Grand National: Rachael Blackmore to ride 2021 winner Minella Times
- Published
Trailblazing jockey Rachael Blackmore speaks to BBC Breakfast's Sally Nugent before Saturday's Grand National
Randox Grand National |
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Venue: Aintree Racecourse Date: Saturday, 9 April Time: 17:15 BST |
Coverage: Live commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live (also Friday 15:00-16:15); updates on BBC Sport website and app |
Rachael Blackmore will reunite with defending champion Minella Times in Saturday's Grand National after making history in the contest last year.
Blackmore became the first female jockey to triumph in the Aintree race.
The 32-year-old Irish rider stays loyal to Minella Times - trained by Henry de Bromhead - who will carry top weight.
De Bromhead is also set to run Poker Party but has ruled Court Maid out, which means Domaine De L'Isle is now guaranteed a run in the race.
"Unfortunately Court Maid is not going to run. I just haven't been 100% happy with her and she won't make it," De Bromhead told the Racing Post.
"Poker Party, who will be ridden by Robbie Power, will join Minella Times in the race.
"Rachael will ride Minella Times. He's back showing me all the right signs at home."
The National is a handicap chase with weights allocated according to the rating of each runner and Minella Times must carry 21lb more, on 11st 10lb, this year.
"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," added De Bromhead.
Minella Times is around a 14-1 shot for a repeat victory.
Grand National 2022 - approximate odds: 8-1 Any Second Now, Snow Leopardess, Delta Work; 10-1 Escaria Ten; 12-1 Enjoy D'Allen; 14-1 Eclair Surf, Fiddlerontheroof, Minella Times; 16-1 Longhouse Poet, 18-1 Burrows Saint 25-1 Bar
Other Grand National news
The going description on all courses at Aintree (Hurdle, Mildmay and Grand National) was changed on Tuesday to Good, Good to Soft in places (from Good to Soft).
Watering will now take place on the Grand National course, with 4 to 5mm of irrigation being applied.
Meanwhile, trainer Gordon Elliott plans to replace Battleoverdoyen with Death Duty in Saturday's Grand National.
Death Duty is 41 on the list of runners, with a maximum of 40 allowed to line up and he will be one of eight Elliott contenders.
Battleoverdoyen will run in Friday's Topham Chase at Aintree instead.