Paul Townend has opted to aim for history aboard I Am Maximus in the Grand National. He will partner the former winner in the big race, which could be run on good-to-soft ground after an Aintree going change early on Wednesday.
Here is our round up of the racing news today for Wednesday 8 April.
Grand National latest: Townend chooses, going eases
Paul Townend will ride I Am Maximus in the Grand National on Saturday. Willie Mullins’ leading jockey had admitted the choice between the 2024 hero and stablemate Grangeclare West, who won the Bobbyjo Chase last month, would be a tricky one. However, Townend has ultimately plumped for a horse who could make history on Saturday. Declarations for the 2026 race will be made later on Wednesday morning, with numerous runners expected for Mullins. (Racing Post)
With a relatively dry forecast expected, selective watering at Aintree has changed the going as of Wednesday. There was previously some “good in places” in the going description at the Liverpool venue. However, there is now due to be some cut in the ground for those running on the opening day on Thursday. A slight turn in the forecast does now suggest some potential showers from Friday onwards though. (Racing Post)
Rachael Blackmore to become Aintree legend, describes winning feeling as “without compare”
Rachael Blackmore is to be inducted as a Legend at Aintree racecourse with a bar named in her honour this year. Blackmore made history as the first woman to ride a Grand National winner in 2021. She guided Minella Times to glory for Henry De Bromhead. Her induction will occur during a presentation ceremony on Thursday before racing gets underway. It will take place at the brand new “Blackmore’s Bar” on site. (Sky Sports)
Now retired, Blackmore still cannot shake that Grand National winning feeling. Despite marrying fellow weighing room colleague Brian Hayes in January, Blackmore described the winning National feeling as “the most special day”. Hayes himself was very close to winning the race aboard Grangeclare West in the 2025 renewal. He may hope to renew that partnership for this year’s contest. (Daily Star)
Punters urged to write to MP on affordability checks
Racing fans and punters are being urged to write to their local MPs to oppose affordability checks. So-called frictionless measures have been trialled in the recent past, but have not gained approval from punters. As a result, more than 500 racing figures have signed an open letter to the Culture Secretary asking for a rethink. Affordability checks may be rolled out across online betting platforms, with fears it could drive vulnerable people to unlicensed betting operators. (The Sun)