Rachael Blackmore, the trailblazing jockey who made history as the first female rider to win the Grand National, is set to be inducted as an official Grand National legend. The ceremony will take place at Aintree on Thursday, the opening day of the three-day festival, where she will join the ranks of equine stars such as Red Rum, Tiger Roll and Aldaniti, as well as human legends like Ginger McCain, Jenny Pitman and JP McManus.
Blackmore, 36, who retired from the saddle in May 2025 with 575 career winners, will have a plaque unveiled to commemorate her achievements. The honour coincides with the opening of Blackmore's Bar, a newly renamed alcohol-free facility at the racecourse. The bar, featuring artwork by street art specialists MurWalls and local children from Holy Rosary School in Aintree, will offer Lavazza Coffee, fresh bakes and snacks. The first 100 coffees will be given away for free.
Blackmore's historic Grand National victory came in 2021 when she rode Minella Times, owned by JP McManus and trained by Henry de Bromhead, to a six-and-a-half-length win. She rode in the race seven times in total, also finishing third in 2024 aboard Minella Indo. 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.'
Dickon White, The Jockey Club's North West Regional Director, said: '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.' He added that the new alcohol-free bar was a response to feedback from racegoers. Blackmore will also take part in the Grand Launch activation at Exchange Flags in Liverpool city centre, celebrating the connection between the race and the local community.
