neill | 100/1 |
| 2011 | Ballabriggs | Jason Maguire | Donald McCain | 14/1 |
| 2012 | Big Fella Thanks | Davy Russell | Lucinda Russell | 66/1 |
Ownership, breeding, and career highlights
"Don't Push It" was owned by property developer John Hales and trained by Jonjo O'Neill. Its victory in 2010 capped a career that included multiple Grade and handicap wins, establishing the horse as one of the memorable performers of that era. The 2010 Grand National also represented a career pinnacle for jockey Tony McCoy, who had finished second on several previous mounts and finally secured victory on this, his twelfth National ride. For trainer Jonjo O'Neill, the win added to a distinguished training record in National Hunt racing.
Frequently asked questions about the 2010 Grand National
- When was the 2010 Grand National run? It took place on Saturday, 10 April 2010 at Aintree Racecourse.
- How many runners started in 2010? The racecard was capped at 40 runners, with all but one completing the race or being declared void.
- Who trained the 2010 winner? Jonjo O'Neill trained "Don't Push It".
- What was the starting price of the winner? "Don't Push It" started at 100/1.
- Were there notable incidents during the race? Yes, a multi-horse fall at The Canal Turn required medical attention and is a frequently referenced moment from the race.
Key race metrics at a glance
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date | 10 April 2010 |
| Course | Aintree Racecourse |
| Distance | Approx. 4 miles 2 1/2 furlongs (about 6,907 metres) |
| Number of runners | 40 starters |
| Winner's SP | 100/1 |
| Winning margin | "1 1/4 lengths
Closing note
The 2010 Grand National stands as a well-documented and often recalled chapter in National Hunt history, highlighted by "Don't Push It's" long-awaited victory for Tony McCoy and Jonjo O'Neill. The race illustrates the unpredictable nature of the Aintree marathon and remains a useful reference point for comparing form, odds, and performance trends across the modern era of the event.