Rachael Blackmore breaks a barrier by riding Minella Times to victory in the 173rd edition of the steeplechase.
HORSE RACING Rachael Blackmore became the first female jockey to win Britain’s grueling Grand National, breaking down one of the biggest gender barriers in sports. Blackmore, a 31-year-old Irishwoman, rode Minella Times to a landmark victory at odds of 11-1 in the 173rd edition of the famous steeplechase at Aintree in Liverpool. Blackmore is the 20th female jockey to compete in a race that has been a mud-splattered British sporting institution since 1839. Women have only been allowed to enter the National as jockeys since 1975. SOCCER U.S. WOMEN: The United States had a 16-match winning streak snapped in a 1-1 draw with Sweden in Stockholm, as Carli Lloyd made her 300th national team appearance. Lina Hurtig put Sweden ahead off a set piece in the 38th minute. Megan Rapinoe’s penalty kick pulled the United States even in the 87th minute.
