HISTORIC Grand National winner Rachael Blackmore spent the night of her victory in a budget quarantine hotel in Liverpool, SE can reveal.
The Irish jockey, 31, became the first woman ever to win the Aintree race on Saturday.
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But Covid restrictions meant she toasted her success on 11-1 Minella Times in a hotel in Haydock, Merseyside, with other Irish jockeys.
She then travelled back home last night, where she faces five days’ quarantine.
A source said: “The Irish team were all in the same hotel near Haydock Park Racecourse where the horses were stabled.
“It was a nice hotel but it’s such a shame the team couldn’t all get together to properly celebrate.
“A lot of the staff stayed in Ireland because of the quarantine measures — and they couldn’t celebrate because they’re under lockdown.
“But they definitely had some prosecco at home. We’re planning a huge party once we’re allowed.”
Rachael’s winning steed is now back at trainer Henry de Bromhead’s stables in Knockeen, Co Waterford.
But Rachael, the champion jockey at Cheltenham last month with six winners, can’t put her feet up.
She is tipped to jump at Fairyhouse racecourse in Co Meath later this week, and race at Punchestown, Co Kildare, later this month.
Speaking of her National win after the race on Saturday, she said: “I don’t know how to put such a big deal into words. I’m delighted.”
Bookmakers are now slashing the odds on Rachael also scooping BBC Sports Personality of the Year’s coveted overseas award. And she’s being tipped to appear on Strictly Come Dancing.
