Rachael Blackmore voted most iconic Gold Cup winner in 100-year history after Cheltenham triumph on A Plus Tard

9 months ago 77

RACHAEL BLACKMORE’S triumph in Cheltenham’s Gold Cup has been crowned the most iconic in the race’s 100-year history.

Her incredible run came just a year after she made history by winning the Grand National.

And fans have now crowned Blackmore’s achievement the greatest in the Gold Cup.

A Betfair poll of over 1,500 people deemed it the crowning glory of the Cheltenham race’s 100-year history.

That’s despite going up against legendary horses including Arkle, Desert Orchird, Kauto Star and Denman.

Blackmore said: “The Gold Cup is just such a special race. It’s one as a jocket that you’d love to ride in someday.

“And to be able to say you’ve won it is just incredibly special.

“There’s been 100 years of Gold Cup history and I’d love to make some more.”

Reflecting on her journey from fan, to winner, she added: “I remember listening to it in school while in class.

“I had an earpiece and I had my hair down so it was hidden and I would listen to the racing at Cheltenham all week.

“For the Gold Cup I remember going down to my aunt’s house which was only two minutes away from our secondary school.”

Meanwhile, fellow Gold Cup winner Ruby Walsh reflected on his time racing Kauto Star.

He said: “The Gold Cup was always on a pedestal in our house.

“I think horse racing was lucky to have the rivalry between Denman and Kauto Star, when you look at the publicity it drove.

“Everyone was asking would Kauto stay, wouldn’tvhe stay, huge fields, there were so many unknowns.

“When you have an association with an incredible horse like Kauto Star, you’re almost as thrilled for him when he was able to regain the Gold Cup.

“To go back and win a second one, to make himself, I guess that little bit different.”