Grand National golden girl Rachael Blackmore taken to hospital as her horse dies in fall at Aintree
Grand National winner Rachael Blackmore has been taken to hospital after suffering a fall in the Grade 1 Juvenile Hurdle at Aintree on Thursday.
Blackmore was riding Willy De Houelle for Willie Mullins in the second race of the afternoon.
Reports differed on the 35-year-old ‘s condition immediately after the incident with Racing TV claiming she was attended to on track. Sadly, her mount, Willy De Houelle, suffered fatal injuries.
ITV later updated viewers on the 2021 Grand National winner’s health and confirmed that she had walked into an ambulance on her way to hospital.
‘Rachael Blackmore walked into the ambulance, looked pretty sore doing so,’ presenter Ed Chamberlain said. ‘Hopefully she will be okay. News on her horse as soon as we get it.’
Blackmore only recently returned from a serious neck injury at the end of December after missing several months of the season. She enjoyed a superb Cheltenham festival, claiming two wins on Bob Olinger and Air Of Entitlement.
Grand National winner Rachael Blackmore has been taken to hospital after suffering a nasty fall
The 35-year-old rode Minella Times to glory for trainer Henry De Bromhead at Aintree in 2021
Blackmore enjoyed a successful Cheltenham, claiming two wins, having only returned from a serious neck injury in late December
Blackmore is due to ride Minella Indo on Saturday as she attempts to add to her success at Aintree four years ago.
She is also booked to ride The Folkes Tiara in the 4.45 and St Jessica in the closing 5.15 on Thursday.
Blackmore’s achievements have seen her awarded with an honorary MBE, and she was also crowned the BBC Sports Personality World Sport Star of the Year.
More to follow.
