Rachael Blackmore – History Maker
Rachael Blackmore became the first female jockey to win the Grand National with victory aboard Minella Times at Aintree at the weekend. The low weighted 11/1 chance, trained by Henry de Bromhead, was given a peach of a ride by the Irish rider Blackmore.
Speaking to ITV Racing a few moments after crossing the winning line. 31-year-old Blackmore said: “I don’t feel male or female right now. I don’t even feel human”
In capturing the 173rd running of the iconic race, Blackmore broke down one of the biggest gender barriers in National Hunt horse racing, albeit it happened behind closed doors, but a global audience still got to witness the amazing feat.
Many years ago a throwaway remark about the competence of women riders in the Grand National by the late Aintree legend Ginger McCain was met with widespread indignation. Ginger was of course from a very different generation, but wouldn’t it have been nice for him to see just how far female riders have come.
The Top 5
The same jockey and trainer combination of De Bromhead and Blackmore had already enjoyed a superb Cheltenham Festival together and that form carried over to the world’s greatest steeplechase with Minella Times taking all the plaudits.
100/1 outsider Balko Des Flos, made it a remarkable one-two for Henry De Bromhead, while Any Second Now finished third for trainer Ted Walsh.
Burrows Saint didn’t quite get home and plodded on for fourth, while the Gigginstown-owned Farclas was fifth.
Grand National 2021 Result
- 1st – Minella Times (Rachael Blackmore) 11/1
- 2nd – Balko Des Flos (Aidan Coleman) 100/1
- 3rd – Any Second Now (M P Walsh) 15/2
- 4th – Burrows Saint (Mr P W Mullins) 9/1
- 5th – Farclas (JW Kennedy) 16/1
The Rest of Aintree
Just as important as the Cheltenham Festival winners are your Aintree winners as these horses are highly likely to be contesting the big NH Festival races next season.
Here is a recap of the results and I’d strongly advise you to put some of these horses into your trackers if you haven’t done so already.
Thursday
- Manifesto Novices’ Chase: 1. Protektorat 2. The Shunter 3. Hitman
- 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle: 1. Monmiral 2. Adagio 3. Fiveandtwenty
- Aintree Bowl: 1. Clan Des Obeaux 2. Clondaw Castle 3. Native River
- Aintree Hurdle: 1. Abracadabras 2. Buzz 3. Millers Bank
- Aintree Foxhunters: 1. Cousin Pascal 2. Latenightpass 3. Cat Tiger
- Red Rum Chase: 1. Editeur De Gite 2. Sully D’Oc AA 3. Dostal Phil 4. Frero Banbou
- Mares’ Bumper: 1. Me Too Please 2. Elle Est Belle 3. Miss Lamb
Friday
- Pertemps Hurdle: 1. Tronador 2. Dans Le Vent 3. Edwardstone 4. Mister Coffey
- Top Novices’ Hurdle: 1. Belfast Banter 2. Do Your Job 3. Dusart
- Mildmay Novices’ Chase: 1. Chantry House 2. Shan Blue 3. Fiddlerontheroof
- Melling Chase: 1. Fakir D’oudairies 2. Nuts Well 3. Itchy Feet
- Topham Chase: 1. Livelovelaugh 2. Pink Eyed Pedro 3. Senior Citizen 4. Snugsborough Hall
- Sefton Novices’ Hurdle: 1. Ahoy Senor 2. Bravemansgame 3. Oscar Elite
- Handicap Hurdle: 1. Rowland Ward 2. Camprond 3. Bold Enough 4. Leoncavallo
Saturday
- Handicap Hurdle: 1. Hometown Boy 2. J’Ai Froid 3. Tea Clipper 4. Ashtown Lad
- Mersey Novices’ Hurdle: 1. My Drogo 2. Minella Drama 3. Guard Your Dreams
- Maghull Novices’ Chase: 1. Shishkin 2. Funambule Sivola 3. Gumball
- Liverpool Hurdle: 1. Thyme Hill 2. Roksana 3. Thomas Derby
- Handicap Chase: 1. Happygolucky 2. Johnbb 3. Spiritofthegames
- Grand National Steeplechase: 1. Minella Times 2. Balko Des Flos 3. Any Second Now 4. Burrows Saint
- NH Open Bumper: 1. Knappers Hill 2. Peking Rose 3. Stage Star
Scottish National Switched
Those of you that love your National’s will be well aware that hot on the heels of the Aintree spectacular is the Scottish version, held one week later – but not this year!
The Ayr showpiece was due to be held next Saturday but as mark of respect to the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral the card has been rescheduled for Sunday, April 18th, one day later.
The 2019 edition of the race was won by Cumbrian raider Takingrisks at 25/1 and this year’s antepost favourite is Galvin (4/1) who was victorious at the Cheltenham Festival.
My personal fancy is Vintage Clouds (14/1) each-way. They popular was also a winner at The Festival, taking the Ultima Handicap Chase.
Aye Right heads the betting for Sunday’s Coral Scottish National at @ayrracecourse with 31 horses still in contention for this year’s £150,000 renewal.
Who will be adding their name to the roll of honour this weekend?
Read more > https://t.co/UwPOlFmqvK pic.twitter.com/7Bcswcnu5p
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) April 12, 2021
* Horse racing odds correct at the time of writing. All odds are subject to change.
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