'A magical place to be' - Blackmore treasures the view after returning to Festival summit

A 152-1 Thursday double for the beloved jockey and her trainer Henry de Bromhead was enough to get the galleries to raise the roof

WOMAN OF THE PEOPLE: Rachael Blackmore riding Bob Olinger return after winning The Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle during Day Three of the 2025 Cheltenham Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse at on March 13, 2025 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)

Rachael Blackmore holds a special place in the hearts of the Cheltenham faithful, and she received one of the most joyous receptions of the week on return to the winner’s enclosure following the Grade Two Ryanair Mares’ Novice Hurdle, the opening race on Thursday’s card.

Fittingly, for one who has been such a star for the sport of horse racing, it got better just a few hours later when she completed the full set of open Grade One success at the Festival by taking the  Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle aboard the remarkable Bob Olinger.