Dual Grand National winner Davy Russell reflects on a momentous day
A SENTIMENT that really struck a chord for me came from the late Aintree chairman Rose Paterson. She told me when I first won the Grand National in 2018 that winning the race was a fragile thing and the person receiving that honour should look after it carefully.
Hopefully I’ve done my part and I can’t think of a better person to pass the mantle to than Rachael Blackmore. I think Rose’s words would ring true with her, too, and I hope they will be remembered for many years to come.
You could see the delight in Rachael’s face when she crossed the line, but it was always going to happen for her. Many good female riders have tried before her, but that’s the calibre of Rachael – she stands alone not just as a female rider breaking the mould, but as a rider who has broken every ceiling this year by winning the Champion Hurdle, being crowned leading rider at Cheltenham, landing the Grand National and now she has a squeak at becoming Irish champion jockey, too.
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Jennifer is passionate at showjumping and her role as H&H’s showjumping editor has taken her around the world reporting from shows and interviewing riders, connections and those involved behind the scenes. Since joining H&H from BBC Sport in 2005, she has written on every subject across the equestrian sphere — from turnout rugs to stable management — and has interviewed gold medallists, world champions and winners galore. She also has first-hand experience of working in the equestrian industry as a riding instructor and yard manager.
