BREAKING: Tipperary's Rachael Blackmore dedicates first Cheltenham win to late cousin

Rachael Blackmore has ridden her first winner at this year’s Cheltenham Festival.

The Killenaule jockey partnered Air of Entitlement to win the opening race on Thursday’s card, the Ryanair Mares’ Novice Hurdle, at very attractive odds of 16/1.

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It was an all-Tipperary success, with the horse racing in the colours of Robcour, which is owned by Clonmel businessman Brian Acherson and his family.  

Speaking to ITV Racing, Blackmore dedicated the win to her cousin Robert Blackmore, who passed away at the weekend, and whose funeral was held today.

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She described winning a race at Cheltenham as “a magical place.

“She did it really well, she came through the race lovely,” she stated.