Rachael Blackmore: Historic Grand National triumph for modest trailblazer

It might be too much to say Blackmore has ridden to racing’s rescue, but her feelgood story comes after a troubled start to the year where a trainer and jockey were banned after social media posts emerged of them posing with dead horses.

The success of women, competing on a level playing field against men, is a hugely positive narrative for the sport.

Flat jockey Hollie Doyle was third in the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award in December, while Bryony Frost was the first woman to ride the winner of the King George VI Chase at Kempton when victorious aboard Frodon.

“This means everything, it really does, it’s hard to even comprehend it right now,” said Blackmore.

“It’s just an incredible feeling but you don’t really let yourself believe it until you do actually cross the line.”

Women were not permitted to ride in the National into the 1970s before Charlotte Brew was the first on a 200-1 outsider 44 years ago.

Eighteen other women have ridden in the race on a total of 35 runners but only in recent years have their chances increased – 11 of the first 15 National rides for female jockeys were priced 100-1 or more.

The previous best came when Seabass finished third in 2012 for Katie Walsh, who paid tribute to Blackmore.

“I’m delighted for Rachael,” said Walsh. “This isn’t just pot luck or a fluke, she’s worked hard to get this.

“She’s an inspiration to male and female jockeys. This is the most watched race in the world and it’s just brilliant for horse racing.”

Most within racing have little time for the phrase ‘female jockeys’ on the basis they are all just jockeys, although Blackmore recognised she would always be the first to have won the National.

“Ah, look, it’s brilliant, but I won’t be the last. I’m delighted for myself anyway,” she said.

“I just hope it shows it doesn’t matter, male or female. Plenty of people have gone before me and done that – Katie Walsh was third here on Seabass. All those things help girls coming along, but I don’t think it’s a major talking point any more.”