Rachael Blackmore Reveals Grand National Betting Strategy
Horse racing icon Rachael Blackmore has shared her expert insights ahead of this weekend's Grand National, backing trainer Henry de Bromhead to secure his second victory in the prestigious Aintree race. Blackmore, who made history five years ago as the first female jockey to win the Grand National aboard Minella Times, believes De Bromhead's Monty's Star has the perfect profile for success.
Monty's Star: The 16/1 Contender
Blackmore expressed strong confidence in Monty's Star, a nine-year-old gelding who showed impressive form in the Irish Gold Cup earlier this year. "Henry has an incredible record bringing his horses to Cheltenham and Aintree," Blackmore told Metro. "The year I won it, he had the 1-2 in the race. I think Monty's Star has a nice profile coming into it."
The Betfair ambassador highlighted the horse's jumping ability and suitability for the Aintree conditions. "He's a fantastic jumper, and I think he could run a big race. Henry doesn't bring anything over if he doesn't think they have a big chance, and this horse has grade one form."
Monty's Star will need to overcome pre-race favorite I Am Maximus, who seeks a second Grand National triumph after winning in 2024 and finishing second last year. Blackmore acknowledged the favorite's strong record but maintained her support for De Bromhead's contender.
Memories of Historic Victory
Reflecting on her own 2021 triumph, Blackmore shared: "It does not feel like five years ago. When you win a Grand National, you feel so part of the race. There have been so many winners since, but it still feels like yesterday."
She described the unforgettable experience: "I can still remember what it felt like to go down over the jumps, and I felt like I was meeting them all on a good stride. Those kinds of memories, those flashes of just what it was like to be in the race, I can still remember those, and they're just great."
Other Contenders and One to Avoid
Blackmore also mentioned Grangeclare West as another strong contender, noting his impressive performance last year despite a minor mistake at the final fence. "He's coming into the race after winning the same race that Nick Rockett won last year before he ran, so he's had a nice prep for the race," she explained.
However, the racing legend expressed reservations about Iroko, who has drifted to 10/1 odds after being the ante-post favorite earlier in the season. "He's in the right and they wouldn't be running him if they didn't think he was going to have his chance," Blackmore said. "But he's going to have to show a bit more, I think, to really contend."
Advice for First-Time Punters
Given the Grand National's unique challenges—including a massive field of 34 horses, formidable fences, and a distance exceeding four miles—Blackmore offered guidance for novice bettors. "For the Grand National, it's just so different," she emphasized. "I think you're as well off picking a horse that just has something about it that you like."
She suggested observing horses in the parade ring: "If you're at the races, then you're seeing what horses are looking relaxed going around the parade ring, taking it all in and not getting too hot and bothered. But the National is just a hard one to nail anything down to, so pick someone you want to cheer on. Pick someone you want to win."
Blackmore's insights come as excitement builds for the Aintree Grand National Festival, where punters will be watching closely to see if her prediction about Monty's Star proves accurate against a field of determined competitors.
