Gold Cup and Grand National suffered a fall at Downpatrick last week.
Rachael Blackmore Sidelined After Downpatrick Fall: Neck Injury Puts Champion Jockey Out of Action
Rachael Blackmore, the renowned Gold Cup and Grand National-winning jockey, has been forced to step away from racing for the foreseeable future following a fall at Downpatrick on Friday. The fall, which occurred during a handicap chase aboard Hand Over Fist, has left Blackmore with a neck injury, sidelining her for what is expected to be several weeks.
The incident has halted what was shaping up to be another promising season for Blackmore, who had already notched 23 winners and found herself tied at the top of the Irish jockeys' championship alongside Keith Donoghue and Sam Ewing. Now, her fans and the racing community will have to wait to see when she will be able to return to the saddle.
The Accident at Downpatrick
The fall happened during the handicap chase at Downpatrick when Blackmore was riding Hand Over Fist, a horse trained by Denis Howard. It’s unclear at this point how severe the neck injury is, but the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board has confirmed that she will be out of action for the next few weeks as she undergoes treatment and rehabilitation.
Niall Cronin, head of communications for the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board, provided an official statement, saying: "Following a fall at Downpatrick on Friday, Rachael Blackmore has sustained a neck injury and will not ride in the coming weeks while she undergoes rehabilitation for her injury."
A Critical Time in the Season
This injury comes at a time when Blackmore was showing excellent form. With 23 winners already under her belt, she was tied at the top of the jockeys' championship standings alongside Donoghue and Ewing. Her performance so far this season had been a testament to her skill and determination, and many had been excited to see if she could continue her charge towards another championship.
The timing of the injury could not have been worse for Blackmore, who had worked tirelessly to stay at the forefront of Irish racing. With races continuing in her absence, her rivals will have a chance to gain ground in the jockeys' championship while she is focused on her recovery.
Blackmore, known for her resilience and competitive spirit, will no doubt be aiming to get back to riding as soon as possible, but neck injuries can be unpredictable, and her medical team will likely prioritize her long-term health over a quick return to action.
Blackmore's Meteoric Rise and Impact on Racing
Rachael Blackmore’s rise in the sport has been nothing short of meteoric. She has become a household name not only in Ireland but across the global racing community. Her crowning achievements, including her historic Grand National victory aboard Minella Times in 2021 and her stunning Gold Cup win on A Plus Tard in 2022, cemented her as one of the most talented jockeys of her generation.
But it’s not just her victories that have captured the public’s imagination. Blackmore has shattered stereotypes in a sport historically dominated by men, inspiring a new generation of female jockeys. Her achievements have highlighted her skill, toughness, and ability to compete at the highest levels of horse racing.
Her absence will certainly be felt, not just by fans but by the entire racing
community, as she has become a beloved figure in the sport.
What Happens Next?
While there is currently no set timeline for her return, all eyes will be on her recovery. Given her competitiveness, it’s certain Blackmore will be pushing herself to get back into the saddle as quickly as her medical condition allows. But with the injury affecting her neck, her recovery will need to be carefully monitored to ensure she doesn’t return too early and risk further damage.
For the time being, fans and supporters will have to wait for updates on her condition as she focuses on rehabilitation. Hand Over Fist, the horse she was riding at the time of the fall, will also be evaluated as the team looks ahead to future races without their star jockey.
With Blackmore sidelined, the race for the jockeys' championship is likely to intensify between Donoghue and Ewing, who now have the opportunity to extend their lead while the competition’s biggest star recovers. For Blackmore, the challenge is not just physical but also emotional, as she watches the races unfold from the sidelines.
A Champion’s Comeback
Despite this setback, there is little doubt that Blackmore will be back. She has faced challenges before, and her resilience has always been one of her greatest strengths. Fans will be eagerly awaiting her return, ready to cheer her on once again as she picks up where she left off in her quest for more racing glory.
For now, all of horse racing will keep an eye on her recovery, hoping for positive news in the weeks ahead. Blackmore’s story is far from over, and while this latest chapter involves time away from the track, her eventual return will undoubtedly be met with great anticipation.
