Rachael Blackmore leading Jockey at Cheltenham 2021
Rachael Blackmore has ended a fantastic week at Cheltenham 2021 as the leading jockey of the Festival. During the meet Rachael rode six winners which is more than any jockey has managed, except for Ruby Walsh.
The races include the Unibet Champion Hurdle on Tuesday whilst riding the unbeaten superstar mare Honeysuckle. On Wednesday she won on Bob Olinger (Ballymore) and Sir Gerhard in the Champion Bumper. On Thursday Rachael won the Ryanair on Allaho and partnered Telmesomethinggirl to win the Parnell Properties Mares Novice Hurdle. As well as going on to win the JCB Triumph Hurdle on Friday riding Quilixios. Rachael Blackmore also came second in the Gold Cup, the biggest race of the Festival whilst riding A Plus Tard.
No female jockey has ever finished in the first three in either the Champion Hurdle or the Gold Cup at Cheltenham.
Rachael was presented with the Ruby Walsh Trophy as leading jockey of the meet by racing legend 20 time champion jockey AP McCoy.
After winning the Trophy Rachael Blackmore said “It’s phenomenal, “I can’t even comprehend being leading jockey at Cheltenham – that’s crazy stuff. It’s been brilliant. Henry de Bromhead is an incredible trainer. I’m just part of that team and getting on those horses. Honeysuckle is definitely the standout moment. She is extremely special and she was phenomenal in the Champion Hurdle. I was hoping I would get one and every jockey thinks that, but when that happens it’s some weight off your shoulders and everything is a bonus after that. I got a great tune of Allaho and when a horse jumps from fence to fence like that it’s a great thrill for a jockey.”