Irish jockey Rachael Blackmore has made history after winning the Grand National.
The Tipperary native became the first female jockey to win the iconic horse race on Saturday on Minella Times, trained by Henry de Bromhead.
Reacting to the win, the 31-year-old told Racing TV: “This is the Aintree Grand National, I’m completely blown away. I got a fantastic passage the whole way. Minella Times was unbelievable, he jumped fantastic, I don’t think he missed a beat anywhere.”
“He was able to travel into a gap, I seemed to have loads of space everywhere and you couldn’t have wished for a better passage. He was just unbelievable, he really was, his jumping was second to none.”
🏆 History in the Grand National@rachaelblackmor becomes the first female rider to win the £750,000 Randox Grand National aboard Minella Times @AintreeRaces
A 1-2 for @HenrydeBromhead too 👏 pic.twitter.com/RRIsIdKFjA
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) April 10, 2021
“I’m so lucky to be riding these horses for Henry de Bromhead. He trained a one-two there which is incredible. That can’t be forgotten in the whole scheme of things.”
“It’s great to win it in these colours, too. It’s always a privilege to ride for JP McManus and to win it for him is unbelievable. They’ve had a tough year so hopefully this can make things a little easier.”
“This is a massive deal for me personally, not the fact I’m a female. The thing that hit me when I crossed the line was that I’d won the National, not that I’m the first female to win the National. I’m just delighted,” Rachael added.
Taking to Twitter following the historic win, many branded Rachael a “hero” and “an inspiration”.
Incredible win from Rachael Blackmore, blazing a trail and doing Ireland proud #GrandNational
— Leo Varadkar (@LeoVaradkar) April 10, 2021
Horse racing needed a hero after what was the most challenging year it has ever faced. Rachael Blackmore has stepped up to the mark and delivered results at Cheltenham and Aintree that feel incredibly important for the sport in the broadest sense. Today was simply sensational. pic.twitter.com/6aSwBmljQG
— Kevin Blake (@kevinblake2011) April 10, 2021
One of the most incredible sports moments of all time ☘️ @rachaelblackmor take a bow, remarkable stuff! My god what a sport horse racing is 💚#GrandNational2021
— Conor O'Hehir (@ConOH92) April 10, 2021
My entire time being involved in racing, female riders even competing in the National has been a ‘thing’. Rachael Blackmore has finally put an end to that today. Privilege to be Aintree today.
— Rishi Persad (@RishiPersad1) April 10, 2021
Oh wow wow wow Rachael Blackmore 👏👏👏👏🏇🏇🏇🏇 Grand National winner first woman to do it – incredible ride she is just so so good – what a jockey #history #minellatimes 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼 🏇🏇🏇🏇🏇
— Jacquie Beltrao (@SkyJacquie) April 10, 2021
What a special lady 🤩🤩🤩🤩 #RachaelBlackmore
— Sarah Kinsella (@BoyleSportsSK) April 10, 2021
As a female in racing I feel I’ve had to battle in every facet to prove myself but with every success & opportunity has brought the biggest sense of achievement. #RachaelBlackmore defines this at the highest level. Talented, tough, modest & a role model for all #GrandNational
— Kate Tracey (@KateTracey12) April 10, 2021
The most emotional result to the Grand National – I’m in bits . What an achievement . Big congrats superstar #RachaelBlackmore pic.twitter.com/GTl8Y9ozWZ
— Ger Lally (@GerLallyAssoc) April 10, 2021
A history maker, a record breaker & an inspiration.
I hope she’s on the front pages, the back pages and every page in between.
I hope they print posters of her off in schools and teach kids what a real influencer looks like.
She’s Rachael Blackmore & she’s our hero. #Queen👸🏼 pic.twitter.com/uu2fuNV6kU
— VANESSA BINNIE RYLE (@V_Binnie_Ryle) April 10, 2021
Rachael Blackmore I salute you. Congratulations on a fantastic achievement. She will be a hero and role model for years to come for so many young people
— mick fitzgerald (@mickfitzg) April 10, 2021
HUP YA GIRL YA @rachaelblackmor you beauty inside and out ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
— Doireann Garrihy (@DoireannGarrihy) April 10, 2021
