Rachael Blackmore is to be inducted as a Legend at Aintree racecourse on Thursday. The 36-year-old became the first woman to ride the winner of the great race when partnering Minella Times to victory in 2021.
Blackmore will be inducted at a special ceremony on Thursday when the Grand National meeting begins. It will take place at a bar now named in her honour.
Those already given Legend status at Aintree include human and equine figures. The likes of Ginger McCain, Red Rum, Jenny Pitman and Tiger Roll all feature, as do JP McManus and Aldaniti.
Blackmore’s history-making made headlines in a sporting world without fans in 2021. The COVID-induced absence of spectators did not deter fans from lavishing praise on her ride of Minella Times, as she won the World Sports Personality of the Year later on in 2021.
“I feel very lucky to be part of that history” – Blackmore
Speaking to the Press Association via Racing TV, Blackmore spoke of her pride to join the fabled list of inductees.
“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.”
As well as featuring on that particular roll call, Blackmore also spoke of that unique pride in having a bar named after her at the track.
“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.”
Those associated with Aintree are just as proud of being associated with her. Dickon White, regional director for the North West at the Jockey Club, was honoured that she would be written into the track’s record.
“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.”