The 2024 Aintree Grand National will take place on Saturday afternoon, back in the earlier starting slot of 4pm.
It’s a race that brings together seasoned punters and once-a-year players, and the reasons for choosing a horse are quite varied to say the least.
A popular option is to root for one of the female jockeys riding in the race, and this year will be no exception, as we have three talented lady riders in the big one.
Female Jockeys in the 2024 Grand National
The three female jockeys taking part in the race are Rachael Blackmore, Gina Andrews and Lucy Turner, and here we will take a look at the horses they are riding, and what chance they have in the race.
Rachel Blackmore - Minella Indo
The biggest female name in racing, and one of the biggest names overall, Rachael Blackmore is a star of the sport. Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, Aintree Grand National winner, she’s done most things at the top of horse racing, and isn’t showing any signs of moving off that perch just yet.
She rides a former Cheltenham Gold Cup winner in Minella Indo, a horse we’ve not seen since December after his intended Cheltenham Festival race was called off.
A class act on his day, and really sound jumper, he can give Rachael a good ride around Aintree, and will no doubt be popular in the betting ring.
Gina Andrews - Latenightpass
Gina Andrews rides one of the more intriguing runners in the 2024 line up with Latenightpass her mount, a horse she’s ridden almost every time he’s been on the track.
The horse has quite a story behind him, ridden by Gina, he’s trained by her husband Tom Ellis, and owned by her mother-in-law, so it would be quite the family celebration if he won.
A big positive is his record over these fences, with a 1st, 2nd and 4th in the Foxhunters Chase over the big obstacles, over the shorter trip of 2m5f. Stamina is a worry, but he won over 3m5f in December, only a little shorter than the Grand National distance.
Lucy Turner - Chambard
Lucy Turner rounds off the females competing this year, and she rides outsider Chambard, who comes here out of form but if you look a little further back in the form book, there are signs he can go well at a massive price.
He will love the ground, the softer the better, so if you’re backing him, a rain dance ahead of the off would be worthy of your troubles.
In December, he won the Becher Chase in devastating fashion by 13 lengths, a 3m2f contest over the Grand National fences, with Lucy Turner riding him to success that day.
Has a Female Jockey Ever Won the Grand National?
Yes, just once in the history of the race has a female rider won the race, and it was won by one of the three who are taking part in 2024.
Rachael Blackmore won the 2021 Grand National on Minella Times for trainer Henry de Bromhead, who she teams up with once again this year.
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