Rachael Blackmore is aiming to win the Grand National for a second consecutive year after making history in the famous race 12 months ago.
The Tipperary jockey became the first woman to win the Aintree contest after partnering Minella Times to victory for trainer Henry de Bromhead and owner JP McManus.
The success came just weeks after was crowned the leading jockey at the Cheltenham Festival with six wins.
She tasted more success at Prestbury Park last month, winning the Champion Hurdle on Honeysuckle and Gold Cup on A Plus Tard, as well as a lucky win on Bob Olinger in the Turners Novices' Chase.
Cheering her on all the way was her partner Brian Hayes, who is also a jockey and a key member of Willie Mullins' team.
What has Rachael said about her relationship with Brian Hayes?
"I live with two other jockeys, Patrick Mullins and Brian Hayes. I am going out with Brian Hayes, so there are three of us here.
"It is a great house to live in and it is in a really good location in Leighlinbridge. It is close to all the race tracks in Ireland.
She added: "We don't talk about racing half as much as people might think, it is just a normal house when we come home."
Rachael revealed ahead of the 2022 Grand National that she owes Hayes and Mullins a trip to Las Vegas.
She said: “They haven’t let me forget, don’t worry!
“We haven’t had a conversation about this year, but double or quits is a good idea! They haven’t forgotten and they will probably end up booking the flights at the most expensive time to go there!”
Who is Brian Hayes?
Hayes hails from Rosscarbery in Cork.
The West Cork native has been on plenty of horses for Emmet Mullins, the Bowe family, Willie Mullins and people like James Dullea and Mick Winters.
Patrick Mullins previously revealed that Brian and Rachael were dating in an interview with the Guardian.
He said: “When I moved in with her and her boyfriend, Brian Hayes, myself and Brian would have been going racing most days.
"Rachael wasn’t. She used to do a lot of baking on those days – which was like her way of punching the wall.”
What has Rachael said about her Grand National chances on Minella Times this year?
“The weight is not ideal, but that’s the situation we’re in. He’s in great form at home, his runs this year have been a bit disappointing but he really does seem in great form at home now.
“Henry’s extremely happy with him, so I’m really looking forward to it.
“It’s very cool walking in and seeing some of the pictures up from last year and that sort of thing. It brings back very good memories.
“We’ll be giving it our best shot, it’s a race that you need a lot of luck in and we got plenty of that luck last year, so hopefully there’s a bit left for this year.”
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
