WONDER WOMAN Queen of Aintree
Brilliant Blackmore is
RACHAEL BLACKMORE made history by becoming the first woman to conquer the Randox Grand National with a masterclass aboard Minella Times for trainer Henry De Bromhead and owner JP McManus.
Blackmore, also a history maker at last month’s Cheltenham Festival when capturing the Champion Hurdle on Honeysuckle, was stunned when passing the post ahead of Balko Des Flos, with Any Second Now back in third place.
“I don’t feel male or female right now, I don’t even feel human!” she said. “This is just unbelievable.
“I cannot believe it. He gave me an absolutely sensational spin.
“I’m so lucky to be riding him and I can’t believe we’ve just won the Grand National, it’s unbelievable.”
Despite the meeting taking place behind closed doors, with just a limited number of owners and their trainers, the 31-year-old farmer’s daughter from Tipperary received a hero’s welcome on her return to the winners’ enclosure.
Punching the air, the normally reserved Blackmore was relishing this landmark achievement – an occasion that for those fortunate to be present, it was an ‘I was there moment’ to witness history.
De Bromhead, incredibly also responsible for training the second home Balko Des Flos, was lavish in his praise of the naturally gifted Blackmore.
“It’s just brilliant,” he said. “Rachael was brilliant on him and I’m just delighted.
“It was a super ride, she hardly left the rail.
“I’m over the moon and we are so lucky to have Rachael.”
Despite Blackmore stealing the major prizes from her colleagues, there is genuine affection and respect in the sport for the gifted rider.
Robbie Power, successful in the 2007 National on Silver Birch, was the first to plant a kiss on her cheek.
This was followed by a host of the returning riders offering their congratulations.
The Grand National was first run in February 1839 and never had a woman crossed the line in first place.
Charlotte Brew was the first women rider to attempt the feat in 1977 when partnering
Barony Fort who refused three fences from home.
Former champion jockey AP McCoy, who was until yesterday the only jockey to win the race for JP McManus when successful with the Jonjo O’Neill-trained Don’t Push It in 2010, paid tribute to Blackmore after the race.
He said: “She’s got it all and she’s proved it on the biggest stage. Everyone in the world can now see it.”
Unfortunately, racing also has an unforgiving nature as Bryony Frost
(left) was rushed to hospital after she was unseated from
Yala Enki at the
21st fence.
Paul Nicholls, the trainer of Yala Enki, said she was knocked out but fortunately no bones were broken.
Tabitha Worsley, the third women rider taking part, finished 14th of 15 runners to complete the course out of the 40 runners.
Victory in the 173rd running had looked as if it might go to the front-running Jett, under Sam WaleyCohen, before he went out like a punctured balloon two fences from home. This left Burrows Saint gunning for victory – but his lack of stamina also found him out approaching the last fence where he doggedly held on for fourth place.
Farclas’ fifth-place finish meant Irish-trained horses to fill the first five home.
Cloth Cap, sent off the 11-2 favourite, was in the firing line but was pulled by Tom Scudamore as he was gurgling two fences from home.
The hard luck story of the race has to belong to another of the JP McManusowned contenders Any Second Now. After clouting the 10th fence, he was brought to knees when Double Shuffle fell at the 12th fence.
There was also a sad postscript as The Long Mile, another of the seven of JP McManus runners, took a fatal fall.
But the day belonged undoubtedly to Blackmore, whose achievements will be one of those pioneering moments for women in any walk of life.