FROM tennis trailblazer Billie Jean King to Beatles drummer Ringo Starr, Rachael Blackmore’s success in the Grand National has been heralded by global icons as she was propelled to front page news around the world after guiding Minella Times to a six-and-a-half-length success at Aintree.

That victory was the culmination of a six-year journey to the top of the sport since she elected to switch from the point-to-point ranks and pursue a career as a professional.