Rachael Blackmore: Minella Times Ready For Grand National Tilt

I start the day on Tea Clipper (1.45) in the EFT Systems Handicap Hurdle for Tom Lacey. He ran well at Cheltenham the last day, finishing third in behind Heaven Help Us in the Coral Cup.

This will be my first time riding him, but if he runs as well as he did the last time, he should be there or thereabouts.

My second ride is on Ballyadam (2.25) in the Grade 1 Mersey Novices’ Hurdle. He steps up to 2m4f here which shouldn’t be any trouble to him.

Finishing second to Appreciate It in his last two starts, let’s hope this will be the day when he gets his head in front again.

Next, I am on 2020 Stayers’ Hurdle winner Lisnagar Oscar (3.35). He was unfortunate when he fell defending his crown at Cheltenham this year, however, he’s come out of it fine and is ready to go again.

Unfortunately, Adam Wedge is injured, so it’s a lovely ride to pick up and one I’m really looking forward to.

In the big one, the 2021 Grand National, I ride Minella Times (5.15) for Henry. It goes without saying how special a race this is. In 2019, I rode Valseur Lido, finishing tenth.

I never thought I’d be happy finishing tenth in a race but completing the course in this one is certainly something to be positive about. Everyone has a chance here, the only time you don’t is if you’re sat back in the weighing room, so anything can happen.

My ride in the race, Minella Times, has been second on his last two starts in very competitive handicaps. It’s great to have a ride in the race, but more so on a horse like him as he has every chance.

He’s very straightforward and is extremely relaxed when running, so he definitely has solid claims and I can’t wait for the race.

My final ride of the meeting is on Jack’s  A Legend (6.20) the Grade 2 bumper for Alan Jones. He was well beaten in the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham, however, the flat track at Aintree will hopefully bring out his best.

This will be my first time riding him, so I’m looking forward to it and hoping he goes well.