Is Rachael Blackmore riding in the Grand National? What horse is jockey riding in 2022 - and Aintree race odds

The world famous Grand National festival takes place this weekend with a number of world class trainers, jockeys and race horses taking part.

The festival kicks off today, Thursday 7 April 2022, with the Opening day. Ladies day will take place tomorrow before the internationally acclaimed Steeplechase takes place on Saturday 9 April.

One name who is in everyone’s minds is Rachel Blackmore and whether the first-female jockey to have ever won the Grand National will be returning in 2022.

In 2021, Blackmore made history by becoming the first ever woman to win the 182-year-old Grand National race.

The Irish jockey then continued to make history in 2022 by becoming the first female jockey to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

She rode the favourite, A Plus Tard to a 15 length victory at the prestigious event and will hope to continue rewriting history as she attends the Grand National this year.

After her historic win last year, the Irish jockey said: “I don’t feel male or female right now. I don’t even feel human. It’s unbelievable.”

When is the Grand National?

The Grand National weekend begins today, Thursday 7 April 2022 with the first race starting at 1.45pm BST.

Ladies day also begins at 1.45pm BST on Friday 8 April 2022 and the Randox Grand National day begins at 1.45pm BST on Saturday 9 April 2022.

Will Rachael Blackmore be competing?

Blackmore will be attending the Grand National and is set to compete in a number of races.

She will reunite with last year’s winner Minella Times to compete in Saturday’s Grand National.

Minella Times is trained by Henry de Bromhead and will carry top weight in the Steeplechase.

How to watch Rachael Blackmore at the Grand National?

ITV will offer a live broadcast of the event. Go to our article on How to watch the Grand National to find out more.

What are Minella Times’s odds?

Paddypower has Minella Times’s odds for the Grand National at 16/1. Minella Times is currently nine years old and will have a weight of 11st 10lbs.

Go to our article on Grand National Betting tips to find out more about who will race at the Grand National.

Which other races will Rachael Blackmore compete in?

Blackmore will race in the very first race of the festival: The SSS Super Alloys Manifesto Novices’ Chase and will ride on Gin on Lime.

The 32-year-old jockey will then take to the course on Zarkareva as they compete in the Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Chase later on this afternoon.

Ladbrokes has Gin on Lime’s odds at 9/2 while Zarkareva’s odds are 22/1.

Who were the last five winners of the Grand National?

2021: Minella Times (Trainer: Henry de Bromhead, Jockey: Rachael Blackmore)

2019: Tiger Roll (Trainer: Gordon Elliott, Jockey: Davy Russell)

2018: Tiger Roll (Trainer: Gordon Elliott, Jockey: Davy Russell)

2017: One For Arthur (Trainer: Lucinda Ruseel, Jockey: Derek Fox)

2016: Rule The World (Trainer: Mouse Morris, Jockey: David Mullins)