RACHAEL BLACKMORE HAS continued her remarkable form at Cheltenham Festival, riding her sixth winner of the week.
Quilixios — with Tipperary sensation Blackmore at the helm — powered to glory in today’s opening G1 JCB Triumph Hurdle to remain unbeaten over hurdles for Cheveley Park Stud and Henry de Bromhead.
Being dubbed ‘the Queen of Cheltenham’ in her hometown of Killenaule — RTÉ’s Cian McCormack complied a lovely package for Morning Ireland with input from her mother, Eimir, and other locals — it’s been a week to remember for history-making Blackmore, with the Gold Cup yet to come.
The wins record is seven, held by Ruby Walsh in 2009 and 2016.
Blackmore can do nothing wrong and produced another brilliant ride for her sixth victory of the week on the Cheveley Park Stud-owned four-year-old Quilixios, trained by de Bromhead.
She had Quilixios (2-1) up with the pace from the outset, with rank outsider Talking About You for company. When that horse weakened coming down the hill with two flights left, Blackmore asked Quilixios for his effort and got first run on the field.
Adagio tried to cover the move, but was outclassed by the unbeaten Quilixios, who powered up the hill to win by three and a quarter lengths.
⭐️ @rachaelblackmor has done it again
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) March 19, 2021
A sixth winner of the 2021 #CheltenhamFestival as Quilixios powers to success in the G1 JCB Triumph Hurdle to remain unbeaten over hurdles for @CPStudOfficial & @HenrydeBromhead pic.twitter.com/IwlHBwR145
Adagio held Haut En Couleurs by a head for second place. Zanahiyr, the 11-8 favourite, was fourth after failing to get in a blow.
Quilixios – a recent transfer to the De Bromhead yard having previously been trained by the suspended Gordon Elliott – was given a quote of 12-1 for next year’s Champion Hurdle with Betfair and 14-1 with Coral.
“It’s been an incredible week,” De Bromhead said. “He’s a lovely horse, but we’ve only just got him. He’s a gorgeous horse and I’m pleased for Cheveley Park, as they are great supporters of ours.
“All credit to Gordon and his team as he looked amazing on joining us, we’ve done very little with him. We knew he jumped really well, and had been really impressive before today and he’s a lovely looking horse. He’ll be a nice chaser in time.
“I wouldn’t know about next year, we’ll have a chat and see what everyone wants to do.”
“They’re getting a great kick out of it, so it’s brilliant,” Blackmore added, with a nod to her parents who are thoroughly enjoying her phenomenal exploits from home in Killenaule.
“I know they’d have loved to have been here today, like a lot of people.
“I’m just happy I’m here and these horses are here.”
You can listen to the full RTÉ radio package here >
🌍 This is @rachaelblackmor's world & we're just living in it
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) March 19, 2021
🏆 Honeysuckle
🏆 Bob Olinger
🏆 Sir Gerhard
🏆 Allaho
🏆 Telmesomethinggirl
🏆 Quilixios
She has stole the show at the 2021 #CheltenhamFestival pic.twitter.com/UXxPTicyZo
Additional reporting from Press Association.
