Rachael Blackmore believes future changes to the Grand National are in the best interests of the race.
Earlier this year, it was announced that a raft of changes would be implemented to the world's most famous race ahead of the 2024 running. They include a reduction in the number of runners from 40 to 34, the first fence being moved 60 yards closer to the start and the minimum handicap mark for entrants rising to 130 from 125.
Other alterations will see a standing start implemented, an earlier start time for the race, and foam and rubber toe boards introduced at every fence. All of the moves are designed to make the race safer after the deaths of three horses during the 2023 Grand National meeting, which was beset by significant disruption from protestors.
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While the whole of the racing is united by a desire for greater safety, the changes have not gone down well with everyone. However, leading jockey and 2021 Grand National winner Blackmore, who triumphed aboard Minella Times, is in favour of the moves.
Blackmore spoke exclusively to Daily Star Sport before the release of a new documentary giving an insight into her life, produced by Betfair and called Serial Winners: Rachael Blackmore.
Asked about the proposed changes, she said: "I think they are in the best interests of the race. The race has to evolve. They’re in the best interests of the race and the future of the race. The changes that were made will hopefully minimise risk.
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"There are a lot of people who worked very hard in the thought process behind the changes, and I think if it’s in the best interests of the race and it’s future, then I’m definitely behind them."
The premier of Blackmore's documentary took place at Haydock before last weekend's Betfair Chase, which was won by Royal Pagaille for Venetia Williams and Charlie Deutsch. It marked the world's first ever movie premier at a racecourse and also saw the launch of Rachael Blackmore’s Serial Winners fund, with a £100,000 donation to the Injured Jockey’s Fund and Irish Injured Jockey's fund.
An additional £5,000 will be donated for every winner Blackmore rides between the Betfair Chase and the Grand National itself, which takes place on Saturday 13th April 2024. All in all the donations could total £250,000.
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Blackmore continued by revealing what it was like being catapulted to global fame after winning the race two years ago. "I definitely got the feeling of how far the race reaches," she said.
"That race reaches every corner of the globe. It’s the one race that people know; the Aintree Grand National. Everyone knows that race and it’s incredible to be a part of its history now.
"How has my life changed? I’m sitting here with a film that's been made about me, that maybe wouldn’t have happened if the Grand National didn’t happen! I’m just very grateful that it did happen. It was an incredible race to win and crossing the line is something I’ll never forget."
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