Killenaule jockey Rachael Blackmore has made racing history by becoming the first female rider to land the Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.
The 31-year-old booted the unbeaten favourite Honeysuckle, trained by Henry de Bromhead, to a comfortable win in the feature race on day one at Prestbury Park.
What a leap at the last from Honeysuckle – she’s electric ⚡️ @HenrydeBromhead #CheltenhamFestival @rachaelblackmor pic.twitter.com/9Z4DK5H2jx
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) March 16, 2021
Rachael sounded audibly stunned as she spoke following the race, and was full of praise for her horse:
“She was just incredible. She did everything I wanted her to throughout the race. When Goshen headed off and came back, I was slightly worried there. But she’s done everything I wanted her to do. I just can’t believe we’ve won a Champion Hurdle.
“It’s just incredible. Henry produces her every day in that kind of form for me to just stay around. It’s just unbelievable.”