'He gave me my best day' - Rachael Blackmore pays tribute to retired Grand National hero Minella Times

Rachael Blackmore has paid the ultimate tribute to Minella Times, who was retired on Tuesday, by saying he provided her with her "best day in racing" when winning the Grand National two years ago.

It was an iconic moment for the sport as Blackmore became the first female rider to win jump racing's most famous race on the back of being crowned leading rider at the Cheltenham Festival the previous month with six winners, including Honeysuckle’s first success in the Champion Hurdle.

Blackmore was glowing in her praise of Minella Times and said: "He's such a special horse for me. He gave me the best day in racing I've had, there's a lot of hot competition for that but it was such an incredible day. You have so much gratitude for a horse when they give you something like he did."

Reflecting on the day the JP McManus-owned horse won the Grand National at 11-1, she added: "He was such a fabulous jumper and he jumped so well from fence to fence on the day. Luck was definitely on our side but he's such an intelligent horse and it was such an enjoyable race to ride in."

Minella Times: the Grand National hero was a history maker for Rachael BlackmoreCredit: Edward Whitaker

Minella Times was being trained for another crack at the Grand National this year but suffered a setback in his preparation and Henry de Bromhead has decided to call time on his career at the age of ten.

He was last seen being pulled-up in a cross-country chase at Cheltenham on Trials day in January and never won again after his famous Aintree triumph in 2021.

De Bromhead told the Racing Post:  "We were hoping to have another crack at the Grand National with Minella Times but unfortunately he's suffered a setback so he's going to miss the race and we've decided to give him a well-earned retirement.

"The day he won the Grand National was magic. It's up there with one of our best ever days in racing and one we'll never forget. He was absolutely brilliant on the day. He jumped fantastic and Rachael gave him an unbelievable ride."

It was a sensational spring for the trainer in 2021 as not only did he win the Grand National with Minella Times, but he also won the Champion Hurdle with Honeysuckle, the Champion Chase with Put The Kettle On and trained the first two home in the Gold Cup as Minella Indo led home A Plus Tard.

Minella Times went in search of back-to-back Grand National victories last April and was only allowed go off at odds of 9-1, but he was brought down early at Valentine's. He retires having won four of his 26 starts and earned almost £500,000 in prize-money.

He will be forever remembered as the horse who belatedly put a female rider on the Grand National roll of honour.

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