In March 2022, Rachael Blackmore made history by winning the 2022 Cheltenham Gold Cup, retaining her Champion Hurdle title, and winning the Turners Novices' Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. Rachael and A Plus Tard finished 15 lengths clear, showing the determination and perseverance of this exceptional sportswoman.
Rachael and Honeysuckle have been a match made in heaven, each responsible for boosting the other’s career. In Cheltenham in 2023 Honeysuckle bowed out in style with Rachael leading her to a 4th and final Cheltenham win. The pair won the Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle on Day 1 of the Festival. Rachael had a second win of the week on Envoi Allen in the Ryanair Chase at Day 3 of the Cheltenham Festival.
In late 2023 Rachael was awarded a honorary MBE for her outstanding achievements and services to sport in the UK. In recognition of her becoming the first woman to win the two most prestigious races in National Hunt racing.
At the 2024 Cheltenham Festival Rachael Blackmore put in a stellar performance. Rachael secured the first win of the week in the Supreme Novices Hurdle (Grade 1) on Slade Steel. Followed with a historic win that saw Rachael becoming the first woman to win the Queen Mother Champion Chase on Captain Guinness.
Having won a pair of Champion Hurdles on Honeysuckle, and the Gold Cup on A Plus Tard, Blackmore has now secured the third jewel in the festival’s crown and earning her the title the ‘Queen of Cheltenham’. What an inspiration Rachael is.
