Source: Alamy Stock Photo
Betway ambassador Katie Walsh – who boasts being the first female jockey to place at the Grand National race – narrates the history of female achievement in the iconic Aintree event.
Has a woman ever won the Grand National?
As the most famous horse race in the world, the Grand National is always one of the biggest days in the horse racing betting calendar. Yet, since the inaugural race in 1839, just 20 female jockeys have negotiated the iconic Aintree fences.
Here’s a brief overview of some of the most notable moments from these iconic women over the years:
-
1977: Charlotte Brew becomes the first woman to take part in the race
-
1982: Geraldine Rees is the first female jockey to finish the course
-
2012: Katie Walsh becomes the first woman to place at the Grand National in 3rd position
-
2021: Rachael Blackmore becomes the first women to win the Grand National
-
2024: Rachael Blackmore finishes third, making her the first female jockey to achieve two podium finishes
Female jockeys at the Grand National
Below is a table detailing all of the female jockeys who have competed at the Grand National, ordered by first appearance year.
|
Name |
Grand National Appearances |
Year(s) Competed |
Position |
|
Charlotte Brew |
2 |
1977, 1982 |
1977: Did not finish (horse refused) 1982: Did not finish (unseated) |
|
Jenny Hembrow |
2 |
1979, 1980 |
1979: Did not finish (horse fell) 1980: Did not finish (horse refused) |
|
Linda Sheedy |
1 |
1981 |
Did not finish (horse refused) |
|
Geraldine Rees |
2 |
1982, 1983 |
1982: 8th (and last finisher) 1983: Did not finish (horse fell) |
|
Joy Carrier |
1 |
1983 |
Did not finish (unseated) |
|
Valerie Alder |
1 |
1984 |
Did not finish (horse fell) |
|
Jacqui Oliver |
1 |
1987 |
Did not finish (unseated) |
|
Penny Ffitch-Heyes |
1 |
1988 |
Did not finish (horse fell) |
|
Venetia Williams |
1 |
1988 |
Did not finish (horse fell) |
|
Gee Armytage |
1 |
1988 |
Did not finish (pulled up) |
|
Tarnya Davis |
1 |
1989 |
Did not finish (pulled up) |
|
Rosemary Henderson |
1 |
1994 |
5th |
|
Carrie Ford |
1 |
2005 |
5th |
|
Nina Carberry |
6 |
2006, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2016 |
2006: 9th 2011: 15th 2012: Did not finish (unseated) 2015: 16th 2016: Did not finish (unseated) |
|
Katie Walsh |
6 |
2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018 |
2012: 3rd 2013: 13th 2014: 13th 2016: Did not finish (unseated) 2017: 19th 2018: 12th |
|
Bryony Frost |
2 |
2018, 2021 |
2018: 5th 2021: Did not finish (fell) |
|
Rachael Blackmore |
6 |
2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 |
2018: Did not finish (horse fell) 2019: 10th 2021: 1st 2022: Did not finish (horse fell) 2023: 17th 2024: 3rd |
|
Lizzie Kelly |
1 |
2019 |
Did not finish (pulled up) |
|
Tabitha Worsley |
1 |
2021 |
14th |
|
Gina Andrews |
1 |
2024 |
12th |
Which female jockeys have ridden in multiple Grand National races?
Of the 20 female jockeys who have taken part in the Grand National, seven of those have ridden in multiple races. This list includes Rachael Blackmore, Nina Carberry, and Katie Walsh, who all have made the joint most appearances, at six each.
As for the other leading ladies with multiple Grand National races under their belts, we have Bryony Frost, Geraldine Rees, Jenny Hembrow, and Charlotte Brew, who each started in two different Grand National races.
Ahead of the Grand National 2025, check out our horse racing betting odds. You can also take a look at our horse racing blogs for more insights and tips.