Grand National 2018 – Katie Walsh, Bryony Frost and Rachael Blackmore seeking historic first Grand National win for a female jockey at Aintree

GRAND NATIONAL history could be made on Saturday when Katie Walsh, Bryony Frost and Rachael Blackmore all line up in the famous race at Aintree.

A place in the record books - in addition to the £500,000 winner's cheque - is on offer in the 189th running of the world's greatest steeplechase, a contest no female jockey has ever won.

Walsh, who finished third on Seabass back in 2012, will ride Baie Des Iles, whilst Frost and Blackmore, riding Milansbar and Alpha Des Obeaux respectively, will be making their debuts in the race, which goes off at 5.15pm on Saturday.

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Walsh appears to have a big chance as she teams up with husband Ross O'Sullivan with the gambled-on Baie Des Iles.

She said: "We're hoping she will take to the fences and she is a really solid jumper.

"It's always very difficult to have a horse for the Grand National, but she has an attractive profile and is relatively unexposed."

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The success of Bryony Frost in her first season as a professional has been one of the stories in the season and she will be having her first spin in the big race on Milansbar.

Frost said: "He's intelligent, he decides what to do with his stride. He would be more tentative than brave, which is exactly what you need because a brave horse could land on top of it.

"As long as he's thinking for me and I can keep him happy and in a rhythm, then (you need) a lot of luck and you can see where you go. You have to be on the same page and that's what gives you so much of the buzz.

"We're all up there with the same chance - it doesn't matter if you're 100-1 or the favourite - you've all got to go on the same ground over the same fences and hope for the best of luck."

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Frost finished fourth in the Foxhunters' over the National obstacles last year and can call upon the experience and words of wisdom of her father Jimmy, who won the 1989 Grand National on Little Poveir.

She said: "It's a massive plus for me (to talk to her father) because Dad has been there and knows what it takes. He can talk me through all of the strides and the fences, what happens and what to look out for and try to tick the right boxes.

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"A few people have done it (won on first ride), Dad did it so that's not a history-breaking moment. I just concentrate on myself and the horse.

"Whatever happens, I know I need luck and I will go out there and try to do my best. What would it mean to win? I don't know because I've never experienced a feeling like it. Come and ask me (if I win) and I'll tell you how it feels."

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Blackmore, who has already made history by becoming the first female to be crowned champion Irish conditional last season, will be having her very first visit to Aintree and cannot wait to ride Alpha Des Obeaux for National-winning trainer Mouse Morris.

"I'm very excited and very grateful to get the opportunity. It's my first time to Aintree so I'm really looking forward to it," she told Press Association Sport.

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"Mouse rang me on Saturday and said I was going to ride him, I was absolutely over the moon and hopefully we can run a good race."

Horse and rider teamed up to good effect in the Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown in February, when sixth to Edwulf.

"I rode him in Leopardstown, but Aintree is obviously very different so it poses a lot more challenges," she said.

"Fingers crossed he gets a clear run round and hopefully he'll run a big race."