History was made in 2001 when after a gruelling 6,400 metres, Michelle Strawbridge (nee Hopkins) and Wayne Hillis finished in an incredible dead heat. Michelle was aboard the Ken & Ann Browne trained Smart Hunter who had won the Great Northern Hurdles just two days prior together, and Wayne riding the Kevin O’Connor trained Sir Avion making this his second Great Northern victory. The dead heat was an all time first for the iconic race's 117 year history and something that hasn't been repeated since. Michelle's victory made her the second women to win the Great Northern Steeplechase behind Tina Egan in 1995.