Rachael Blackmore becomes first woman ever to win Grand National

Blackmore rode home on 11/1 shot Minella Times to take racing's greatest crown

Rachael Blackmore has become the first woman to win the Grand National in the event's 182-year history. In a huge moment for not just the history of the race, but also the history of the sport, Blackmore pulled clear of the field on Minella Times at the final hurdle to write her name into the history books. Favourite Cloth Cap was pulled up at the 29th fence in a gruelling race that still represents the pinnacle of the sport. Blackmore's victory comes off the back of a hugely successful Cheltenham Festival for her as she picked up six wins and finished as the leading jockey. With this historic win she now sits right at the summit of horse racing, continuing to stake her claim as one of the greatest jockeys in the sport. It was a one-two for trainer Henry De Bromhead as well, as Balko Des Flos came in second at 100/1. Any Second Now completed the top three. After the famous race had been cancelled last year as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, this represents a brilliant headline-grabbing return for one of the highlights of the British sporting calendar.