Rachael Blackmore is optimistic about her Cheltenham Gold Cup probabilities with A Plus Tard regardless of the climate this week.
The Irish jockey appears to defend the title she received in 2022, when A Plus Tard completed in entrance of Minella Indo and Protektorat and the horse stays standard with ideas this week.
There has been rain round Cheltenham racecourse all through Wednesday and Thurday, however Blackmore stays bullish about her probabilities on one in all racing’s largest phases after selecting up her second win of the week on Envoi Allen.
“He [Envoi Allen] is an incredible horse,” Blackmore instructed ITV Sport after the Ryanair Chase on Thursday.
“A phenomenal engine, always hoping he could do something like that, fair play to Henry and the team, he was electric.
“It’s lovely when you can take a little bit, he jumped really well, a happier horse, this is such a magic place, I feel so lucky to be here.
“I think he [A Plus Tard] seems to suit any conditions, I wouldn’t be worried by him, he hasn’t had the most ideal preparation, we’ll see.
“But he’s been working very well recently, we’re happy with him, we’ll see what happens.”
Thursday’s win doubled up victories for Blackmore after Tuesday’s emotional win with Honeysuckle within the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle.
Rachael Blackmore celebrates at Cheltenham
(PA)
Trainer Henry de Bromhead stated: “It’s the fairytale ending that never normally happens. It’s incredible. I’m so happy for the mare and Rachael and Kenny (Alexander, owner) and all of us. This (reception) is what she deserves. She’s such an unbelievable mare. I’m blown away.
“We’ve had a terrible year with Jack and everything. It’s been an incredibly tough time and we’re really grateful for the support everyone has given us.
“You dream that these kind of things will happen, but more often than not they don’t. It’s the result everybody wanted, but you’d daren’t believe that it will happen.”
