Trailblazer Rachael Blackmore is set to be honoured as an official Grand National legend, joining the ranks of the iconic Red Rum. Blackmore, who made history as the first female jockey to win the Grand National in 2021, will be inducted at a ceremony at Aintree on Thursday, the opening day of the three-day Festival.

The 36-year-old retired jockey will take her place alongside the likes of Ginger McCain, Jenny Pitman and JP McManus, as well as horse greats Red Rum, Tiger Roll and Aldaniti, with a commemorative plaque honouring her remarkable achievements. The ceremony will be held at a newly renamed venue, Blackmore’s Bar, which will be officially unveiled by Blackmore herself on Thursday.

Featuring artwork by street art specialists MurWalls and local youngsters from Holy Rosary School in Aintree, Blackmore’s Bar is a brand-new alcohol-free space, offering Lavazza Coffee and freshly baked goods and snacks alongside more conventional alcohol-free refreshments. To mark its launch, the first 100 coffees will be given away free of charge.

Blackmore will further celebrate the cherished bond between the world’s greatest race and the city of Liverpool by taking part in the Grand Launch activation at Exchange Flags in Liverpool city centre.

In 2021, Blackmore rode Minella Times, owned by JP McManus and trained by Henry de Bromhead, to a six-and-a-half-length triumph in the world’s greatest steeplechase. In total, she competed in the Grand National on seven occasions and also finished third in 2024 aboard Minella Indo.

She announced her retirement from racing in May 2025, with an impressive tally of 575 career victories, including 18 at the Cheltenham Festival.

Blackmore said: “Winning the Randox Grand National at Aintree on Minella Times is a moment in my life I will never forget. Seeing my name now included on the list of Grand National Legends is such an honour, I feel very lucky to be part of that history.

“I’m also looking forward to opening Blackmore’s Bar at the racecourse, something I definitely thought I would never be saying! It’s a cool idea and something a bit different that people can hopefully enjoy during the week.”

Dickon White, The Jockey Club’s North West Regional Director, added: “Rachael’s outstanding achievement in the Randox Grand National speaks for itself and it seems only right that she has been made a Grand National Legend at the earliest opportunity.

“We are also excited by the opening of Blackmore’s Bar on the first day of the Randox Grand National Festival. As an alcohol-free space, it’s a facility that will offer something different and one that our feedback has shown would be welcomed by a number of our racegoers.”