The roar of the crowd, the thundering hooves, the electric atmosphere – Cheltenham Festival is upon us, a spectacle where legends are made and fortunes are won. This year, even without being in the saddle, Rachael Blackmore, one of horse racing’s brightest stars, is offering a glimpse into her expert mind, sharing her predictions for the biggest races.
Blackmore, a former jockey who captivated the world with her historic 2022 Gold Cup victory aboard A Plus Tard, brings an unparalleled perspective. Though she retired last May, her passion for the sport burns as brightly as ever, and her insights are highly sought after. She recently shared her exclusive betting picks with a keen eye for the potential winners.
For the Champion Hurdle, kicking off Tuesday’s action, Blackmore’s focus is clear: The New Lion. She explains the feeling of wanting to be aboard this particular horse, a testament to its potential and her understanding of the race dynamics.
Moving to Wednesday’s Champion Chase, Blackmore confidently points to Majborough. She was struck by the horse’s powerful performance with cheek pieces, believing it’s a force to be reckoned with, even in the absence of Marine Nationale. “It was a very, very powerful performance,” she noted, highlighting the horse’s dominance.
Thursday’s Stayers’ Hurdle evokes a particularly strong emotional response from Blackmore. She emphatically backs Bob Olinger, a horse that clearly holds a special place in her heart. “If I took back out my licence to ride anything next week, it would be Bob Olinger,” she confessed, recalling the exhilarating feeling of control she experienced while riding him last year.
The Ryanair Chase on Thursday presents a more nuanced choice, with Blackmore suggesting either Gaelic Warrior or Fact To File, depending on Willie Mullins’ final decision. Both horses, she believes, would be incredibly difficult to defeat.
Finally, the pinnacle of the Festival, Friday’s Gold Cup, sees Blackmore leaning towards Gallopin Des Champs. She cites the positive reports surrounding the horse and the confidence emanating from trainer Willie Mullins as key indicators of its potential for success. “He’s a powerhouse of a horse,” she stated, emphasizing its strength and resilience.
The Cheltenham Festival is a whirlwind of competition, a test of skill, stamina, and strategy. Blackmore’s insights offer a unique window into the mind of a champion, providing a fascinating glimpse behind the scenes of this exhilarating sporting event.
Here’s a glimpse of the full schedule for those planning to follow the action:
Tuesday, March 10 (Champion Day):Featuring the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, Arkle Novices’ Chase, and the prestigious Champion Hurdle.
Wednesday, March 11 (Ladies’ Day):Showcasing the Turners Novices’ Hurdle, Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase, and the Queen Mother Champion Chase.
Thursday, March 12 (St. Patrick’s Thursday):Highlighting the Stayers’ Hurdle and the thrilling Ryanair Chase.
Friday, March 13 (Gold Cup Day):Culminating in the iconic Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup, the ultimate test for chasers.
