WORRIED bookies have slashed odds on Rachael Blackmore winning the Grand National.
Blackmore was the Queen of Cheltenham last week, becoming the first woman to be crowned top jockey in the Festival’s history.
No female rider has ever won the world’s most famous race, with Katie Walsh’s third aboard Seabass in 2012 the best effort.
But expectations are high for Blackmore after her amazing Cheltenham – and it has been reflected in the early betting.
The 31-year-old is set to partner Henry de Bromhead’s Minella Times in the race on Saturday, April 10.
Coral have slashed odds on the JP McManus-owned horse from 25-1 to 16-1.
Blackmore has ridden Minella Times, an eight-year-old gelding, on his last three runs, winning at Listowel last September before coming runner up at Leopardstown last December and last month.
Coral’s John Hill said: “Rachael Blackmore was sensational at the Cheltenham Festival last month and after recording six winners at the meeting, many punters will be keeping a close eye on which horse she chooses to ride in this year’s Grand National.
“Minella Times looks to be the most likely choice so we are already seeing support for Henry de Bromhead’s runner.
“No female jockey has ever won the Grand National before, but in a season where Blackmore is being described by many pundits as the best in her sport right now, it would be no surprise if she made history at Aintree.”
Cloth Cap remains the strong ante post favourite, heading the market at 5-1.
Irish billionaire McManus also runs Any Second Now, the second favourite at 12-1.
Burrows Saint and Kimberlite Candy are 14-1 while Minella Times is the same as Secret Reprieve at 16s.
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