Rachael Blackmore returns from lengthy absence at Naas

By Sporting Life

Horse Racing

Mon December 16, 2024 · 3h ago

Rachael Blackmore returns from a near three-month absence aboard Slade Steel at Naas today and the Betfair ambassador reveals her expectations.

The Grand National and Cheltenham Gold Cup-winning jockey has been sidelined since sustaining a neck injury in a fall from the Henry de Bromhead-trained Hand Over Fist at Downpatrick on September 20.

Blackmore is teaming up with a familiar ally in Slade Steel on her first ride back, with the pair having won the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in March.

The six-year-old was partnered by Darragh O’Keeffe when second on his chasing debut last month, but Blackmore will again take the reins in the Bar One Racing ‘100% Acca Boost On Self Service Terminals’ Beginners Chase.

Blackmore has a second ride on the card for De Bromhead as Belle The Tigress contests the Gener8 Engineering Mares Maiden Hurdle having finished fifth on her first attempt last month.

READ: Blackmore comeback winner on the Steel?

Betfair Ambassador Rachael Blackmore on Monday Rides

Naas

12.30 – Slade Steel

"I’m obviously delighted to be back racing in Naas on Monday, especially for Slade Steel, who runs in the beginners’ chase. He was brilliant in winning the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham in March, and I’m really looking forward to riding him again now.

"I watched him when he made his chasing debut at Navan last month, and I thought that he ran well, but I know that there is more to come from him. I schooled him on Saturday and he jumped really well. The experience of that run the last day should hopefully stand to him now. Getting back to ride a horse like him is really exciting."

2.30 – Belle The Tigress

"Belle The Tigress made her racecourse debut in a maiden hurdle at Navan last month, and she ran well. She finished fifth, she was beaten 15 lengths, but she kept on well and she should show the benefit of that experience now.

"This could turn out to be a very good race, but Belle The Tigress seems to be in good form at home and we hope that she can step forward now from her first run. She is a nicely-bred filly, and we hope that she can be in the shake-up here."

Safer gambling

We are committed in our support of safer gambling. Recommended bets are advised to over-18s and we strongly encourage readers to wager only what they can afford to lose.

If you are concerned about your gambling, please call the National Gambling Helpline / GamCare on 0808 8020 133.

Further support and information can be found at begambleaware.org and gamblingtherapy.org.

Like what you've read?