Rachael Blackmore’s mum admitted she could hardly watch her daughter secure her ‘fairytale’ win at Cheltenham Festival as she rode to victory aboard Honeysuckle in the Champion Hurdle.
The Irish jockey said it was ‘incredible’ to celebrate her win with fans after last year’s festival was held behind closed doors due to Covid-19. Her parents, Charles and Eimir, were in attendance among the atmospheric 68,567 fans as they watched Blackmore win the coveted race and retain her title in style.
Despite a quiet start from the fans, they certainly found their voice as Blackmore and Honeysuckle retained their Champion Hurdle title. When asked how special her daughter’s win was, Eimir Blackmore said: “I absolutely can’t believe it! I’m lost for words. It’s amazing.
“The crowd have been fantastic, so thanks to everybody here for making it so special.”
The ITV reporter then asked how nervous she was watching Rachael go for glory aboard Honeysuckle, and Eimir admitted feeling butterflies.
“I was nervous,” Mrs Blackmore revealed. “I’m always nervous, but I’m getting better and I’m working very hard on it! The mare is just fantastic and Henry [de Bromhead] has done such a good job.
“I just feel really lucky to be part of the fairytale.”
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She doubled down on her fantastical comparison, adding: “This is fairytale stuff. Who’d have thought? The support she’s got from everybody and the good feeling has come out of this has been fantastic.
“It shows if you have a dream, you can make the dream come true.”
Eimir said she is proud of her daughter for giving people something to be proud of, particularly during a time where there is ‘a lot of unhappiness in the world’.
Before handling her impressive trophy in the winner’s enclosure with her beaming parents, Blackmore said Honeysuckle is a ‘jockey’s dream’.
The Irish superstar rode the 8-11 favourite to a 15th successive career winner for trainer Henry de Bromhead. Both Blackmore and Honeysuckle were given an enormous ovation by the packed crowd after beating 2020 champion Epatante and Zanahiyr to the line.
Last year, Blackmore made history to become the first female rider in the race’s established history to win, and she secured successive wins on Tuesday. The 32-year-old went on to become the first woman to be the meeting’s top jockey and then won the Grand National on Minella Times.
Honeysuckle became the first mare to win the Champion Hurdle twice, and Blackmore - voted the BBC ’s World Sport Star of the Year in December - heaped praise on her mount.
“Walking out in front of the stands with all the people, it's such a special place," said Blackmore. “I'm so lucky to ride winners here and this mare - she's just incredible.”
