Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle

A CHELTENHAM Festival winner can put so much right, and what a tonic it was for Rachael Blackmore to land the Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle on Air Of Entitlement, after a season made difficult by a serious neck injury suffered in September.

The leading rider had only partnered five winners in between returning in December from that setback to the beginning of this week, but she delivered a corker of an effort here, timing her challenge to perfection to run down 85/40 favourite Sixandahalf in the shadows of the post.

Henry de Bromhead and Robcour were also opening their account for the week with the 16/1 shot, who hadn’t been seen since landing a Down Royal maiden hurdle on St Stephen’s Day.

Blackmore, who dedicated the victory to her recently-departed cousin Robert, said: “It’s an incredible feeling to win here. I read an interview recently with J.P. McManus, when he said some people are born luckier than others and I definitely feel like I was born luckier for going round here anyway.

“I’ve been so lucky with the horses I’ve got to ride and this mare is another one. Henry brings his horses over here in such incredible form and she was just phenomenal there. She travelled through the race and jumped well and got her head in front at the right time.

Grateful return

“I missed three months before Christmas and Cheltenham is the main thing to be back for. It was so difficult to watch all these horses you should have been riding, but I’m grateful the injury didn’t happen the other side of Christmas.”

De Bromhead added: “We knew we had the stamina and the New Course suits horses with that.

“We always worry about being too handy in that race, but Rachael was spot on. I thought they went a real good gallop and she gave her some spin. It was a little bit like Telmesomethinggirl a few years ago.

“I knew Keith [Donoghue on Sixandahalf] had been up there the whole way and, historically, that hasn’t worked as we have had a couple that did that. That straight is a long way up there, so I thought we had a chance after jumping the last, so I’m delighted.

“We will enjoy today and see, but she is a mare with stamina. She is classy and is really exciting.

“I’m delighted for Robcour, as they are brilliant supporters of our yard and of the game.”

Air Of Entitlement was introduced at 16/1 for next year’s Mares’ Hurdle.

Keith Donoghue, rider of Sixandahalf (second)

“She jumped the last a little bit high and was just looking around her and could have done with something to lead her a bit further. I’m very disappointed, but it was also a great run. She’s run a cracker, jumped brilliantly and has lost nothing in defeat, it’s just disappointing to get caught on the line.”

Ben Pauling, trainer of Diva Luna (third)

“I’d always thought she was in much better form at home, but actually to come here and expect her to produce her best, or close to her best, was a big ask. But she’s run a blinder; missed the last, but we still would have been third, and stayed on again after the last. I couldn’t be happier, and we might see her out again at some point before the end of the season.”