History-maker Blackmore hoping to hit the jackpot again with Minella Times

Rachael Blackmore is gunning for more Randox Grand National glory after a life-changing success aboard Minella Times last year.

Making history as the first woman to ride the winner of the world’s greatest steeplechase, Blackmore partners Henry de Bromhead’s nine-year-old once more, although this time the JP McManus-owned gelding must shoulder top-weight of 11st 10lb.

Blackmore’s 2021 victory made headlines across the globe and, along with two successful Cheltenham Festivals, has made her the current standout star of the sport.

“I’m very excited, it’s great to be here,” she said.

“The weight is not ideal, but that’s the situation we’re in. He’s in great form at home, his runs this year have been a bit disappointing, but he really does seem in great form at home now.

“Henry’s extremely happy with him, so I’m really looking forward to it.

“It’s very cool walking in and seeing some of the pictures up from last year and that sort of thing. It brings back very good memories.

“We’ll be giving it our best shot, it’s a race that you need a lot of luck in, and we got plenty of that luck last year, so hopefully there’s a bit left for this year.”

Minella Times has run twice since his Aintree triumph last season and failed to finish on both occasions, but De Bromhead found him to be struggling with some slight injury issues that have now been rectified.

“Henry found a few niggling problems with him, and he’s sorted them out, he’s really in top form at home, he’s schooling very well and seems in top form. We couldn’t be happier with him in that sense,” Blackmore said.

“I worked him a couple of weeks ago, and he felt super, we’re really looking forward to him.

“He really enjoyed it last year, he jumped from fence to fence and that has