Rachael Blackmore savours 'dream' Cheltenham Gold Cup win

Pioneering jockey Rachael Blackmore said she had fulfilled an «impossible dream» by becoming the first female rider to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

The 32-year-old Irish rider, who landed the Grand National last year, added to a series of landmark wins with victory on 3-1 favourite A Plus Tard.

«You can never dream too big because this is something I never thought would be possible,» she said.

A Plus Tard won by 15 lengths from 2021 winner and stablemate Minella Indo.

It was a reversal of the result in last year's big race, with trainer Henry de Bromhead having the 1-2 again. Protektorat was third for Dan Skelton.

«Rachael's a great person. She's got a huge amount of ability and is just a savage rider and a great horsewoman,» said De Bromhead.

Victory showcased Blackmore's skills in the saddle, showing patience when sat behind a group of horses and using her mount's pace to perfection, jumping to the front over the last and powering clear.

It was the biggest winning distance since Master Oats in 1995.

The Festival's all-time leading jockey, Ruby Walsh, said Blackmore was an inspiration to young female riders.

«She is the type of role model the sport needs,» said Walsh. «She is box office.»

Blackmore had followed up last year's historic Champion Hurdle victory on Honeysuckle with a second success on Tuesday.

While last year's meeting was held behind closed doors because of Covid-19, this year she was greeted by raucous cheers from a sell-out 70,000 crowd.

«To have that roar back and to get to walk back in when you can't see space, and you can just see bodies, is just incredible,» she said.

«It is the closest thing to feeling like a rock star you will ever feel without being able to sing. It is just incredible to have people back and I