‘I can’t believe we just won a Champion Hurdle’: history made on day one of Cheltenham Festival

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 BlackmoreTrainer: Henry de Bromhead, IrelandOwner: Mr K. Alexander

Epatante | Jockey: Aidan Coleman

Nicky Henderson

Mr John P. McManus

Goshen | Jockey: J E MooreGary MooreMr Steven Packham

Sharjah | Jockey: P Townend

W. P. Mullins, Ireland

Mrs S. Ricci

Horse: Abacadabras | Jockey: J W Kennedy Mrs D Foster, IrelandGigginstown House Stud

Silver Streak | Jockey: T J O’BrienEvan WilliamsMr L. Fell

James du Berlais | Jockey: D A JacobW. P. Mullins, IrelandMr Simon Munir/Mr Isaac Souede

Aspire Tower | Jockey: R M Power Henry de Bromhead, IrelandRobcour

Not So Sleepy | Jockey: J J BurkeHughie MorrisonLady Blyth

Saldier | Jockey: D E MullinsW. P. Mullins, IrelandMrs S. Ricci

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