Blackmore is the first woman jockey to win Cheltenham Gold Cup in Horse Racing

Blackmore is the first woman jockey to win Cheltenham Gold Cup in Horse Racing. 

Rachael Blackmore continued her extraordinary run of success by becoming the first female jockey to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup with a dashing finish on 3-1 favorite A Plus Tard on Friday.

A Plus Tard stormed away to win by 15 lengths in front of a raucous crowd enjoying the Spring sunlight after jumping the final gate level with last year’s victor Minella Indo.

Last year, Irish jockey Blackmore dominated the Cheltenham Festival, winning six times, and became the first woman to win the Grand National when she rode Minella Times to victory at Aintree in April.

This week, she won the Champion Hurdle for the second year in a row aboard Honeysuckle, an unbeaten mare, and now has the Gold Cup to add to her already impressive CV.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Cheltenham Festival was held in front of empty stands last year. Still, the normal 70,000 attendees returned this year, and they were rewarded with a piece of racing history.

“I can’t believe what I’m hearing. I’m incredibly fortunate to be able to ride all of these horses. Without these horses, you won’t be able to complete the task. It’s incredible to be so close to Henry’s yard. I’m at a loss for words, “said the dairy farmer’s 32-year-old daughter.

“I wouldn’t trade the Grand National for anything, but the Gold Cup is different. I wish I could say anything more interesting, but I just can’t! I can’t express how fortunate I am.”

Trainer Henry De Bromhead paid his respects as well.

“It was fantastic. I’m overjoyed; Rachael looked incredible on him. I’m also pleased with Minella Indo’s performance; he did a tremendous job.” He told the BBC about it.

“Rachael was quite courageous in her approach. She looked incredible on him. This year has a distinct vibe about it. It’s because of the crowd. It’s fantastic. It was incredible to win it last year, but it’s even more incredible this year.”