A Plus Tard – Rachael

A Plus Tard – Rachael

As a scholar, French language class proved somewhat problematic.

In a forlorn attempt to conceal his inadequacies; vowels were adorned with headgear, without rhyme nor reason.

A passion for jump racing provided the requisite ‘light-bulb moment’. More specifically, when watching Rachael Blackmore sit atop A Plus Tard, in the Grade 1 Betfair Chase at Haydock Park (21 November 2021).

The well-backed 11/10 favourite, delivered a breathtaking performance over the 3 mile 1 furlong trip, to secure victory. Consequently, the 7-year-old bay gelding heads the market for next year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup. Appropriately enough; its moniker (I’m reliably informed), translates as ‘see you later’.

Blackmore’s association with the horse, dates back to November 2018 – finishing second in a 2 mile 4 furlong  novice chase at Gowran Park. Indeed the jockey has partnered A Plus Tard on all-but-two of his thirteen racecourse outings to-date.

A Honeysuckle and Rachael Blackmore appreciation post ?

The pair together:

? 13 races
? 13 wins
? 9 Grade Ones
? £833,714 in prize money
⭐️ A dream combination pic.twitter.com/rwvLtaT1ft

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) November 28, 2021

Since gaining her professional-licence in early 2015, the County Tipperary-born jockey’s career, has traversed on an upward trajectory.

The 2017 Irish Conditional Riders Champion, is closely-associated with the prolific Henry de Bromhead yard, based at County Waterford.

The partnership enjoyed unprecedented success during season 2020/21. At the Cheltenham Festival in March – Rachael Blackmore lifted the Ruby Walsh Trophy for ‘Top Jockey’, courtesy of her 6 winners, while Henry de Bromhead took the Trainers’ equivalent. In the weeks that followed, further history was made when  securing the Aintree Grand National, with 11/1 shot Minella Times.

Rachael’s Champion Hurdle success aboard ‘Honeysuckle’, attracted widespread plaudits – and following an exquisite new-season bow in the valuable Hatton’s Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse (29/11/2021), the pair present as worthy candidates, for back-to-back festival success in 2022.

Meanwhile, A Plus Tard is expected to feature in a prep-race over the busy festive-period; before attempting to go one-better (than 2021’s second place) – in National Hunt racing’s showpiece event next March.

Over and above her sporting prowess – Rachael Blackmore presents as a highly-identifiable role-model.

So to those with hope in their hearts – Bonne-chance.

We hope you enjoyed the article ‘A Plus Tard – Rachael.’ Do you think Blackmore can win the Gold Cup upon ‘A Plus Tard’ next year? Let us know!

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