Cheltenham stewards offer Rachael Blackmore advice following dramatic win

Rachael Blackmore was offered advice by the Cheltenham stewards as to what action she might take in the future should there be a repeat of the circumstances surrounding the dramatic match race for the SSS Super Alloys Novices' Chase.

Blackmore’s mount had been headed by My Drogo, after setting the pace, when the odds-on favourite came down at the second-last fence.

Gin On Lime made a mistake and sprawled on landing, but Blackmore managed to keep the partnership intact, pick the Henry de Bromhead-trained mare up and get her to jump the final obstacle safely to claim the prize.

Had Blackmore parted company with Gin On Lime the two-horse race would have been declared void. In November 2009, the British Horseracing Authority introduced new safety rules with jockeys no longer being allowed to remount horses after the start of a race.

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A report from the stewards following the race read: “An enquiry was held to consider the circumstances surrounding Rachael Blackmore, the rider of the winner, Gin On Lime, continuing in the race when her horse had made a very bad mistake at the penultimate fence.

“Blackmore and the veterinary officer were interviewed, and recordings of the incident were viewed. The veterinary officer stated that a post-race examination of Gin On Lime failed to reveal any abnormalities. The stewards noted Blackmore’s explanation that she felt the mare get to its feet quickly without any ill effects and having trotted soundly away, she was satisfied that Gin On Lime was fit to continue in the race.

“She was advised that in similar circumstances she should take more time to assess the welfare of her mount.”

Speaking immediately after the race, Blackmore – who in March became the first female jockey to be crowned leading rider at the Cheltenham festival – said: “It was a very strange race and it was very unfortunate for the Skeltons what happened [with My Drogo], but the ball has fallen right for me I suppose.

“She just crumpled under me and it was quite a slow motion thing. She’s an extremely honest mare to go down and jump the last and canter over the line.”

Trainer De Bromhead, also speaking after the race, said: “It was mad, wasn’t it? We looked beaten, I don’t think the favourite deserved it [to fall] at all, he’d jumped brilliantly throughout. It’s one of those things you don’t expect to see, but it worked out in our favour.

“Obviously many days out in the hunting field stood her in good stead there, she was brilliant. You wouldn’t believe it would you?”

He added of his winner: “I’m not sure she was quite herself. She’s quite a buzzy lady and she’d normally run with a lot more zest, she was jumping right and we always felt she was better going left.

“I’m just not sure she was herself, we said we’d come over here to have a look, with maybe a view to the mares’ chase back in the spring. But we’ve been on the go all summer and I think it might have been one run too many. It was great for her to win.”

Trainer Dan Skelton, meanwhile, was in philosophical mood when giving his assessment of My Drogo.

“He jumped the fence fine and knuckled down on landing. You saw what happened,” he told Racing TV.

“I was delighted with him the whole way round. He jumped beautifully. He was a bit big at a couple down the back. He jumped the ditch at the top of the hill better than the mare.

“He came there on the bridle and would have won. We all know that, but at least he’s all right. I’m totally relaxed about it.

“Frustrated he’s ended up not completing the race and that goes on his record, but that doesn’t mean he’s a lesser horse. He cantered up the straight. He’s gone a nice, strong gallop, which is unusual in a two-horse race. Fair play to Rachael staying on. She made a similar mistake. That’s racing. We move on.”