The first day of the Grand National festival at Aintree had poor weather with wind and rain, according to multiple reports. Despite the cold, racegoers attended the first day in strappy dresses, flamboyant hats, and high heels, multiple reports indicate. Crowds for the first day of racing topped 28,000, up 22% on last year, according to organizers at The Jockey Club.
Rachael Blackmore was made an official Grand National legend on the first day of the festival, multiple reports indicate. Blackmore is eight months pregnant, according to multiple reports, and will be a TV pundit for the Grand National on Saturday, multiple reports indicate. Rachael Blackmore won the Grand National in 2021 on Minella Times, multiple reports indicate.
I feel like Aintree is such a Grand National-focused meeting, but Henry's going to go over there with Heart Wood. He's sensational and he was, I thought, at Cheltenham. I know Fact To File came out, but he would have given him a race, I think, in the manner in which he won. He'll have his chance. It's a fantastic meeting. Willie [Mullins] is also obviously not bringing over as many this year. It looks like his main focus is on keeping his Irish Trainers' Championship.
She retired from racing last year, according to multiple reports. Around £250 million is expected to be gambled on the Grand National race on Saturday, multiple reports indicate. The 2024 champion I Am Maximus is likely to be the favourite for Saturday's Grand National, according to multiple reports.
Rachael Blackmore's husband Brian Hayes will ride Spanish Harlem in the Grand National on Saturday, multiple reports indicate. More than 150,000 racegoers are expected over the three-day Grand National festival, according to multiple reports. The Grand National festival is broadcast live to a television audience of around 800 million people worldwide, multiple reports indicate.
It is fantastic for Dan Skelton. What a phenomenal season he's had and to break the £4m mark is an incredible achievement for him.
A new alcohol-free bar named 'Blackmore's' opened at Aintree on the first day of the festival, multiple reports indicate. The festival's opening day highlights the enduring appeal of the event, with strong attendance and significant media coverage.
Aintree is such an incredibly special place and I was so lucky to have an amazing day here in 2021, and I absolutely love coming back here. I love Liverpool - I love the city, I love the people, and it's just a fantastic place. When I see the list of names - including equine athletes - on the Grand National legends roll of honour, it's so special to be part of that and a great honour. I never thought there would be a racecourse bar named after me. It does hit home how lucky I am.
The Grand National is one of the most iconic races and transcends our sport, capturing the attention of millions. This year will be a completely different experience for me, not going into the weigh room, but I'm excited for the challenge.
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.