Rachael Blackmore to Join Red Rum as Grand National Legend at Aintree
History-making jockey Rachael Blackmore is set to be honoured as an official Grand National legend, joining the esteemed ranks of equine stars like Red Rum. The retired rider, who became the first female jockey to win the Randox Grand National in 2021, will be inducted at a ceremony at Aintree on Thursday, marking the opening day of the three-day Festival.
Plaque Unveiling and Bar Opening
Blackmore, aged 36, will unveil a plaque celebrating her achievements, placing her alongside notable figures such as trainers Ginger McCain and Jenny Pitman, owner JP McManus, and legendary horses Red Rum, Tiger Roll, and Aldaniti. The ceremony will take place at a newly renamed facility, Blackmore's Bar, which she will officially open on Thursday. This alcohol-free space, featuring artwork by street art specialists MurWalls and local children from Holy Rosary School in Aintree, offers Lavazza Coffee, fresh bakes, snacks, and traditional non-alcoholic options. To mark the opening, the first 100 coffees will be given away for free.
Community Engagement and Career Highlights
Blackmore will also participate in the Grand Launch activation at Exchange Flag in Liverpool city centre, celebrating the connection between the world's greatest race and the local community. Her historic victory came in 2021 when she partnered Minella Times, owned by JP McManus and trained by Henry de Bromhead, to a six-and-a-half-length win in the Grand National, garnering worldwide attention. Over her career, she rode in the Grand National seven times, finishing third in 2024 aboard Minella Indo, and retired in May 2025 with 575 career winners, including 18 successes at the Cheltenham Festival.
Quotes from Blackmore and Officials
Reflecting on the honour, 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."
Dickon White, The Jockey Club's North West Regional Director, added, "Rachael's outstanding achievement in the Randox Grand National speaks for itself, and it seems only right that she has been made a Grand National Legend at the earliest opportunity. We are also excited by the opening of Blackmore's Bar on the first day of the Randox Grand National Festival. As an alcohol-free space, it's a facility that will offer something different and one that our feedback has shown would be welcomed by a number of our racegoers."
