Rachael Blackmore to be inducted as Grand National Legend at Aintree

Rachael Blackmore will be inducted as a Grand National Legend at Aintree on Thursday.

The 36-year-old, who made history when becoming the first female jockey to ride the winner of the world’s most famous steeplechase aboard Minella Times in 2021, will join the likes of Ginger McCain, Jenny Pitman and JP McManus, as well as equine stars Red Rum, Tiger Roll and Aldaniti.

Each of those greats will have a plaque celebrating their achievements at Aintree in a ceremony on the opening day of the Randox Grand National Festival, which will take place at the newly-renamed Blackmore’s Bar. Blackmore herself will officially open the alcohol-free facility, which offers Lavazza coffee, fresh bakes and snacks as well as more traditional alcohol-free options, with the first 100 coffees served on Thursday to be given away free of charge.

Blackmore, who retired from the saddle in May of last year, said: “Winning the Randox Grand National at Aintree on Minella Times is a moment in my life I will never forget. Seeing my name now included on the list of Grand National Legends is such an honour, I feel very lucky to be part of that history.

“I’m also looking forward to opening Blackmore’s Bar at the racecourse, something I definitely thought I would never be saying! It’s a cool idea and something a bit different that people can hopefully enjoy during the week.”

Dickon White, The Jockey Club’s north west regional director, added: “Rachael’s outstanding achievement in the Randox Grand National speaks for itself and it seems only right that she has been made a Grand National Legend at the earliest opportunity.

“We are also excited by the opening of Blackmore’s Bar on the first day of the Randox Grand National Festival. As an alcohol-free space, it’s a facility that will offer something different and one that our feedback has shown would be welcomed by a number of our racegoers.”