Rachael Blackmore, who made history when becoming the first female jockey to ride the winner of the Randox Grand National in 2021, will be inducted as a Grand National Legend for 2026.
Blackmore will join the likes of Ginger McCain, Jenny Pitman and JP McManus as a Grand National Legend, along with equine stars Red Rum, Tiger Roll and Aldaniti. A plaque celebrating her achievements will be unveiled at Aintree Racecourse on the opening day of the Randox Grand National Festival (Thursday, April 9).
The ceremony will take place by newly-renamed facility Blackmore's Bar, which will be officially opened by Blackmore herself on Thursday. Featuring artwork by street art specialists MurWalls and local children from Holy Rosary School in Aintree, Blackmore's Bar is a new alcohol-free space, offering Lavazza Coffee and fresh bakes and snacks, as well as more traditional alcohol-free options. To celebrate its opening, the first 100 coffees will be given away for free.
Blackmore, who retired from the saddle in May of last year, 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.”
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