Recent years have seen Rachael Blackmore emerge as one of the biggest stars in horse racing, with her wins at Cheltenham and in the 2021 Grand National confirming her status as one of the sport's top jockeys.
Her performances have raised the sense of expectation around her rides, especially in big races, this has led to her horse for this year, Ain't That A Shame becoming the favourite for the race on Friday at 8/1. However, on Saturday morning it had slipped back to 10/1 with Delta Work emerging as joint-favourite.
Having become the first female jockey to win the Champion Hurdle with Honeysuckle at Cheltenham in 2021, she marked a remarkable year by repeating the feat in the Grand National a month later. She rode Minella Times, an 11/1 shot to win at Aintree to win the iconic race, emerging as a house hold name in the process.
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She could not repeat the feat in 2022, with the same ride, Minella Times falling the ninth fence. De Bromhead had been preparing the now 10-year-old for a ride at Aintree this year but it was not to be and an injury in training led to retirement for the Irish-thoroughbred.
She has returned with a new horse for this year, with Ain't That A Shame having won on their last outing together in March. Speaking with Betfair ahead of the race, she discussed her chances on board the nine-year-old.
Blackmore said: "He was unlucky to be just beaten in the Munster National at Limerick in October, and it wasn't my best day in the saddle when I finished fourth on him in the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas.
"But he won nicely at Gowran the last day, and it was no harm that the runner-up came out and won at Fairyhouse there at the weekend.
"You don't really know how a horse will handle the track or the fences until you get out there, but he had a pop over the National fences at The Curragh, and he went well. I'd be confident that he will take to the fences fine.
"He travels well through his races, which is a big help. You're just hoping that you can get into a nice position and find a nice racing rhythm over the first few fences. I am hopeful that he can.
"After that, you never know, it's the Grand National, but he has his chance and I'm very much looking forward to it."
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