Racing Apr 29, 2026

Grand National: History-maker Rachael Blackmore to be inducted as Legend and Aintree bar named in her honour

👤
By Admin
Sports Journalist
Grand National: History-maker Rachael Blackmore to be inducted as Legend and Aintree bar named in her honour

Rachael Blackmore, who made history when becoming the first female jockey to ride the winner of the Randox Grand National, will be inducted as a Grand National Legend for 2026.

The 36-year-old retired rider, who steered Minella Times to victory at Aintree in 2021, will be honoured in a ceremony on the opening day of the Grand National Festival this Thursday.

She joins the likes of Ginger McCain, Jenny Pitman and JP McManus as well as equine stars Red Rum, Tiger Roll and Aldaniti to be named a Grand National Legend.

The ceremony will take place by the newly-renamed facility Blackmore's Bar, which will be officially opened by Rachael herself on Thursday.

Blackmore 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."

Blackmore announced her retirement from the saddle in May 2025 with a total of 575 career winners, which also included 18 successes at the Cheltenham Festival.

Tags:

racing news

Share this article

Related Posts

Constitution Hill: Nicky Henderson's star makes it a perfect two from two on the Flat in front of bumper Kempton crowd

Constitution Hill: Nicky Henderson's star makes it a perfect two from two on the Flat in front of bumper Kempton crowd

Constitution Hill shone for the second time on the Flat, as his career on the level continued on a steep upward trajectory with victory under the floo...

Sir Gino dies: Nicky Henderson's multiple Grade 1 winner passes away after 'severe deep-seated infections'

Sir Gino dies: Nicky Henderson's multiple Grade 1 winner passes away after 'severe deep-seated infections'

Nicky Henderson's multiple Grade One-winning star Sir Gino has died after failing to recover from 'severe deep-seated infections'.The six-year-old had...

Grand National: Tom Bellamy reveals shock at getting Aintree ride on defending champion Nick Rockett

Grand National: Tom Bellamy reveals shock at getting Aintree ride on defending champion Nick Rockett

Even Tom Bellamy was shocked to get the call up by Willie Mullins to ride defending champion Nick Rockett in Saturday’s Grand National.The in-form joc...

Grand National: I Am Maximus headlines field of declared runners for 2026 Aintree showpiece but Nick Rockett ruled out

Grand National: I Am Maximus headlines field of declared runners for 2026 Aintree showpiece but Nick Rockett ruled out

I Am Maximus heads the maximum field of 34 declared runners as he attempts to emulate Red Rum in Saturday’s Randox Grand National.No horse since Ginge...

Newmarket: Azleet enters 1000 Guineas contention after 50-1 Nell Gwyn Stakes win

Newmarket: Azleet enters 1000 Guineas contention after 50-1 Nell Gwyn Stakes win

Azleet earned herself a tilt at the Betfred 1000 Guineas with a shock victory in the Lanwades Stud Nell Gwyn Stakes.The Stuart Williams-trained three-...

Grand National Festival day one round-up: Gold Cup runner-up Jango Baie gains Cheltenham compensation with Bowl glory

Grand National Festival day one round-up: Gold Cup runner-up Jango Baie gains Cheltenham compensation with Bowl glory

Cheltenham Gold Cup runner-up Jango Baie went one better at Aintree when taking full advantage of a fall from Impaire Et Passe in the Racing Welfare B...