Barely a year on from becoming the first female jockey to win the Aintree Grand National, Rachael Blackmore is still taking in the feat of adding a Cheltenham Gold Cup to her haul of racing achievements.

"Winning the National and the Gold Cup, they are both extremely special so I'm very lucky to be able to say I've won both," she said on returning to Ireland after the Festival concluded.
"It was incredibly special to have people back at Cheltenham, the crowds make places like that what they are. Even Thurles on Saturday, having people there made it special - people bring the atmosphere so it's fantastic to have them back, along with the owners.
"It's an incredible feeling walking back into the enclosure and there's a sea of people in front of you."
Blackmore is aware of the good fortune that is needed for any top level career alongside talent, after missing out on the Gold Cup last year.
"I suppose there's one Gold Cup every year, in your career you'll only get so many chances at riding in it. I was riding the favourite and not everyone gets that opportunity. The year before I was in a similar position but picked the wrong one, so to achieve it was very special," she said.
"Henry is an incredible trainer and both horses were in great shape both years. This time around I was lucky enough to be in front.
"Racing is such a revolving wheel, people always ask what's next so you're always looking forward but these are massive moments in my life. It will probably only sink in when I've finished but I can still feel the impact, it's not passing me by.
"I'm in a privileged position at Henry's yard. He has a lot of good horses and good owners which means I was riding a few favourites at Cheltenham, not every jockey gets that. I'm delighted to come home having had success. It's great when you can deliver.
"A lot of it is about being in the right place at the right time in racing. When I started riding for Henry a few summers ago, his horses were on fire and I just happened to be the one riding them, then it snowballed from there."
Blackmore's link-up with De Bromhead was down to fate as Gigginstown's Eddie O'Leary suggested to the trainer he should consider using the jockey on the way to Aintree in a taxi. The rest is history.
"If he didn't share that taxi with Eddie it could have been someone else that summer, that's what racing is. You have to prove yourself but you have to have the breaks and opportunities in the first place," said Blackmore.