Once again the racing world descends on Aintree this weekend for the eagerly anticipated 2022 Grand National. The historic contest is a big one this year as spectators return for the first time in three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 2021 race threw up one of the biggest headlines in National history, as Irish star Rachael Blackmore became the first female jockey to win the race aboard Minella Times. The reigning champion returns this year and they are due to renew their partnership with hopes of going back-to-back.
Ahead of the eagerly anticipated 2022 fixture this Saturday, here is a guide to who you should look out for and the potential stories that could unfold this weekend.
Blackmore back for more
As mentioned, last year’s winning horse Minella Times returns to defend the title. The trailblazing Irish jockey has gone from strength-to-strength following last year’s win. Blackmore’s brilliance at Aintree was recognised at the end of last year, after the Grand National champ was voted BBC World Sport Star.
The rider then followed up her 2021 heroics by making more history at this year’s Cheltenham Festival. As a result, Blackmore took home the Festival’s feature as she claimed victory at the Gold Cup with A Plus Tard, again becoming the first female in the saddle to do so.
This year no doubt poses a tougher challenge for the pair with Minella Times going up 15lb in the weights. However, with Blackmore in hot form it would be no surprise to see her in the conversation come late in the race on Saturday.
Mum to make history?
The horse leading the betting early on heading into the weekend is 10-year-old mare Snow Leopardess. The Charlie Longsdon-trained runner had previously been sidelined for two years – and after becoming a mother it looked as if her racing days were over.
However she is now back and racing competitively, heading into arguably the biggest race of the year on the cusp of history. The grey favourite bids to become the first mare to have had a foal and win the Grand National.
Tiger Roll legacy passed on
Grand National legend Tiger Roll will miss the race this year, having previously won the race back-to-back in 2018 and 2019. The legendary runner bowed out at last month’s Cheltenham Festival following a gutsy second place finish in the Cross Country Chase.
The horse that defeated him? Fellow Gordon Elliott runner Delta Work, and the talented performer will be looking to carry the Elliott baton on from Tiger Roll, as his team hunts down further Grand National success.
Who do you think will win the Grand National? Let us know in the c omments section below.
Tizzard hoping for fairytale farewell
Legendary trainer Colin Tizzard will soon call time on his remarkable career, meaning this weekend’s National will sadly be his last. The Somerset-based trainer will send two entries into this Saturday’s race, Lostintranslation and Fiddlerontheroof.
Following his retirement Tizzard gives the reins to son Joe and he believes his dad’s Fiddleontheroof is a ‘proper National horse’ as he aims to round off Colin’s training CV in style this week.
Success would no doubt be poignant, after Colin lost his daughter Kim Gingell to cancer two years ago, as she played a big part in the family orientated team.
