Thomson Reuters
Grand National-winning jockey Rachael Blackmore has had ankle surgery after falling off Merry Poppins at the Killarney races, the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) said on Saturday.
The Co Tipperary jockey suffered injuries when favourite Merry Poppins fell in the 2m4f handicap hurdle on Friday evening, and was treated on the track before being taken to Tralee Hospital while fully conscious.
“Rachael Blackmore sustained a fractured ankle and hip injury following her fall in Killarney on Friday evening. She has had surgery overnight and is in good spirits this morning,” IHRB senior medical officer Jennifer Pugh said in a tweet.
Update from @ihrb_ie Senior Medical Officer, Dr. Jennifer Pugh
“Rachael Blackmore sustained a fractured ankle and hip injury following her fall in Killarney on Friday evening. She has had surgery overnight and is in good spirits this morning.”
— IHRB (@ihrb_ie) July 17, 2021
The 32-year-old Blackmore made Grand National history by becoming the first female jockey to win the race by steering Minella Times across the finishing line at Aintree in April.
Horse Racing by Mark Philips
The Irish Oaks holds centre stage on Saturday at The Curragh. Eight fillies go to post at 3.25pm. Between the O Brien family, that is father Aidan and sons Donnacha and Joseph, they account for six of the eight runners. Snowfall trained by Aidan O Brien was seriously impressive basically running away with the Epsom Oaks and if replicating that effort looks the one to beat.
Kilgobnet, Co Waterford owner/breeder Michael Ryan runs his popular dual purpose horse Dewcup in the final race of the afternoon.
The first of eight races at the Curragh is due off at 1.10pm.
On Sunday the action on the flat is back at the Curragh (First race 1.35pm) while there is a National Hunt card at Tipperary which is underway at 1.20pm.
Both are eight race card affairs.
After sending out four winners on Friday, Henry De Bromhead is seeking further success at Tipperary where he is well represented on the all steeplechase card. Placed in his last two races Pat Coyne should go well for Dungarvan trainer John Queally in the 3.30 race.
For all you soccer buffs out there did you know that Gaheris trained by Joseph O Brien to win a maiden race at Leopardstown on Thursday is owned by Real Madrid right back and Spanish International Alvaro Odriozola.
Greyhound Racing
Due to the high temperatures today (Saturday), in the interest of greyhound welfare racing is cancelled in Kilcohan Park this evening.
The card will now be run on Saturday July 24th.
