FEAR OF RACH Hot rides could see woman as top jockey
BOOKIES are running scared that Rachael Blackmore will be the first woman crowned champion jockey at Cheltenham.
The 30-year-old Irish jockey will saddle some of the most hotly tipped horses at the festival.
After riding two winners last year she is third favourite to complete the four-day event with the most winners this year.
Hot rides such as Notebook, Honeysuckle and A Plus Tard could make her the first woman rider to claim the title in the festival’s 160-year history.
Ladbrokes has slashed her top jockey odds from 8-1 to 9-2, behind Paul Townend at 15-8 and Davy Russell on 3-1.
Nicola Mcgeady of Ladbrokes said: “Rachael Blackmore is giving our traders sleepless nights.
Emotions
“She has a superb book of rides and is already the name punters are latching onto.
“Although it will hurt the bookies, it would be tremendous for racing should she be crowned top festival jockey.”
Rachael said: “It’s an unbelievable position to be in. You’re trying not to get too hyped-up and wrapped up in it, and are trying to treat it like it’s just another race because those other emotions will come at you anyway.”
The Tipperary jockey has come a long way since trying to break into the sport.
Patrick Mullins, son of trainer Willie, shared a house with her and said she had often thought of packing it in when she didn’t get rides.
He said: “She works very hard and there wasn’t a lot of reward for a long time.
“When I moved in with her and her boyfriend, Brian Hayes, myself and Brian would have been going racing most days.
“Rachael wasn’t. She used to do a lot of baking on those days – which was like her way of punching the wall.”
Blackmore’s first ride this year is Captain Guinness in the opening race at 1.30pm today.
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PUNTERS named are much better off Jake, Wayne and keeping their hands in Dominic are set to win their pockets and we big at Cheltenham. recommend you ignore
Bookie Sportnation their selections revealed the top five altogether.” most and least profitable
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monikers for a flutter. CHELTENHAM
Jakes are the luckiest chiefs last night placing bets, followed by confirmed they did not Waynes. Dominics came expect the races will be third with Callums and affected by a third case Shauns also making the of coronavirus in top five over the course Gloucestershire. of a year. A racecourse
Adrians had the worst spokesman said there luck with Johns, Brians, were no plans to Keiths and Stuarts also postpone the four-day losing out. meeting.
A Sportnation He said: “British spokesman said: “If you Racing has been in close have a mate called Jake, communication with the Wayne or Dominic, get Government. on the phone to them “We welcome the right away and get their guidance that the tips for the greatest business of the country show on turf. should continue as usual
“But the festival might while ensuring we not be as fun for Johns, adhere to public health Adrians or Brians – they advice in full.”