Last modified on Fri 9 Apr 2021 15.16 EDT
After an extraordinary week at Cheltenham last month, when she finished the four days as the leading rider for the first time, there is something very unusual about Rachael Blackmore and it has nothing to do with her gender. It goes beyond the distinction between jumping and Flat racing too. Ahead of her ride on Minella Times in the Grand National at Aintree on Saturday, there is no longer much doubt that Blackmore is a jockey whose name can move betting markets.
There was money for Minella Times a fortnight ago, well before Blackmore was confirmed as his rider, as backers attempted to “frontrun” the tidal wave of cash that is expected to arrive on Saturday. Little of it will be punted after a forensic examination of the form (though Minella Times has as much chance as most on paper). Most will be staked simply because Blackmore is in the saddle.
Grand National 2021: Pinstickers guide to Aintree runners & riders bbc.co.uk - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from bbc.co.uk Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
The Leader Newspaper
By Andrew Atkinson
Randox Health Aintree Grand National 7-2 favourite Cloth Cap has an outstanding chance of chalking up a quartet of National victories for owner Trevor Hemmings.
Jonjo O’Neill trained 9-year-old, whose odds were shortened from 20-1 in the weeks leading up to the National, is ‘thrown-in’ at the weights – carrying 10st 5lbs.
“We are going there with a live chance. We always felt Cloth Cap is a good jumper and stayed, two credentials for the National,” said O’Neill.
“If right on the day we have a glowing chance. He is a stronger horse this year,” added O’Neill.
AINTREE GRAND NATIONAL TIPS - Three horses to back in the Grand National
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Aintree, much like Cheltenham, is diminished by the lack of atmosphere in the absence of spectators, but the Grand National remains an iconic race.
This year, as the horses leading round the elbow for home, there won t be a roar from the crowd but there will be millions willing them on from their sofas.
I m backing three horses in this year s race and one of them is 100/1 and not without a chance. The Aintree Grand National takes places at 5.15pm on Saturday, April 10.
SUB LIEUTENANT (100/1)
Lionel Wallace (right) has replaced Henry Holland-Hibbert (left) as Hertfordshire s High Sheriff.
- Credit: Danielle Hood
Former Hertfordshire Deputy Lieutenant Lionel Wallace has been appointed as the county’s new High Sheriff.
Mr Wallace was appointed at a declaration ceremony held at St Albans Cathedral on Monday, succeeding Henry Holland-Hibbert in the ceremonial role.
“One of the greatest gifts my parents gave me was the freedom to explore opportunities and be involved in community and leadership activities from an early age,” said the new High Sheriff.
Lionel Wallace served as a Deputy Lieutenant for Hertfordshire for more than a decade.