HENRY DE BROMHEAD hopes to see Rachael Blackmore return to the saddle in the โnext few weeksโ.
The record-breaking Cheltenham Gold Cup and Grand National-winning rider has been sidelined since suffering a neck injury in a fall at Downpatrick in late September.
In her absence, Darragh OโKeeffe has come in for the majority of the rides aboard De Bromheadโs horses, enjoying big-race success with the likes of Envoi Allen at Down Royal and Quilixios at Naas, as well as steering this weekendโs Coral Gold Cup contender Senior Chief to a lucrative victory at Cheltenham.
The trainer has now issued a positive update on his stable jockeyโs recovery, with a return to saddle expected before Christmas.
โShe (Blackmore) was here the other day, it was great to see her, she looked great and seemed in really good form,โ he told Sky Sports Racing.
โSheโs obviously a bit frustrated, but it was great to see her down here. I think she is aiming for mid to end of December, Iโm not quite sure yet โ thereโs no firm plans.
โSheโs working really hard to get back and as far as sheโs concerned she could have come back about a month ago! But quite rightly, sheโs taken the advice of all the doctors and hopefully sheโll be back in the next few weeks.โ
De Bromhead also confirmed the King George VI Chase as the likely next port of call for Envoi Allen.
The 10-year-old proved the fire still burns bright when regaining his crown in the Ladbrokes Champion Chase earlier this month and now looks set for a second shot at Kemptonโs Boxing Day showpiece, having disappointed as a leading contender two years ago.
De Bromhead said: โHe was brilliant (at Down Royal), heโs got some attitude and the way he keeps coming back is amazing.
โHeโs been in great form since and weโre leaning strongly towards the King George. We havenโt firmed anything up as yet, but we werenโt right when he went two years ago โ he didnโt run his race at all โ and weโd love to have another crack at it. Heโs definitely got the profile for it.โ
Go girl.. Has to be one of the very best athletes in the world.. One of a very few sports where there girls take on the boys on equal terms.. And NO there horse does not do all the work.. Willing and able to put all of those who think jockey is an adornment on a galloping jumping horse.. Nappies can be arranged
What a brilliant professional Rachel is! The sooner the better she is back. Rachel and Katie Taylor, we are blessed with 2 of the finest, not sure they get the credit they deserve.
Rachael backmore sooner than expected so?