The Grand National is just around the corner, and many punters will be expecting a lot from jockey Rachael Blackmore. The Irish rider had a sensational Cheltenham Festival last month, racking up an impressive six victories across the four-day meeting, including aboard Honeysuckle in the Champion Hurdle, and now the Grand National will be in the sights of the 31-year-old and trainer Henry De Bromhead.

If you're looking for a bet on Grand National 2021, Blackmore's likeliest ride is Minella Times, who is owned by J. P. McManus and trained by De Bromhead. Given Blackmore's and De Bromhead's success at Cheltenham, it's no surprise that the eight-year-old's odds have been slashed from as far out as 40/1 to as short as 12/1.

However, the Grand National is a completely different kettle of fish to any race at the Prestbury Park meeting and winning the four-and-a-quarter-mile race will be no easy task for the dynamic duo. But, with history potentially in the making at Aintree on April 10th, let's take a look at how female jockeys have fared in the past.

Charlotte Brew - 1977 and 1982

Charlotte Brew had the honour of becoming the first women to race in the National in 1977. She was aboard 200/1 shot Barony Fort. The pair made it to the 26th fence before the horse refused to take the jump. Brew returned to Aintree in 1982, this time in the saddle of Martinstown (100/1). However, she was unseated at the third fence.

Jenny Hembrow - 1979 and 1980

Jenny Hembrow was in the saddle of Sandwilan in 1979 and 1980. The horse was 100/1 both years, and it was probably a fair reflection of his chances. In their first attempt, the horse fell at the first fence before pulling up at the 19th in 1980.

Linda Sheedy - 1981

The 19th fence also put an end to Linda Sheedy's race aboard Deiopea in 1981, as the 100/1 outsider refused to make the jump.

Geraldine Rees - 1982 and 1983

Geraldine Rees and Cheers made history in 1982 as she became the first female jockey to finish the race. The pair came home in eighth. However, the following year, this time in the saddle of Midday Welcome, she fell at the first fence.

Joy Carrier - 1983

Joy Carrier also competed in 1983, but she was unseated by King Spruce (28/1) at the sixth fence.

Valerie Alder - 1984

There wasn't much luck for Valerie Alder and Bush Guide (33/1) in 1984 either, as they fell at the eighth fence.

Jacqui Oliver - 1987

Jacqui Oliver and Eamons Owen were sent off at 200/1 in 1987, but Oliver was unseated at the 15th fence.

Gee Armytage - 1988

Gee Armytage was aboard the aptly named Gee-A (33/1) in 1998 and the duo were doing well until the horse pulled up at the 26th fence.

Venetia Williams - 1988

Jockey-turned-trainer Venetia Williams also competed in 1988. She was in the saddle of 200/1 shot Marcolo, who fell at the sixth fence.

Penny Ffitch-Heyes - 1988

1988 was the first time three female jockeys took part in the same National. However, it was a nightmare start for Penny Ffitch-Heyes as she and Hettinger (100/1) fell at the first fence.

Tarnya Davis - 1989

Tarnya Davis was aboard 100/1 outsider Numerate in 1989, but the horse pulled up at the 21st fence.

Rosemary Henderson - 1994

Rosemary Henderson made history with Fiddlers Park (100/1). The duo completed the race in fifth place, trumping Rees' record in 1982.

Carrie Ford - 2005

It was 11 years until another female jockey competed in the race. But, Carrie Ford, in the saddle of Forest Gunner (8/1), matched Henderson's fifth-place finish.

Nina Carberry - 2006, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015 and 2016.

With six outings in the National, Nina Carberry boasts the joint-most rides for a female jockey. She completed the race on an impressive four occasions, with seventh being her best result, and was unseated and fell in her other two races.

Katie Walsh - 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017 and 2018

In 2012, Katie Walsh set a new record as she finished third with Seabass. She completed the race an impressive four more times. 2016, when she was unseated by Ballycasey at the final fence, was the only time she failed to finish the race.

Bryony Frost - 2018

Bryony Frost's only Grand National outing to date was aboard Milansbar in 2018. The Neil King-trained horse completed the race in fifth place, so keep an eye on Yala Enki (33/1), who she could ride this year.

Rachael Blackmore - 2018 and 2019

Blackmore made her National debut in 2018 in the saddle of Alpha Des Obeaux (33/1). However, they fell at the 15th fence. In 2019, she completed the race with 66/1 shot Valseur Libo, finishing 10th, and she'll be hoping to better that this year.

Lizzie Kelly - 2019

Lizzie Kelly had her maiden run in 2019. Tea For Two (25/1) came agonisingly close to finishing the race, but pulled up at the 29th fence.

Tags:, English