Rachael Blackmore has her sights set on a 16-1 shot in this year’s Grand National. The 36-year-old won’t be among the jockeys lining up for the 2026 renewal, having hung up her saddle last May.
Iconic rider Blackmore has been inducted as a Legend of Aintree this month, with an on-course bar named in her honour. She made history as the first woman to win the race when she triumphed aboard JP McManus-owned Minella Times five years ago.
Henry de Bromhead trained that famous winner and Blackmore believes one of the Irishman’s horses can repeat the feat in the four-mile-two-and-a-half-furlong contest this weekend.
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! All the best sports news and much more on our dedicated Facebook page
READ MORE: Grand National 2026 drinks prices revealed including how much a pint costs at AintreeREAD MORE: Grand National 2026 pinstickers’ guide: All 34 runners rated, best chances and top 4 prediction
“It’s going to be another cracking, fantastic race,” Betfair Ambassador Blackmore said. “I think Henry’s runner, Monty’s Star, has got a really good chance. Henry is so good at preparing them for a day like the National and he’s got such a good record in it. The year I won, he had the second horse as well.
Blackmore and De Bromhead combined to win the race five years ago(Image: Getty)
“So I think he’s a horse that could really just take to it. He’s got Grade One form. He’s a very straightforward, good jumper. I think he’s one you’d like to be on.
“But I could be here for 10 minutes listing off the different horses. It’s one of those races, it’s so competitive and it’s whoever gets a bit of luck on the way around as well. That’s a very important factor in this race.”
Monty’s Star, to be partnered by Darragh O’Keeffe, is available at 16-1 with Betfair at the time of writing, though he isn’t the sole De Bromhead representative in the race. The 25-1-priced Gorgeous Tom is another contender being aimed at the National.
Blackmore added: “That horse has a nice profile going into the race as well. He’s only 10st9lbs on his back. He’s a nice weight. Both of Henry’s go there with big chances I would say.”
However, this gelding doesn’t feature in Blackmore’s 1-2-3 for the showpiece event, as she believes the 2024 winner I Am Maximus (7-1) and Willie Mullins stablemate Grangeclare West (9-1) could round out the top three alongside Monty’s Star.
Nick Rockett bested I Am Maximus and Grangeclare West in 2025(Image: Getty)
“I think I Am Maximus is going to run a big race again,” she said. “I’d also obviously love to see Grangeclare West up there again too. But I find it a really hard race to nail your colours to any horse.
“Because I know from riding in it there’s just so many moments in the race when you need that bit of luck to go your way and it’s whoever gets that on the passage around. It’s a big thing.”
Rachael Blackmore was speaking ahead of the Aintree Grand National Festival, play different at the Grand National this year with Betfair.
FREE £3 William Hill Shop Bets inside your Mirror every day of the Grand National Festival
Don’t miss a FREE shop bet inside your favourite racing paper every day of the Grand National festival! Plus, get expert inside from our top tipsters with pullouts every day from Thursday April 9- Saturday April 11, 2026 covering the runners, riders, and everything you need to make this iconic festival the biggest ever. Find out more here.
Bet 18+ only. Terms and conditions apply. See paper for details.