Rachael Blackmore feeling excited not nervous ahead of Grand National

Rachael Blackmore says she feels excitement more than nerves as she bids to win her second consecutive Grand National. 

Blackmore, who became the first woman to ever win the Aintree race, will reunite with defending champion Minella Times for Saturday’s race. 

Because the National is a handicap chase with weights allocated according to the rating of each runner, Minella Times must carry 21lb more, on 11st 10lb, this year. 

Trainer Henry De Bormhead said: “He loved it last year, but he’s obviously gone up a good bit in the ratings so it’s not going to be easy for him.”

Tiger Roll was the last horse to win back-to-back Grand Nationals in 2018 and 2019, but the feat has only been achieved a handful of times in history. 

Nonetheless, Blackmore says that she is not feeling the pressure of riding the defending champion and stressed that the Grand National has a “different feel” about it compared to other events. 

“The Grand National has a different feel to it,” she told BBC Sport. “You don’t feel the same kind of pressure as you do for Cheltenham. Everyone knows there are so many different variables for the Grand National and so much can happen, so no jockey feels the same expectation. 

“What you do feel is excitement. Jockeys will wish each other good luck. It has a different feel to it. And especially riding someone like Minella Times.” 

Despite winning last year, Minella Times is not the favourite for Saturday’s race and currently has odds of around 11/1. 

The Charlie Longsdon trained Snow Leopardess is the bookies’ favourite with odds of around 7/1, while Gordon Elliot trained Delta Work is close behind. 

Blackmore has already made history on multiple occasions. As well as winning the Grand National last year, she also