EXCLUSIVE
‘The most special’ – Rachael Blackmore chooses between Cheltenham and Grand National
The Grand National is a race like no other and Rachael Blackmore has told talkSPORT why Aintree is so special.
Blackmore, the first-ever female winner of the Grand National, joined the Breakfast show to talk through the differences between that and Britain's other beloved festival, Cheltenham.
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The Irish star rode Minella Times to victory in 2021, becoming the first woman in the National’s 182-year history to win the prestigious event.
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 the event, which will be live on talkSPORT, Blackmore was asked where the Aintree race compares to Cheltenham.
“I guess from a jockey’s perspective it’s different.
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“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.”
She added: “It’s a race like no other. There are so many different variables in it.
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“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 and iconic race, 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.
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“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.
And Minella Indo is the same horse that, 12 months ago finished eight lengths behind the winner.
That honour went to trainer Willie Mullins and jockey Paul Townend, who rode home with 7/1 joint favourite I Am Maximus.
Iroko Form and Stumptown lead the odds both at 7/1 with bookies proving very wise in recent years when it comes to the biggest race on the calendar.
Grand National 2025 confirmed runners and rider odds
- Iroko Form - 7/1
- Stumptown - 7/1
- Intense Raffles - 10/1
- Hewick - 10/1
- I Am Maximus - 10/1
- Vanillier - 10/1
- Perceval Legallois - 12/1
- Minella Cocooner - 12/1
- Kandoo Kid - 20/1
- Meetingofthewaters - 20/1
- Nick Rockett - 20/1
- Hyland - 20/1
- Three Card Brag - 20/1
- Senior Chief - 25/1
- Beauport - 25/1
- Grangeclare West - 25/1
- Minella Indo - 33/1
- Mr Vango - 33/1
- Monbeg Genius - 33/1
- Duffle Coat - 40/1
- Bravemansgame - 40/1
- Yeah Man - 50/1
- Stay Away Fay - 50/1
- Fil Dor - 50/1
- Horantzau DAiry - 66/1
- Famous Bridge - 66/1
- Twig - 66/1
- Appreciate It - 66/1
- Broadway Boy - 66/1
- Threeunderthrufive - 66/1
- Mister Coffey - 66/1
- Malina Girl - 66/1
- Hitman Form: - 100/1
- Fantastic Lady - 100/1
Of the past five Grand Nationals, three have been won by the favourite.
At the time of writing, talkSPORT Bet has Blackmore's Minella Indo .
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 marvelbet369.com, with the race expected to get underway around 4pm.
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