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Jockey Rachel Blackmore Unhurt After Aintree Fall
Initial reports indicate jockey Rachel Blackmore was unharmed following a fall on the first day of the Grand National event at Aintree Racecourse. The incident occurred during the Boodles Anniversary Juvenile Hurdle race, prompting immediate attention from on-site medical personnel.
Blackmore Assessed After Hurdle Race Incident
Blackmore was unseated from her mount, Willy De Houelle, during the race. Tragically, the horse suffered fatal injuries as a result of the fall. There was immediate concern for Blackmore’s well-being as she appeared visibly shaken by the event and subsequently required medical evaluation at the racecourse.
Positive Update on Blackmore’s Condition
Following a thorough medical assessment, it has been confirmed that Blackmore, a native of Tipperary, sustained no significant injuries from the fall. Joe Chambers, racing manager for owners Rich and Susannah Ricci, provided an update to Racing TV, stating, “It’s disappointing regarding Constitution Hill [another horse who fell on Thursday], it’s unfortunate for that to happen to them again. We are acutely aware of the risks of falls – we sadly lost Willy De Houelle, a promising young horse, in the first race, and fortunately, Rachael Blackmore is okay.”
Eyewitness Account from ITV Racing
Presenter Ed Chamberlin, reporting on ITV Racing’s coverage of the Aintree meet, commented shortly after the race: “Rachael Blackmore entered the ambulance and appeared to be in some discomfort. We hope she is alright. We will provide news on her horse as soon as possible.”
Chamberlin later added, “Turning to the prior race, we regret to report that Willy De Houelle suffered a fatal injury. Our sympathies are with the owners, the Richis, and we hope Rachael is well. This sad news from the Juvenile Hurdle will undoubtedly dampen the spirits of Willie Mullins despite his victory in that race.”
Constitution Hill Falls For Second Consecutive Meet
Another Setback for Cheltenham Faller
Separately, day one at Aintree also witnessed another disappointing performance for Constitution Hill, who fell for the second consecutive major event, following a fall at the Cheltenham Festival last month. Trainer Nicky Henderson expressed his dismay, stating, “It is deeply disheartening. To experience this twice is unbelievable. Constitution Hill is truly an exceptional jumper. Yet, the minimal chance of such an incident has unfortunately materialized twice.”
Trainer Henderson Reflects on Constitution Hill’s Fall
Henderson continued, “Naturally, it is concerning. But how can one completely prevent it? He had been jumping superbly throughout. There were a couple of hurdles, though I didn’t see it clearly, where he seemed to approach too closely. A year ago, he would have accelerated through. He was performing well and shortening his stride, which we were encouraging. However, when racing at that pace three hurdles from the finish, such adjustments are risky.”
Racing is scheduled to continue at Aintree on Friday, with the highly anticipated Grand National steeplechase set for Saturday afternoon.