I won’t be the last woman to win the Grand National
GRAND NATIONAL winner Rachael Blackmore is thrilled to have become the first female jockey to ride to victory in the iconic steeplechase – but has vowed she ‘won’t be the last’.
The Irishwoman, who secured a comfortable triumph on 11/1 shot Minella Times on Saturday, has now seen the odds slashed on her appearing on Strictly Come Dancing. She’s also the favourite for BBC Sports Personality of the Year’s coveted overseas award.
‘It’s brilliant but I won’t be the last (woman),’ the 31-year-old told the BBC after her win. ‘I’m delighted for myself and I know that’s all part of it, but it’s just fantastic.’
In 173 races, the closest a female jockey had previously come to winning the National was Katie Walsh, who was third on Seabass in 2012.
Blackmore had already achieved a landmark success at the Cheltenham Festival last month, becoming the first woman to win the title of lead jockey.
The daughter of a dairy farmer and a teacher from Co. Tipperary, Blackmore is not from a racing family. Initially she had wanted to be a vet but instead studied equine science in Limerick while competing as an amateur jockey.
Blackmore was 25 when she turned professional.
Some bookies have already closed the book on her scooping the BBC’s December award, won in the past by sporting superstars Cristiano Ronaldo, Tiger Woods, Roger Federer and
Muhammad Ali. Rupert Adams, of William Hill, added: ‘Rachael is now a household name.
‘I am sure the producers of Strictly would break the bank to get her.’
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