Today Rachael Blackmore made sporting history by becoming the first female jockey to win the Grand National with victory on Minella Times at Aintree.

She deserves all the plaudits today. As does the horse and everyone involved with him.

One of the things that makes equestrianism so special is that gender doesn’t play a factor. Men and women compete on an equal footing. It doesn’t matter about the gender of the horse either. Mares, stallions and geldings all compete each other. It’s about you and your horse on the day.

Wonder why racing has taken so long to catch up.