Iconic jockey Rachael Blackmore explained why she picked the Grand National as the most special race on the sport’s calendar over Cheltenham.
Blackmore, the first-ever female winner of the Grand National, spoke to talkSPORT ahead of her return to the Aintree event.
The Irish star rode Minella Times to victory in 2021, becoming the first woman in the National’s 182-year history to do so.
The 35-year-old has been a trailblazer throughout her career, and has always been one to watch, including at this year’s event where she will ride Minella Indo.
Ahead of talkSPORT catching up with the jockey, Breakfast also spoke to Daily Mail racing editor Dominic King, who called the National bigger and better than Cheltenham.
That was put to Blackmore, who responded: “I guess from a jockey’s perspective it’s different.
“Cheltenham has a lot of pressure attached to it, whereas Aintree doesn’t seem to have the same amount of pressure, it’s more relaxed, but everyone has their different opinions.
“Cheltenham is Cheltenham but Aintree is the Grand National and it’s the most special race on the racing calendar.
“The people of Liverpool really embrace it and it’s just an enjoyable few days.”
Further adding to her views on the event, she said: “It’s a race like no other. There are so many different variables in it.
“Everything is different, the fences are different, there are 34 runners, there’s four plus miles, there’s a lot of different things going on.”
Asked how a jockey can maintain concentration over such a long period, she continued: “You’re just kind of in the moment of it and I’ve been very lucky with the horses I’ve ridden over the years.
“I’ve got some great rides, so you’re just in it and it’s enjoyable when you’re getting a good spin.”
Blackmore will be back racing in the Grand National this Saturday hoping to improve on her third place finish in 2024.
She will be riding Henry De Bromhead-trained Minella Indo in the big race in 2025, the same horse as 12 months ago that finished eight lengths behind the winner.
At the time of writing, talkSPORT Bet has Minella Indo at 28/1 to win the National.
The 2025 Grand National takes place on Saturday, April 5, with live commentary on talkSPORT2.
We will also be keeping you up to date on talkSPORT and talkSPORT.com, with the race expected to get underway around 4pm.
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