Today Rachael Blackmore made history when becoming the first lady jockey to win the Unibet Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy at Cheltenham Festival (16 March). She was aboard the mare Honeysuckle, who is trained by Irishman Henry De Bromhead and owned by Kenneth Alexander.
“It’s absolutely incredible to win — I can’t believe we just won a Champion Hurdle,” said a virtually speechless Rachael after the race. “It’s unbelievable for everyone in the yard at home — they all work so hard.
“Henry produces her every day in that form and I get to steer her around — it’s just incredible. She’s so straightforward to ride and when you know you have an engine under you, it’s very easy to do things in a race.”
Henry De Bromhead, trainer of the seven year-old said after the race: “I never thought this would happen — you dream about it. She’s an amazing mare and what a partnership her and Rachael have. I thought Rachael was so cool in the race.”
The Willie Mullins-trained Sharjah was second under Paul Townend and the Nicky Henderson-trained Epatante, who won this race last year was third under Aidan Coleman.
Who were the 2021 Champion Hurdle runners?
Honeysuckle | Jockey: Rachael Blackmore
Trainer: Henry de Bromhead, Ireland
Owner: Mr K. Alexander
Epatante | Jockey: Aidan Coleman
Nicky Henderson
Mr John P. McManus
Goshen | Jockey: J E Moore
Gary Moore
Mr Steven Packham
Sharjah | Jockey: P Townend
W. P. Mullins, Ireland
Mrs S. Ricci
Horse: Abacadabras | Jockey: J W Kennedy
Mrs D Foster, Ireland
Gigginstown House Stud
Silver Streak | Jockey: T J O’Brien
Evan Williams
Mr L. Fell
James du Berlais | Jockey: D A Jacob
W. P. Mullins, Ireland
Mr Simon Munir/Mr Isaac Souede
Aspire Tower | Jockey: R M Power
Henry de Bromhead, Ireland
Robcour
Not So Sleepy | Jockey: J J Burke
Hughie Morrison
Lady Blyth
Saldier | Jockey: D E Mullins
W. P. Mullins, Ireland
Mrs S. Ricci
You might also be interested in:
‘He deserves this’: Willie Mullins scores big in the Cheltenham Festival Champion Hurdle
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