Races
Grand National Festival Day 3 Report: Henry De Bromhead and Rachael Blackmore steal the show with success in the Grand National
Blackmore becomes the first female jockey to win while De Bromheam claimed the first two home in this season’s renewal of the Grand National
Minella Times continued the memorable times for trainer Henry De Bromhead and jockey Rachel Blackmore, as the eight-year-old produced the performance of his career to land the Randox Grand National.
Jessica Harrington’s Jett was the long-time leader in the contest but he was engulfed by several runners heading to the final fence.
Minella Times jumped over the last fence into the lead and fought off the advances of stablemate Balko Des Flos and Aidan Coleman to win by six and a half lengths.
Ted Walsh’s Any Second Now claimed third while Burrows Saint took fourth for Willie Mullins.
Shishkin maintained his unbeaten record over fences, but he made hard work of it in the Maghull Novices’ Chase.
Starting off at the incredibly short price of 1/8, the seven-year-old didn’t look his usual flashy self and it took some work from Nico De Boinville to guide him to victory.
Nicky Henderson’s star was shaken up at two out, producing only what was needed to see off Funambule Sivola by three and a quarter lengths.
Thyme Hill justified favouritism in the Ryanair Stayers Hurdle, keeping on strongly in the home straight to snatch victory from Roksana by a neck.
Philip Hobbs’s talent made headway on the final turn and kept on terms with the mare over the last before edging in front in the final 100 yards.
My Drogo confirmed his promise in Grade 1 company, thundering home impressively in the Mersey Novices’ Hurdle.
Dan Skelton’s future prospect avoided Cheltenham to be kept fresh specifically for this contest and the six-year-old delivered, bolting clear from Donald McCain’s Minella Drama by nine and a half lengths.
Happygolucky returned to winning ways after finishing second in the Ultima Handicap Chase last month, landing the Betway Handicap Chase.
Kim Bailey’s seven-year-old pulled clear of Tom Lacey’s Johnbb approaching the final fence, eventually winning by two and three quarter lengths.
Knappers Hill won the Grade 2 Bumper for Paul Nicholls, while Hometown Boy landed the EFT Systems Handicap Hurdle for Stuart Edmunds.
