Rachael Blackmore thrilled the crowd with a historic Gold Cup win on A Plus Tard.
The 3-1 favourite charged into contention in the Cheltenham Festival feature – and galloped on with gusto up the famous hill. A quick and fluent leap at the final fence took A Plus Tard to the lead, before he sprinted clear by 15 lengths. Blackmore's winner was the third winning favourite on the card from four races.
And it was yet another record for the top jockey, the first female to win the race and the Grand National. Before last year, a woman had not been leading rider at the Festival – but Blackmore took all the plaudits with her first title. "I'm so overwhelmed," Blackmore said after the Gold Cup.
"I feel so lucky to be getting to ride these horses at brilliant places like here, to be in Henry's yard. I don't know how or why I'm so lucky to be in the position I'm in, it's unbelievable.
"Not every jockey gets to be in this position. Last year I had a choice of the horses that came first and second in the Gold Cup – who is that person! I gave him a better ride this year and it worked out. This year I tried not to make the same mistake again and Henry had him spot on."
Gold Cup 2022 full result and odds
1. A Plus Tard 3-1f
2. Minella Indo 7-1
3. Protektorat 10-1
4. Galvin
5. Royale Pagaille
6. Al Boum Photo
7. Asterion Forlonge
8. Santini
9. Aye Right
Pulled up Chantry House, Tornado Flyer
