Quick Read
- Rachael Blackmore has been officially inducted as a Legend of Aintree, with a new on-course bar named in her honor.
- The 2026 Grand National festival aims to boost the local economy by an estimated £60 million through city-wide events.
- Blackmore has identified Monty’s Star as a top contender for this year’s race, citing the horse’s Grade One form and jumping ability.
LIVERPOOL (Azat TV) – The 2026 Grand National Festival has opened with a dual focus on the sport’s future and its most iconic recent history, as retired jockey Rachael Blackmore makes a high-profile return to Aintree. Having officially hung up her saddle last May, the 36-year-old trailblazer is being celebrated this month as an official Legend of Aintree, with the racecourse honoring her legacy by naming an on-course bar in her honor.
Blackmore’s Legacy and Aintree Honors
Blackmore, who made international headlines five years ago as the first female jockey to win the Grand National aboard Minella Times, appeared at the festival’s kickoff event at Exchange Flags in Liverpool city center. The event, which aimed to bridge the gap between the historic Aintree races and the local community, featured a range of interactive attractions, from racing simulators to a mock winner’s enclosure. Bill Addy, chief executive of the Liverpool Business Improvement District, emphasized that these initiatives are vital for maintaining the estimated £60 million economic impact the festival brings to the city region.
Predictions for the 2026 Renewal
Despite her retirement from competitive riding, Blackmore remains a central figure in the lead-up to this weekend’s four-mile-two-and-a-half-furlong contest. Serving as a Betfair Ambassador, she has offered her professional analysis for the 2026 field. Blackmore has tipped Monty’s Star—trained by Henry de Bromhead—as a serious contender at 12-1 odds. She noted the horse’s Grade One form and jumping prowess, drawing parallels to the preparation of her own historic winner.
Competitive Stakes and Market Movements
Blackmore’s analysis has already influenced market sentiment, with odds on Monty’s Star shifting earlier in the week. While she also highlighted the potential of the 25-1 outsider Gorgeous Tom, her projected top-three finish for the main event focuses on seasoned quality. She expects 2024 winner I Am Maximus and stablemate Grangeclare West to remain at the front of the pack. The recognition of Blackmore as a permanent fixture at Aintree, coupled with her continued influence as a race analyst, underscores how the festival is shifting from a purely competitive event to a platform that institutionalizes the narratives of its most successful participants to sustain long-term engagement.