Queen of Aintree Rachael Blackmore has played down her chances of becoming Ireland’s first woman champion jockey.
Blackmore returns to action at Fairyhouse today after becoming the first female rider to win the Grand National when she was victorious on Minella Times on Saturday.
Blackmore has six booked rides and is 10 winners behind the injured Paul Townend.
“I never did set myself massive targets and I’m not going to start now. You just try and get the best out of the horses you’re riding on the day,” she said. “Of course, I’d love to win a Gold Cup or jockeys’ title but it’s not something I target at the start of the year.
“The one thing that you learn very quickly is that you’re going to lose a lot more than you win. Racing never lets you get too carried away.”
Blackmore best prospect of a win today is on Henry de Bromhead’s Fangio De Vassy, a winner of a point-to-point for Robert Tyner in November who made a pleasing racecourse debut when fifth to Stattler at Leopardstown over Christmas.
He was sent off 5/6 favourite for a Gowran maiden at the end of January but bombed out in the heavy ground. The Racinger gelding is better than that and, on this drier surface, might prove too strong for Mahons Glory in the opener.
Peter O'Hehir's tips:
3.40.Fangio De Vassy
4.15.Barney Stinson
4.45.Manitopark
5.15.Strange Notions
5.45.Star Max
6.15.Speak Easy
6.45.Shanroe Al C
7.15.Hi Ho Phoenix (Nap)
Next Best
3.40.Mahons Glory
4.15.Champagne Sparkles
4.45.Burnt Ash
5.15.Rock Chica
5.45.Thatsy
6.15.Sompttueux
6.45.An Marcach
7.15.Fama Et Gloria
Double : Fangio De Vassy and Hi Ho Phoenix.
O’Hehir’s Lngshot : Goodnightngodbless (6.45.)
