Randox Grand National 2021 report | Rachael Blackmore the first lady in Grand National as Minella Times wins
Rachael Blackmore became the first female rider to win the Randox Grand National as Minella Times stormed to Aintree glory for Henry De Bromhead.
The jockey and trainer combination had a fantastic Cheltenham Festival and that form continued in the greatest steeplechase of them all as Minella Times put in a terrific performance.
Balko Des Flos, a 100/1 chance, made it a tremendous one-two for the trainer, while Any Second Now was third after being badly hampered early on.
Burrows Saint travelled well but didn't seem to quite get home in fourth, while the seven-year-old Farclas was fifth.
Cloth Cap was the hot favourite and he jumped well in a prominent position for a long way, but he dropped back through the field quickly and was pulled up before four from home.
At that point Minella Times was making stealthy headway on the front-running Jett under a flawless Blackmore, the pair jumping the Aintree fences quite beautifully throughout tucked tight to the inside.
Stablemate Balko Des Flos loomed up as the main threat as a small bunch broke clear, but Minella Times jumped to the front at the last and was always in control on the long run for home.
There was to be no late drama and Blackmore kept Minella Times going for a convincing six and a half length success, a fierce clench of the fist crossing the line as sporting history was made.
It was a second win in the race for owner JP McManus, who ran seven in the race including The Long Mile who sadly had to be put down after sustaining an unrecoverable injury while running on the flat between obstacles.
Thankfully there were no concerns among the other 39 runners.
Over the moon
An emotional Blackmore said: “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.
“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.”
A delighted De Bromhead, who also trained the first two home in last month’s Cheltenham Gold Cup, made clear his admiration for Blackmore.
“She’s brilliant, isn’t she?” he said. “Aren’t we so lucky to have her? They broke the mould after her – she’s brilliant.”
So too was Minella Times, who had six and a half lengths to spare from his stablemate – with another length and three-quarters to Any Second Now and then a long gap to Burrows Saint.
The County Waterford trainer added: “It’s just brilliant. It’s down to Rachael, obviously. She was brilliant going into today, I’m delighted … amazing, super ride. She hardly left the rail, she was just brilliant on him. It was brilliant to get it for the McManuses.
“I’m over the moon – Balko was super as well. Aidan was super on him, he ran an absolute cracker as well. It feels amazing, it really does. It’s incredible, stuff you dream of. I’ve been watching (this race) since I was a kid. It’s amazing. I’m just so lucky.”
17:15 Aintree | Full result and free video replay
1st 35 Minella Times (IRE) 11/1
2nd 16 Balko Des Flos (FR) 100/1
3rd 15 Any Second Now (IRE) 15/2
4th 7 Burrows Saint (FR) 9/1
5th 34 Farclas (FR) 16/1
6th 6 40 Blaklion 50/1
Sky Bet paid 6 places on this race
Winning Trainer: H De Bromhead | Winning Jockey: Rachael Blackmore
Almost speechless
A stunned Blackmore said: "This is the Aintree Grand National and I can't believe we've won!
"I got a fantastic passage through the race, I don't think Minella Times missed a beat anywhere. I felt like I had loads of space everywhere, he was just unbelievable.
"His jumping was second to none. I'm so lucky to be riding these horses for Henry de Bromhead, he trained a one-two there and that can't be forgotten here.
"It's a privilege to ride for JP McManus, it's been a tough year for his family.
"It's a massive deal for me personally. It is a big deal, I don't know how to put it into words myself."