Grand National-winning jockey Rachael Blackmore is set to face a spell out with injury after having ankle surgery following a fall at Killarney Racecourse.
Having steered Baltinglass Hill to a victory in the race prior, Blackmore was riding Merry Poppins in a handicap hurdle over two miles and four furlongs, when she was involved in a heavy fall with over a full circuit to go. Medics were on the scene immediately for almost half an hour before she was transferred to Tralee Hospital while fully conscious.
“Rachael Blackmore sustained a fractured ankle and hip injury following her fall in Killarney on Friday evening. She has had surgery overnight and is in good spirits this morning,” IHRB senior medical officer Jennifer Pugh said in a tweet.
In March earlier this year, the Tipperary rider became the first female to ride the winner of the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham. She was also crowned leading jockey at the festival after riding six winners. A month later, 32-year-old Blackmore made Grand National history by becoming the first female jockey to win the race by steering Minella Times across the finishing line at Aintree.
‘I can’t believe I am Rachael Blackmore… I never thought this would be possible for me’
This is class ??
— Her Sport (@HerSportDotIE) April 10, 2021