GRAND NATIONAL star Rachael Blackmore is set to ride in the UK for the first time since her Aintree heroics.
Blackmore will head across the Irish Sea to ride at the season closing Sandown card this Saturday.
She will partner Henry De Bromhead’s Plan Of Attack in the Grade 3 bet365 Gold Cup.
The Irish raider has been gambled on as a result, with all the 12-1 gone and the best you will find a general 5-1.
With jockeys continuing to benefit from their elite athlete status, there will be no need for a quarantine period and Blackmore will be all guns blazing at Punchestown next week too.
De Bromhead said: “Plan Of Attack seemed to be going well and all I can tell you is Rachael is very keen to go over and ride him. I wouldn’t be a great tipster myself but she seems keen!”
“We’re going to take our chance. It’s 3m 5f and I suppose, like we saw with Minella Times in the National, this guy hasn’t really been tried over this kind of trip.
“We’ve always thought it might suit him so, but it’s a very light weight and we’re hoping that we get the improvement for that extra trip.”
Blackmore is still in the running for an outside shot at the Irish champion jockey trophy. She trails the injured Paul Townend by 8.
De Bromhead added: “I’m not sure what Paul’s situation is, I don’t know if he’ll be back.
“It’s going to be tough even if he’s not back, but we’ll be trying to do our best and support her the best we can.
“You can all see for yourself what her strengths are, in the National it was like she could see around corners, she saw dangers before they happened.
“She’s brilliant to work with and knows how hard you have to work to succeed. She gets on with everyone and knows how to ride winners.
“I’ve said it all before, but I think she’s just brilliant – we’re very lucky to have her.”
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