Racing Apr 18, 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

Queen Mother Champion Chase: Il Etait Temps dazzles on day two of Cheltenham Festival to crown fine day for Willie Mullins

Queen Mother Champion Chase: Il Etait Temps dazzles on day two of Cheltenham Festival to crown fine day for Willie Mullins

Il Etait Temps survived a final-fence scare to finally conquer the Cheltenham Festival in an enthralling BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase.Unsuccessf...

Cheltenham Festival: Kitzbuhel climbs to the top of Brown Advisory mountain

Cheltenham Festival: Kitzbuhel climbs to the top of Brown Advisory mountain

Kitzbuhel roared back to top form with an exhibition of jumping from the front before edging out Final Demand in a tremendous finish to the Brown Advi...

Cheltenham Festival: Fifth time lucky for Home By The Lee in shock Stayers' Hurdle success for Joseph O'Brien

Cheltenham Festival: Fifth time lucky for Home By The Lee in shock Stayers' Hurdle success for Joseph O'Brien

Home By The Lee made it fifth time lucky as Joseph O’Brien’s star finally won the Stayers' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.Partnered by JJ Slevin, t...

Nico de Boinville: Jockey cleared of making racist comments towards Declan Queally at Cheltenham

Nico de Boinville: Jockey cleared of making racist comments towards Declan Queally at Cheltenham

Nico de Boinville has been cleared of making racist comments towards Irish amateur jockey Declan Queally following an investigation into an incident a...

Jim Crowley injury: Jockey's comeback to riding delayed by tendon issue but hopeful of return in time for Royal Ascot

Jim Crowley injury: Jockey's comeback to riding delayed by tendon issue but hopeful of return in time for Royal Ascot

Legendary jockey Jim Crowley’s return from a broken leg and pelvis has met with a minor delay but the 47-year-old remains hopeful of being back in the...

Cheltenham Festival: Gaelic Warrior wins Gold Cup for Willie Mullins, Paul Townend and Rich Ricci as The Jukebox Man only eighth

Cheltenham Festival: Gaelic Warrior wins Gold Cup for Willie Mullins, Paul Townend and Rich Ricci as The Jukebox Man only eighth

Gaelic Warrior stormed to Gold Cup glory at the Cheltenham Festival, but the race was somewhat overshadowed as Envoi Allen collapsed and died after cr...