Racing Apr 22, 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

Hollie Doyle: Derby hopeful Wareeth 'fresh and well' ahead of Classic trial

Hollie Doyle: Derby hopeful Wareeth 'fresh and well' ahead of Classic trial

Our ambassador Hollie Doyle has three rides at Southwell on Saturday evening, live on Your Site Racing, and looks ahead to next week’s Feilden Stakes...

Grand National: L'Homme Presse team 'completely devastated' as star is ruled out of Aintree feature

Grand National: L'Homme Presse team 'completely devastated' as star is ruled out of Aintree feature

Connections of L’Homme Presse have been left “completely devastated” after revealing their staying stalwart will miss the Randox Grand National.The 11...

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...

Today on Sky Sports Racing: Green Spirit and Narissa clash in Prix de la Grotte

Today on Sky Sports Racing: Green Spirit and Narissa clash in Prix de la Grotte

We’re all set for a potentially informative day of racing at ParisLongchamp alongside domestic action from Ffos Las.Exciting duo Green Spirit and Nari...

Grand National Festival: Day one tips from Kevin Blake featuring 11/1 and 12/1 picks on Thursday

Grand National Festival: Day one tips from Kevin Blake featuring 11/1 and 12/1 picks on Thursday

The Grand National Festival gets underway at Aintree on Thursday, kicking off with four Grade Ones, and expert pundit Kevin Blake has three fancies on...

Irish Grand National: Soldier In Milan dispatches rivals in Fairyhouse showpiece

Irish Grand National: Soldier In Milan dispatches rivals in Fairyhouse showpiece

Soldier In Milan belied his inexperience with a stunning victory in the Boyle Sports Irish Grand National at FairyhouseThe Emmet Mullins-trained seven...