After a fraught few months of negative publicity, racing desperately needed Blackmore’s historic victory at Aintree
Not since Lady Godiva rode naked through the streets of Coventry in the 13th century has any woman on horseback caused quite such a public stir. Her modesty covered by the green and gold silks of JP McManus, Rachael Blackmore wrote arguably the most colourful chapter yet in the storied 182-year history of the Grand National on Saturday.
The daughter of a farmer and schoolteacher from Tipperary with no background in the industry in which she ploughs her unique furrow, she became the first woman to win the world’s most iconic horse race at Aintree on Minella Times. While the horse and its trainer, Henry de Bromhead, also deserve every credit, their place as historical footnotes seems all but assured. They are unlikely to mind too much because like everyone else – apart from perhaps the animal who did the heavy lifting – they will be well aware Blackmore is without doubt the only show in town.
Related: Rachael Blackmore is first female jockey to win Grand National, on Minella Times
Warwick 1.50 Onagatheringstorm 2.23 Raffle Ticket 2.55 Eyes Right 3.28 Ayr Of Elegance 4.00 Robin Of Sherwood 4.33 Imperial Knight 5.03 Pop The Cork
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