![\"\"](\"http:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/2.59107321.jpg\")
Rachael Blackmore became the first woman to ride the winner of the Randox Grand National when steering Minella Times to glory at Aintree.<\/p>\nRachael Blackmore became the first woman to ride the winner of the Randox Grand National when steering Minella Times to glory at Aintree.<\/p>\n
The Irish rider (31) was top jockey at the Cheltenham Festival \u2013 where she won the Champion Hurdle \u2013 and crowned a fabulous season with an historic triumph in the world\u2019s greatest steeplechase.<\/p>\n
The writing was on the wall when she took Minella Times into the lead before the final fence, although she had to keep the Henry de Bromhead-trained eight-year-old up to his work as the famous Elbow approached.<\/p>\n
Blackmore and Minella Times (11-1) were not for stopping, though, and galloped into racing folklore to win in the colours of JP McManus.<\/p>\n
Balko Des Flos (100-1), ridden by Aidan Coleman, was second to give De Bromhead an incredible one-two.<\/p>\n
Any Second Now (15-2) was third, with Burrows Saint (9-1) fourth and Farclas (16-1) fifth, as Irish-trained horses filled all those places.<\/p>\n
Blackmore told ITV Racing: \u201cI just cannot believe it. He was an absolutely sensational spin.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat Henry de Bromhead does with these horses, I don\u2019t know! I\u2019m so lucky to be riding them, I just cannot believe I\u2019m after winning the Grand National. This is unbelievable.\u201d<\/p>\n
Blackmore was full of praise for Minella Times, one of seven horses in the race owned by JP McManus \u2013 among them Any Second Now.<\/p>\n
Blackmore added: \u201cHe was just incredible, he jumped beautifully.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was trying to wait for as long as I could \u2013 when we jumped the last and I asked him for a bit, he was there. It\u2019s just incredible.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t feel male or female right now \u2013 I don\u2019t even feel human. This is just unbelievable.\u201d<\/p>\n