A huge Plus
REMARKABLE RACHAEL DOES IT AGAIN
HAVING captured all of last season’s top British races, Irish trainer Henry de Bromhead and jockey Rachael Blackmore were at it again yesterday as A Plus Tard stormed to victory at Haydock.
De Bromhead (below) became the first Irish trainer to land the Betfair Chase but that was no surprise considering the success he has recently enjoyed in the UK, with Blackmore doing the steering.
The pair dominated at the Cheltenham Festival and then went on to take the Grand National.
Yesterday’s win was a formality for Blackmore and A Plus Tard, runner-up in the Cheltenham Gold Cup behind de Bromhead’s Minella Indo, after Bristol De Mai failed to jump with any fluency in his attempt to take the prize for the fourth time and was pulled up. “It’s fantastic and both Rachael and A Plus Tard were just brilliant,” said De Bromhead.
“With his preference for a left-handed track, it just seemed a good race to go for.” Blackmore, partnering her eighth Grade One winner on British shores, was mobbed by well-wishers eager for a selfie and she did not disappoint.
“It was fantastic and it’s not very often that you get to ride a Grade One winner in that kind of fashion,” she said.
Waterford-based De Bromhead was also on the mark with Bob Olinger at Gowran Park.
Last year’s Ballymore Hurdle winner at Cheltenham, jumped well on his chasing debut for Darragh O’Keeffe. Bravemansgame, third behind Bob Olinger at the festival, also impressed when taking the Betfair Graduation Chase at Haydock for Paul Nicholls and Harry Cobden.
“The Kauto Star Chase at Kempton is now the obvious race to go for,” said Nicholls, who also has his eyes on 2022 King George.
Blackmore was not the only female rider enjoying success at Haydock.
Isabel Williams, 24, celebrated her biggest victory when partnering Dans Le Vent (16-1) for her father Evan in the Exchange Hurdle.
After Williams got the better of Riggs, his rider Harry Skelton was the first to slap her on the back and offer congratulations.