Blackmore eyes Cheltenham glory

Rachael Blackmore has her sights set on notching up a first Cheltenham Festival winner sooner rather than later.

The leading lady rider made a huge breakthrough last season and was on the board at the inaugural Dublin Racing Festival with a rare ride for Willie Mullins on Patrick's Park.

While Dawn Shadow is her only confirmed ride at Cheltenham, she gives Dot Love's mare a good chance in the Trull House Stud Mares' Novices' Hurdle.

"It's an exciting time of the year for everyone, I'll be happy to be part of it and hopefully I can pick up a ride or two," Blackmore told Racing UK.

"It's not easy for anyone once they lose their claim, but I've got great people behind me so I can't complain.

"Winners at festivals are what every jockey wants, so I was delighted to get it and it was a great opportunity to do it for Willie Mullins and capitalise on it.

"I'd love to list five horses going to Cheltenham but that's not the case for me, I just hope to pick up one or two.

"I've got Dawn Shadow in the mares' novices' hurdle and I'm very excited about her, I think she'll run a nice race. She'll be a big price, but she'll be a good each-way bet.

"I keep an eye on English racing and Bryony (Frost) is doing fantastic over there, every Saturday she seems to ride a big winner which is brilliant for her, she's very talented.

"Every jockey wants a winner at Cheltenham, so we'll keep going till I can achieve it I think."