Jockey Rachael Blackmore showcased her class on day three of the Cheltenham Festival, securing a superb double in front of a packed crowd.
The Tipperary rider claimed victory in the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle aboard Air Of Entitlement before guiding Bob Olinger to glory in the feature Stayers’ Hurdle. Both triumphs came for trainer Henry de Bromhead, adding to his already impressive record at the Festival.
Meanwhile, Fact Or File, the outright favorite, lived up to expectations in the Ryanair Chase, delivering yet another major win for the all-conquering Willie Mullins stable.
However, the celebrations were overshadowed by tragedy as Springwell Bay suffered a fatal fall in the Jack Richards Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase. The incident has reignited controversy, with animal rights group Animal Aid condemning the festival’s safety record, citing the horse as the 77th fatality at Cheltenham since 2000.
Attention now turns to the final day, where the prestigious Gold Cup takes center stage. Defending champion Galopin des Champs, ridden by Paul Townend, leads a nine-strong field for Willie Mullins, with the race scheduled for 4 PM.
Other key contests include the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle at 3:20 and the JCB Triumph Hurdle, which kicks off the day’s action at 1:20.
