The Pick of Rachael Blackmore's Cheltenham Rides
Kicking off tomorrow, the long wait for the 2024 Cheltenham Festival is almost over. Only a few days remain for the trainers and jockeys to make their final preparations ahead of the most competitive four days of the season. For some, it will all end in disappointment, while others will experience the highest highs in National Hunt racing.
Hoping to fall into the latter category is the finest female rider in the business – and one of the best riders regardless of sex – Rachael Blackmore. Now 34 years of age, Blackmore has already experienced her share of Cheltenham Festival Glory – picking up 14 wins in total, including in the flagship events of the Cheltenham Gold Cup and Champion Hurdle. Grabbing at least one win at each of the last six Cheltenham Festivals, Rachael’s golden year came in 2021, when a six-race haul saw her finish as the meeting’s leading jockey.
Hitting those heights again in 2024 looks like a tall order, but Rachael’s book of rides looks strong enough to extend her sequence of winning Cheltenham Festivals to six. Here we take a look at her likely mounts on each of the four days
Day 1: Tuesday 12 March
Best Chance: The Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices’ Chase – Quilixios @ 13/2 with Betfred
A winner on his only previous visit to the Cheltenham Festival, having landed the 2021 Triumph Hurdle under Blackmore, the talented Quilxios tackles the fences this time.
Other Likely Rides
- Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle - Slade Steel @ 7/1 with Coral
- Ultima Handicap Chase - Amirite @ 16/1 with bet365
- Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle - Tellmesomethinggirl @ 20/1 with Betfred
Day 2: Wednesday 13 March
Best Chance: Glenfarclas Chase – Minella Indo @ 15/8 with bet365
Another previous Festival winner, Minella Indo claimed the 2021 Cheltenham Gold Cup. Rachael was on the second A Plus Tard that day but will be hoping for top spot as this classy sort takes on the Cross Country Course.
Other Likely Rides
- Gallagher Novices Hurdle - Slade Steel @ 6/1 with bet365
- Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase - Monty’s Star @ 6/1 with William Hill
- Coral Cup Handicap Chase - Ballyadam @ 16/1 with Betfred
- Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase - Captain Guinness @ 16/1 with bet365
- Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Challenge Cup Handicap Chase - Dancing On My Own @ 20/1 with Betfred
Day 3: Thursday 14 March
Best Chance: Ryanair Chase – Envoi Allen @ 7/2 with bet365
The biggest Cheltenham Festival specialist on Rachael’s book of rides - Envoi Allen looks to add to his wins in the Champion Bumper (2019), Baring Bingham Novices Hurdle (2020), and this event last year.
Other Likely Rides
- Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle - Gabbys Cross @ 11/1 with bet365
- Trustatrader Plate Handicap Chase - Arctic Bresil @ 20/1 with Betfred
- Ryanair Mares’ Novices Hurdle - Birdie Or Bust @ 16/1 with Betfred
Day 4: Friday 15 March
Best Chance: BetMGM County Handicap Hurdle – Magical Zoe @ 12/1 with Betfred
Few standouts for Blackmore on the closing day, but this mare ran a cracker to finish second in the 2023 Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle and would boast sound claims if dropping into handicap company for this.
Other Likely Rides
- Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle - Chigorin @ 40/1 with bet365
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Cheltenham Festival 2024 - Day 1 Acca
Cheltenham Festival 2024 - Day 2 Acca
Cheltenham Festival 2024 - Day 3 Acca
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