Racing Apr 30, 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

Dan Skelton: Alcester handler celebrates 'incredible' maiden trainers' title

Dan Skelton: Alcester handler celebrates 'incredible' maiden trainers' title

Dan Skelton has spoken of his delight to finally get over the line after it became mathematically impossible for him to be caught in the race to be th...

Hollie Doyle blog: Paris Babe the pick of my 2000 Guineas day rides, plus Royal Ascot Trials Day preview

Hollie Doyle blog: Paris Babe the pick of my 2000 Guineas day rides, plus Royal Ascot Trials Day preview

Your Site Racing ambassador Hollie Doyle discusses her six rides at Newmarket on Saturday and runs the rule over this weekend’s Classics as well as an...

Hollie Doyle's exclusive blog: Sky Sports Racing ambassador previews her best chances over the weekend

Hollie Doyle's exclusive blog: Sky Sports Racing ambassador previews her best chances over the weekend

Our ambassador is in action at Ripon on Saturday, live on Your Site Racing, and looks forward to partnering a well-regarded two-year-old for Archie Wa...

Chairman’s Sprint Prize: Hong Kong superstar Ka Ying Rising extends winning streak to 20

Chairman’s Sprint Prize: Hong Kong superstar Ka Ying Rising extends winning streak to 20

Ka Ying Rising cemented his status as the world’s best sprinter by extending his winning run to 20 with victory in the Chairman’s Sprint Prize at Sha...

Sandown: Opera Ballo makes all to thwart Field Of Gold in Mile showdown

Sandown: Opera Ballo makes all to thwart Field Of Gold in Mile showdown

Opera Ballo produced a brilliant front-running performance to land the bet365 Mile at Sandown.The Ghaiyyath colt had looked every inch a top-class hor...

Dan Skelton: Champion trainer makes history becoming first to win at every jumps track in a season

Dan Skelton: Champion trainer makes history becoming first to win at every jumps track in a season

Dan Skelton's remarkable season reached another peak at Perth, as Heltenham’s victory gave him a winner at every jumps track in Britain this term.Afte...