Cheltenham Festival 2021: Jockey Rachael Blackmore claims double
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Allaho, ridden by Rachael Blackmore, won the Ryanair Chase by 12 lengths
Trailblazing jockey Rachael Blackmore said she was "pinching herself" after a Thursday double continued her winning run at this year's Cheltenham Festival.
She picked up a fourth Grade One win of the week with a runaway triumph on Allaho in the Ryanair Chase.
The 31-year-old Irish rider scored again in the mares' novices hurdle on Telmesomethinggirl.
It left her with more wins at Cheltenham 2021 than all the trainers based in Great Britain.
Blackmore is two victories clear of her nearest riding rival despite four falls, and is favourite to become the first woman to end the week as top jockey.
"I can't even comprehend that now. It really is an overwhelming experience. I'm pinching myself, it's crazy stuff." said the first female jockey to land the Champion Hurdle, with Tuesday's triumph on Honeysuckle.
Win number five for Blackmore came on Telmesomethinggirl
Victory on 3-1 favourite Allaho, trained by Willie Mullins, was another masterclass of poise and timing.
A fifth win of the 2021 Festival came on Telmesomethinggirl, for Henry de Bromhead.
"How would I describe this week? Out of this world," she said. "It's incredible. I'm very grateful to be getting these opportunities."
The rider from County Tipperary is aboard leading challenger A Plus Tard, for De Bromhead, in Friday's Cheltenham Gold Cup.
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What they said about Blackmore
Legendary 20-time champion jockey AP McCoy on ITV Racing: "The winners tell you she is the best jockey around at the moment."
The Festival's all-time leading rider Ruby Walsh said the clarity of her decision-making was impressive, highlighting what she did on board Telmesomethinggirl.
"She moved in, watched everything in front of her and picked the right horse in front of her to find the gap she needs," he said.
"It is all the right decisions she is making. All the way to the last when the mare gets lonely she taps her on the shoulder, trying to find concentration."
Trainer Henry de Bromhead: "I'm delighted for her, she's such a good rider, an ultimate professional and deserves everything she gets."
Rest of the action on day three
Danny Mullins, replacing the injured Jonathan Moore, enjoyed his first Cheltenham Festival win on Flooring Porter
Flooring Porter won the Stayers' Hurdle as the Irish continued their dominance, leading Great Britain 17-4 in victories after three days.
The 12-1 chance, ridden by Danny Mullins for trainer Gavin Cromwell, finished ahead of Sire Du Berlais with 2019 champion Paisley Park third.
There was drama in the day's opening race, the Marsh Novices' Chase, when the odds-on favourite Envoi Allen fell at the fourth fence.
Chantry House took the honours at 9-1, giving British trainer Nicky Henderson his 70th Festival win.
The Irish were back in the winning routine with Mrs Milner landing the handicap hurdle for jockey Bryan Cooper and trainer Paul Nolan.
Another came via The Shunter, trained by Emmet Mullins with Jordan Gainford on board, earning his team a £100,000 bonus by taking the Plate after his recent Kelso success.
And the concluding Kim Muir Chase went to the Denise Foster-trained Mount Ida, sent off the 3-1 favourite but a 1,000-1 chance in-running before Jack Kennedy coaxed his mount back into contention for a remarkable win.