Grand National Breaks Record

Horse Racing Ireland CEO Brian Kavanagh hailed jockey Rachael Blackmore after she became the first female jockey to win the Grand National aboard Minella Times (Oscar-Triptoshan, by Anshan) over the weekend, reports racingpost.com. "It was a great day for racing in general," said Kavanagh. "It was one of those days that lifted your heart. We've been seeing Rachael do great things in Ireland for the last number of years and it's just wonderful to see that extended onto an international stage. Now the world can see what we've been seeing on the tracks in Ireland. She's a really talented rider, a pleasure to deal with and a great ambassador for herself, her family and the sport." ITV posted the second-highest viewing figures for a Grand National since they took over the TV contract, with 8.8 million people watching Minella Times win. Blackmore is no stranger to big jumps racing success, having won the Ryanair Chase and the Champion Hurdle last month, and has ridden the winners of 85 jumps races in Ireland this season and another 8 winners in Britain.