I’m the queen around here!
Blackmore crowned the people’s champ after regal ride in yesterday’s big race
THERE were plenty of plummy accents and aristocratic titles doing the rounds at Cheltenham yesterday – but Rachael Blackmore proved in the day’s feature race that she remains true racing royalty.
The 34-year-old was congratulated by Queen Camilla after her ‘fantastic’ win in the Champion Chase on the aptly named Captain Guinness – before being crowned the ‘Queen of Cheltenham’.
The Tipperary woman won by a length from Gentleman De Mee to notch up trainer Henry de Bromhead’s fourth win in this race.
However, there were plenty of long faces, on the track and in the stands, after the 2-9 hot favourite El Fabiolo tried to go through the fifth fence rather than over it, came to a virtual standstill and was soon pulled up by jockey Paul Townend. The bookies could barely contain their smiles.
Watching Blackmore’s flawless ride in the heavy conditions were Camilla’s children Tom ParkerBowles,
daughter Laura Lopes and her husband Harry. Princess Anne was also in the posh seats as were Zara and Mike Tindall as well as Princess Eugenie and husband Jack Brooksbank.
Blackmore later said of her victory: ‘It is some race to win. I am so happy. It felt like a long way up that hill!’
She received a rapturous reception from the cheering crowds when she returned to the winners’ enclosure and was announced as the ‘Queen of Cheltenham’ over the speakers. It was also a big day for Limerick billionaire businessman JP McManus, with his 75th Cheltenham Festival win and the second time this week that he has visited the winners’ enclosure at Prestbury Park. Top Irish trainer Willie Mullins secured a milestone 100th Cheltenham Festival win yesterday – becoming the first to do so – when Jasmin de Vaux raced to victory in the Weatherbys Champion Bumper. He later admitted: ‘I thought my lifetime achievement was when I had a winner here in the Supreme Novices´ Hurdle back in 1995, and who ever dreamt any trainer, never mind me, could do it.’ The day was billed as ‘Style Wednesday’ by the festival organisers, giving everyone an excuse to get out their swankiest togs. Among those stepping out in style was Cork native and TV chef Clodagh McKenna.
‘Felt like a long way up that hill’