Rachael Blackmore makes Grand National history
The Irish rider, 31, was a top jockey at the Cheltenham Festival - where she won the Champion Hurdle - and crowned a fabulous season with a historic triumph in the world's greatest steeplechase. Minella Times (11-1) wins 173rd Grand National at Aintree, with jockey Rachael Blackmore making The Irish rider, 31, was a top jockey at the Cheltenham Festival - where she won the Champion Hurdle - and crowned a fabulous season with a historic triumph in the world's greatest steeplechase.
She had to keep the Henry de Bromhead-trained eight-year-old up to his work as the famous Elbow approached. Blackmore and Minella Times (11-1) were not for stopping, though, and galloped into racing folklore to win in the colors of JP McManus.Balko Des Flos (100-1), ridden by Aidan Coleman, was second to give De Bromhead an incredible one-two. Any Second Now (15-2) was third, with Burrows Saint (9-1) fourth and Farclas (16-1) fifth, as Irish-trained horses filled all those places.
"He was able to travel into a gap, I seemed to have loads of space everywhere, and you couldn't have wished for a better passage. He was just unbelievable; he really was; his jumping was second to none.” I’m so lucky to be riding these horses for Henry de Bromhead. He trained a one-two there, which is incredible. That can't be forgotten in the whole scheme of things.” It’s great to win it in these colors, too. It's always a privilege to ride for JP McManus, and to win it for him is unbelievable. They've had a tough year, so hopefully, this can make things a little easier.
"Balko Des Flos ran a cracker, and Chris's Dream was going very well, but unfortunately, he unshipped Darragh O'Keeffe four out. They all ran really well."It looked like Rachael had the race won at last, but we all know how that can change. Any Second Now looked a bit unlucky with his passage, and he started to come back at us, and obviously, Balko was staying on as well.” She knows the horse very well. We were unfortunate during the winter when having a couple of great runs and just getting beaten, but this made up for it.
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