Rachael Blackmore has now ridden a career best 91 winners in Ireland this season after landing a treble at Kilbeggan this evening.
The Queen of Cheltenham and Aintree Grand National historic maker now trails champion jockey title leader Paul Townend by four victories with the Punchestown Festival on the horizon.
The Cathal Don, An Taibhse and Cavalry Master all provided winners at the Midlands venue for the team of Blackmore and trainer Henry de Bromhead.
🗣 "It's a long week ahead."@rachaelblackmor is five winners behind Paul Townend in the Irish Jump Jockeys' Championship with just a week to go in the title race
Can she narrow the gap to 4 in five minutes on Cavalry Master? 👀 pic.twitter.com/14ncEuBMFr
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) April 23, 2021
"It's phenomenal. I'm in a very lucky position getting to ride all these horses," the Tipperary native told Racing TV after this evening's card in Westmeath. "It's a long week ahead and we won't be thinking about that too much."
Townend is a major doubt for next week's festival at Punchestown but there are reports he could wear a special protective boot in order to be able to defend his lead in the championship.
👀 That's a treble for @rachaelblackmor at @KilbegganRaces as she wins the Congratulations Minella Times Beginners Chase aboard Cavalry Master
She is within four of Paul Townend in the title race heading into the Punchestown Festival pic.twitter.com/bj2XkRx6ZG
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) April 23, 2021
Next up for Blackmore is a trip to Sandown tomorrow to partner Ornua in the Grade 1 Celebration Chase and Plan Of Attack in the Grade 3 Gold Cup Handicap Chase.
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