Rachael Blackmore returns to defend her top jockey title – Connaught Telegraph

Published: Tue 15 Mar 2022, 7:00 AM

CHELTENHAM VIEW: JOHN MELVIN

THE Irish invasion of Cheltenham will begin in earnest today as the tape goes up on four days of the very best of National Hunt racing.

The famous Cheltenham Festival is the equine equivalent of the Olympics and this is where the Irish trainers come into form, having dominated in recent years in particular.

That looks set to continue as they simply have the best horses and, dare we say it, the best jockeys.

Will we ever forget watching history unfold last year as Rachael Blackmore became the first female jockey to win the Triumph Hurdle on Honeysuckle? She will be back to defend her title this year as leading jockey at the festival.

It was an Irish one-two in last years Gold Cup for Henry De Bromhead, with Jack Kennedy bringing home Minella Indo in a thrilling finish and Rachael Blackmore second on A Plus Tard, who is favourite for this years race.

Willie Mullins returns also with back-to-back winner in 2019-2020 Al Boum Photo, who was third last year. What a great race we have in prospect.

Of course, Tipperary lady Blackmore went on to make history by becoming the first ever female jacket to win the Aintree Grand National when she rode Minella Times to victory.

I have a feeling she could be in for another big showing at this years Cheltenham Festival, which seems certain to be dominated yet again by Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliot, the latter absent from last year's event due to suspension.

Henry De Bromhead is another Irish trainer with some quality runners in what is an exciting week of racing, with St. Patrick's Day stuck bang in the middle of the four-day event, which starts on today and finishes on Friday, March 18.

It will be great to hear the famous roar from the Cheltenham stand when the tape goes up on the first race.

Happy punting, and remember the golden rule only bet what you can afford to lose.

My nap is Sporting John, who runs on Thursday, at 10/1, while a few bob each-way on Cloudy Glen is another favourite of mine, who could go well at a price today.

Published: Tue 15 Mar 2022, 7:00 AM

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Rachael Blackmore returns to defend her top jockey title - Connaught Telegraph