Piers Morgan leads praise for Rachael Blackmore after female jockey’s ‘stunning’ winning ride in Grand National

PIERS MORGAN led the praise for history-making Rachael Blackmore after her unforgettable Grand National win.

The Irish jockey, 31, became the first woman rider to win the world’s most famous race with a thrilling triumph at Aintree.

In a watershed moment for the sport – where men and women compete on equal terms – Blackmore rode 11-1 chance Minella Times to victory.

The win backed up her record-breaking performance at last month’s Cheltenham Festival, where she became the first woman to be crowned top jockey.

And social media was awash with praise for the ‘reluctant’ superstar.

Piers Morgan wrote: “@rachaelblackmor becomes the first woman in history to win the Grand National, on Minella Times. A stunning achievement.”

Legendary jockey Frankie Dettori tweeted: “Well done @rachaelblackmor.”

He included three applause emojis and a heart.

Fellow rider Hayley Turner posted: “For all the girls who watched National Velvet! Thank you @rachaelblackmor we’re so lucky to have you.”

Clare Balding said: “Wow wow wow. Rachael Blackmore makes history. Always in the right position on Minella Times, jumped beautifully, timed her run perfectly.

“Absolutely fantastic.”

Darts pioneer Fallon Sherrock, who made history by becoming the first woman to beat a man in the 2019 PDC World Darts Championship, wrote: “Massive congratulations to #RachaelBlackmore on becoming the first women to win the Grand National!

“What an achievement! Watch out world, us women are coming for you!

“Breaking down boundaries and smashing the stereotypes #HistoryMaker.”

Former Love Island star and racing fanatic Chris Hughes wrote: “What a human.”

Irish billionaire JP McManus owned Minella Times and AP McCoy, who rode the racing tycoon’s first National winner on Don’t Push It in 2010, said of Blackmore: “Look it’s a brilliant thing for horseracing that she’s won. She’s an amazing rider and she proved that at Cheltenham, but to win the biggest horse race in the world is great for the sport.

“It’s great for her but it’s brilliant for the sport as well. It gives every young girl hope of winning the biggest race in the world and winning any racing for that matter – she can do it all.

“It’s a brilliant achievement and JP will be delighted. To win this race is very special and for her to do it on one of his horses is great.”

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