Rachael Blackmore sets sights on a second Grand National as Minella Indo introduced at 40-1 for revamped race
RACHAEL BLACKMORE has set her sights on a second Grand National – although victory next year would look radically different to her 2021 win.
The Jockey Club confirmed a raft of new changes to the 2024 renewal, including slashing the number of runners.
Blackmore made history on Minella Times a couple of years ago – the same year she gave up the ride on Gold Cup winner Minella Indo at Cheltenham four weeks earlier.
But the duo teamed up for victory at Punchestown on Wednesday and put down an early marker for the world’s most famous race.
The Henry de Bromhead-trained Minella Indo was introduced at 40-1 with Paddy Power for the National after a brilliant return in Ireland.
Blackmore made virtually all on the 15-8 fav to see off 11-1 Hurricane Georgie with fellow Festival legend Delta Work behind in third.
The ten-year-old Minella Indo was last seen when pulling up in the Gold Cup this year.
But De Bromhead was delighted with his return and said the National will be part of their planning going ahead.
He said: “Rachael said that he really enjoyed himself out there — he jumped from fence to fence, with his ears pricked.
“This was very encouraging and we’ll enjoy it. We can decide in the next few weeks where we’ll go.
“The Grand National is something we can discuss.”
Grand National 2024 odds (Paddy Power)
16-1 Corach Rambler
20-1 Fastorslow, I Am Maximus, Vanillier, Mr Incredible, Kitty’s Light
25-1 Panda Boy, Gaillard Du Mesnil, Monbeg Genius
33-1 Gerri Colombe, Delta Work, Le Milos, Capdanno, Noble Yeats, Galvin, Mahler Mission
40-1 bar
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