First female Grand National winner has world at her feet

Grand National 2021: All you need to know

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The rider has the world at her feet after becoming the first woman ever to win the most famous horse race of them all. Rachael, 31, is now odds on to scoop more silverware by taking a BBC Sports Personality of the Year gong. Being Irish, it is unlikely she will qualify for the main BBC award, as you must be British or play most of your sport in the UK to be considered. But bookies think she is a dead cert to win the BBC’s overseas award category.

And many believe a glittering career in the spotlight lies ahead.

Paddy Power spokesman Paul Binfield said: “After Rachael’s heroics on Saturday, she’d be a very short price to join sporting legends such as Roger Federer, Cristiano Ronaldo and Usain Bolt on the illustrious roll of honour.”

David Stevens, of Coral, said: “Having conquered Cheltenham and Aintree in the last month, we reckon Rachael Blackmore could star at whatever she did right now.

“We make her just 10-1 to appear on Strictly in the next three years and just 20-1 that she would win it if she takes part in that time. 

“Also, we think her record-breaking heroics in the saddle this year make her a certainty to be crowned BBC Sports Personality World Sport Star of the Year at the end of 2021, so we’ve already closed the book on that.”

Rupert Adams, of William Hill, said: “Rachael is now a household name. I am sure that the producers of Strictly would break the bank to get her.”

Rachael made history twice on Saturday – as the first female Grand National winner and also by sparking the bookies’ biggest-ever payout on a female jockey.

It is understood she and her ride Minella Times cost turf accountants about £100million.

After the race, she said: “I’m completely blown away. This is a massive deal for me personally, not the fact I’m a female.

“The thing that hit me when I crossed the line was that I’d won the National, not that I’m the first female to win the National.” 

The daughter of a dairy farmer and a teacher, Rachael initially wanted to be a vet before ending up studying equine science in Limerick.

She wanted to be an amateur jockey but turned professional at the age of 25, teaming up with Minella Times trainer Henry de Bromhead.

Last month at Cheltenham, she ended up as the festival’s top jockey by winning six races.

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