- Blackmore proved with the victory in York that her talents do not only lie in show jumping racing
- Pioneering Irish jockey guided Term of Endearment past Night Sparkle to win
- It was just the latest barrier Blackmore broke after notable successes
Trust Rachael Blackmore. On a Saturday when the focus could have been on a fantastic classic winner in Ireland or a fast colt from Yorkshire, the most recognizable jockey in the business made headlines with the latest display of her remarkable talent.
Blackmore is a pioneer in show jumping racing, winning every major prize at the Cheltenham Festival, in addition to a ground-breaking Randox Grand National triumph in 2021, but she doesn’t need an obstacle to excel.
With the 2000 Irish Guineas staged at The Curragh and major Royal Ascot trials taking place at Haydock, few could have imagined the story of the day would emerge in York, but that is exactly what happened thanks to Blackmore.
Blackmore, 34, visited York for the first time and had a huge crowd roaring with delight when she managed to pull off a perfectly timed Term of Endearment challenge for her boss Henry de Bromhead in the Group Three Bronte Cup.
Her 4/1 success was confirmed after a lengthy investigation by the stewards.
Rachael Blackmore proved on Saturday that her talents are not just in show jumping racing with an impressive win in the Bronte Cup at York
This was her first success in group racing at this level – she has only ridden two flats in England in the last five years – but what a demonstration of her talents this was, seeing past Term Of Endearment in the closing stages 16/1 shot Night Sparkle forced .
The mare is owned by Carmel Acheson and her husband, Brian, told Mail Sport: ‘Rachael is the most talented jockey we have ever worked with so there was no doubt in my mind about offering her the ride. I knew she would get the job done and we had complete confidence in the team.”
Rare skill sets Blackmore apart and rare skill allowed Rosallion to win the 2000 Irish Guineas, justifying the odds-on favorite with a stunning foot movement that took him past stablemate Haatem into the shadow of the post.
Blackmore has racked up some impressive wins; she can be seen in Cheltenham in March
Richard Hannon trains the colt for Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum, who had an afternoon to remember when one of his three-year-olds, Inisherin, rolled away with the Group Two Sandy Lane Stakes at Haydock Park, flattening the previously unbeaten Vandeek.
However, all thoughts were focused on Rosallion, whom Hannon calls “Superman.” His jockey, Sean Levey, said: “My horse’s foot movement got me out of trouble a bit. This means an awful lot.”
