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Rachael Blackmore confirmed for 2021 Grand National winner Minella Times
Henry de Bromhead has announced that Rachael Blackmore will, as expected, partner Minella Times once again in the Randox Grand National on Saturday, 9th April.
Blackmore etched her name into the history books twelve months ago when she became the first female jockey ever to win the famous steeplechase, an amazing victory which lifted her profile significantly.
For the 2022 renewal of the Grand National, Minella Times will go off a higher rating of 15lb compared to 2021 and he has failed to finish in either of his starts this term. First of all he fell in the John Durkan and was pulled up in the Leopardstown Handicap Chase in his last start two months ago. Nevertheless despite this, De Bromhead is of the opinion that Minella Times is back to the same form as he was ahead of the 2021 Grand National.
He said: “Rachael will ride Minella Times and he’s back showing me all the right signs at home. Now, in saying that, I thought I had him back going into the Leopardstown race as well and he disappointed me, but he definitely seems to be back to himself this time.
“He loved it last year, but he’s obviously gone up a good bit in the ratings so it’s not going to be easy for him.”
When quizzed about his expectations for the Grand National, the handler said: “I’d love to see him come back to form and run his race. If he ran well and came home in one piece I’d be delighted. Anything else would be a bonus.”
