Rachael Blackmore became a legend as the only female jockey to win the Grand National and now she’s got a new honour, her very own bar named after her
The only female jockey to win the Grand National notched up another first – by becoming the first woman to have a bar named after her at Aintree.
Rachael Blackmore said it was ‘so special’ to be inducted as a ‘Grand National Legend’ at a ceremony on the opening day of this year’s festival.
Racing chiefs marked the occasion by naming a bar in The Lord Sefton stand ‘Blackmore’s’ in her honour.
The trailblazer – who won on Minella Times in 2021 and is also the only woman to land the Cheltenham Gold Cup – was so delighted she dug deep in her pockets to treat the first 100 customers to a free drink.
Luckily for Rachael, 36, who retired last year, married fellow jockey Brian Hayes and is expecting a baby shortly after this year’s Grand National tomorrow, it is an alcohol-free bar.
She told the Daily Star: “I never thought there’d be a racecourse bar named after me.
“To see this beautiful bar opened – it’s a very special thing.
“It does hit home how lucky I am.
“I think it is a brilliant initiative to have an alcohol-free space.
“It’s a really cool place. There’s something else on offer.
“I don’t drink myself so I’d better be able to get a free hot chocolate.”
As a National Legend she will have a special plaque on the wall of her bar – which serves alcohol-free drinks, coffee and bakes and snacks.
Blackmore said: “When I see the list of names – including equine athletes – on the Grand National Legends roll of honour it’s so special to be part of that and a great honour.
“Aintree is just such an incredibly special place and I was so lucky to have an amazing day here in 2021 and I absolutely love coming back here.
“I love Liverpool. I love the city. I love the people. It’s just a fantastic place.
“Part of me would love to be riding on Saturday.
“But the other part of me wouldn’t do the weight.”
Aintree racecourse chairman Julian Taylor said it was an ‘enormous privilege’ to declare Rachael a ‘legend’.
He told her: “You are a sporting icon, not just here at Aintree but globally, and you are also a lovely human being. Many congratulations to you.”
Rachael will make her debut as a TV pundit on Grand National Day.