Rachael Blackmore: Little time for reflection on racing's 'revolving wheel'

Rachael Blackmore has no intention of revelling in past glories ahead of her return to the Cheltenham Festival.

By anyone's standards, it has been quite the 12 months for the 32-year-old.

Heading to Prestbury Park last year she looked to have a strong book of rides, and boy did she deliver – lighting up a Festival that had to be run behind closed doors due to Covid-19.

Not only did Blackmore become the first female jockey to win the Champion Hurdle aboard the brilliant mare Honeysuckle, but she was also crowned the Festival’s leading rider with six winners.

The following month her global profile reached stratospheric heights after steering Minella Times to a historic Grand National success.

Almost a year on, while Blackmore reflects on her achievements with fond memories, she is keen to write the next chapter in a remarkable story by enjoying further success in the Cotswolds.

She said: "We’re already talking about Cheltenham and Aintree this year, so what happened last year seems to be fading a bit now. It’s probably something that will sink in when you’ve got grey hair and you can enjoy what happened.

"I suppose when I came home (from Aintree) and I was driving through my home town of Killenaule and I could see posters in the windows of people’s homes with my face on them, it really resonated then what my personal achievements meant to the people where I’m from.

"But it’s a constant, revolving wheel and as a jockey you’re looking forward. It’s always 'what’s next?’. That’s the way you’re looking as a jockey.

"I’m really looking forward to getting back to Cheltenham."

Blackmore’s book of rides will once again be led by Honeysuckle, who will be a red-hot favourite to successfully defend her Champion Hurdle crown.

Now unbeaten in 14