History Made!
Rachael Blackmore made Grand National history by becoming the first female jockey to win the race as she rode Minella Times across the finishing line at the Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool, England.
The Grand National is a steeplechase with an official distance of about 4 miles. Horses jump 30 fences in over two laps. Considered one of the biggest races in Europe, it has a prize fund of £1 million (that’s $1,383,190 in U.S. dollars).
Blackmore timed her finish to perfection. She waited until after the 30th and final fence to let Minella Times surge ahead and take the lead. (Talk about a real nail bitter!)
Blackmore is the 20th female jockey to compete in the race’s 182-year history. It wasn’t until 1975, when the Sex Discrimination Act was passed, that female jockeys were allowed to enter and race in the Grand National.
Way to go, girl!