Race is on to become the queen of Aintree as odds shorten to 8-1 for first female jockey to win Grand National

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The odds of an historic first win for a female jockey in the £1million Randox Health Grand National have been cut to 8-1.

Rain that fell on the Aintree track on Friday turning part of the course heavy prompted three of the runners to pull out.

But conditions will also particularly favour two of the three runners ridden by female jockeys - Baie Des Iles, the mount of by Katie Walsh, and Milansbar, who will be ridden by Bryony Frost.

(Left to right) Katie Walsh, Bryony Frost and Rachael Blackmore are competing on Saturday

Rachael Blackmore, who rides Alpha Des Obeaux, is the other female jockey in the race.

Baie Des Iles, a 50-1 shot early in the week, has been backed down to 16-1.

Walsh, who achieved the best finish for a female rider in the race when third on Seabass in 2012, said: 'I'm realistic. Anything could happen. It could be over in a flash. I would just like a good stab at it.

'I'm loving the rain. My mare loves a bit of soft ground.'

Walsh believes the soft ground will suit Baie Des Iles who is a 16-1 shot now

David Steven of Coral added: 'The odds suggest there has never been a greater chance of a first Grand National win for a female jockey and Baie Des Iles is the outcome we most fear.'

The three horses pulled out yesterday were top weight Minella Rocco, Beeves and Vicente. 

Their places have been taken by reserves Delusionofgrandeur, Thunder And Roses and Walk In The Mill.