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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Jon Lees

Cheltenham Festival 2023: Punters back Rachael Blackmore to win second Gold Cup

Punters are throwing their money at Rachael Blackmore winning the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup for the second time on Friday.

The history-making jockey rode her second winner of the 2023 Cheltenham Festival on Envoi Allen in Thursday’s Ryanair Chase.

It was yet more evidence that the Henry De Bromhead stable is right back to form, with three wins so far, including Honeysuckle on Tuesday.

And bookmakers were even speculating that Blackmore’s mount could topple Galopin Des Champs if the momentum continues.

The odds of stablemate A Plus Tard tumbled within minutes of Envoi Allen crossing the finish line. His price to complete back-to-back successes in the Gold Cup virtually halved.

He was cut to 9-2 second favourite from 7-1 by William Hill and 4-1 from 7-1 by Coral.

William Hill spokesperson, Lee Phelps, said: “A Plus Tard quickly shortened in the betting after Envoi Allen’s win in the Ryanair on Thursday.

“You’ve to be wary of him given his win last year as well as the form of Henry de Bromhead yard, but 9-2 still looks short enough on the back of his abject effort in the Betfair Chase.”

Coral not only cut A Plus Tard but also his stablemate Minella Indo who won the Gold Cup in 2021 and finished second in the race last year. He is now 16-1 from 22-1.

Spokesperson David Stevens said: "The Henry De Bromhead team have hit top form in style at Prestbury Park this week, and as a result, his two previous Gold Cup winners have attracted decent support for this year's race.

“If he continues to shorten, it's not impossible that A Plus Tard could even challenge Galopin Des Champs for favouritism.”

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