Katie Walsh: Rachael Blackmore is an inspiration to males and females alike

Former jockey Katie Walsh led the tributes to history-maker Rachael Blackmore and described her as a "true professional" after she became the first female rider to win the Grand National on Saturday.

Walsh, who held the record as the highest-placed female jockey after finishing third aboard Seabass in 2012, said Blackmore's success was great for sport and that the jockey has become an inspiration for all.

"It's absolutely unbelievable," said Walsh. "This is a day we'll never forget – it's a day in history. I've always hoped a woman would pass the line in front one day and I'm absolutely delighted it's Rachael.

"She's a phenomenal woman, who is great for racing and sport. She has worked hard and is tactically aware. She's an exceptional jockey. She doesn't let the occasion get to her. She's a true professional and she deserves this. She's an inspiration to males and females alike."

Ruby Walsh was also full of praise for Blackmore and believes her victory was a wonderful advert for racing, highlighting the fact male and female jockeys are allowed to compete on an equal footing.

Speaking as a pundit on ITV Racing, the Grand National-winning jockey said: "It's amazing to think Rachael Blackmore can go out every day of the week – as can Bryony Frost and Tabitha Worsley – and compete for the same pay and prize-money as the men she rides against.

"Racing is leading in that division. She's now won the greatest race of them all, the Grand National, and racing should be proud of that. It's incredible women are given equal chances."

The evolution of Rachael Blackmore: from little-known rider to unstoppable force (Members' Club)

Blackmore has been no stranger to big-race success this season, having landed the Ryanair Chase and Champion Hurdle last month, and has attracted a number of fans along the way, including 20-time champion jockey Sir Anthony McCoy, who called her a special talent.

Speaking on ITV Racing, McCoy, who won the Grand National in 2010 with Don't Push It, said: "It's all about Rachael Blackmore. She's amazing as she's tactically aware and so tough. You have to have so much talent to be in her position.

"It's amazing for her and for racing. She's got it all. She's brought riding to a new level in terms of how far a female jockey can go. The hardest thing for a jump jockey is dealing with the physical and mental demands and she's handled both. That's what has made her so special."

2021 Randox Grand National: full result and race replay

Paul Nicholls, the 11-times champion trainer, hailed Blackmore’s achievement as “great for racing”.

He said: “It’s been a fantastic day. What a brilliant ride Rachael Blackmore gave that horse in the National – it’s great for racing.

“She’s had a fantastic year, is a brilliant rider who works for a brilliant trainer, and it’s positive publicity for racing, which is what we want. She’s a credit to the sport and a credit to herself.”

Trainer and two-time champion jockey Jonjo O'Neill was out of luck with the favourite Cloth Cap, who had to be pulled up, but spoke warmly about Blackmore following her breakthrough success.

"Rachael's having some season," said O'Neill. "She was brilliant and it's just fantastic. She's class."

Read more on the 2021 Grand National:

Rachael Blackmore makes history on 11-1 Minella Times in 2021 Grand National

Jonjo O'Neill: Tom did the right thing by pulling up favourite Cloth Cap

'I chatted with Rachael at halfway – but I couldn't go with her from two out'

National hero Minella Times adds to season of seasons for Henry de Bromhead

2021 Grand National: how you reacted to the big race on social media

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