Cheltenham News

Blackmore savours ‘out of this world' week

Rachael Blackmore has described her week as “out of this world” after she rode home her fourth winner of this year's Cheltenham Festival on Thursday.

The 31-year-old, who is fast becoming the star of the Festival, led from the front to steer favourite Allaho to victory in the Ryanair Chase and, in doing so, handed trainer Willie Mullins a record fourth victory in the Grade 1 contest.

Blackmore's success followed her victory aboard Honeysuckle in Tuesday's Champion Hurdle, as well as her two successes on Wednesday in the Ballymore Novices' Hurdle with Bob Olinger and when steering Sir Gerhard home in the Weatherbys Champion Bumper.

It has certainly been a memorable week already for Blackmore and the Irish jockey was delighted with her latest success.

“It's incredible! I'm very grateful to be getting these opportunities,” Blackmore told reporters. “He put in a fair performance; he jumped and galloped everywhere. I never felt like I was out of my comfort zone anywhere. It was fantastic.

“How would I describe this week? Out of this world.”

There could be even more success to come for Blackmore at Prestbury Park on Friday, as she will be looking to become the first female jockey to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup when she rides A Plus Tard in the Festival feature.

Blackmore is excited by that challenge, but she feels two-time Gold Cup winner Al Boum Photo will be the horse to beat.

“He (A Plus Tard) has an unbelievable chance,” she added. “Al Boum Photo is the horse to beat in it and we will be giving it our best shot.”