RACHAEL Blackmore became the first ever female rider to win the Leading Jockey Award at a Cheltenham Festival after she rode six winners this week.

Five of her six wins were in Grade 1s and she nominated Honeysuckle’s Champion Hurdle success as the highlight. After receiving the award, Blackmore said: “It’s unbelievable. I share a house with Paddy Mullins and he has got a McCoy trophy and we are going to have a Ruby trophy on the mantelpiece now which is very funny.

“It’s phenomenal. I can’t even comprehend being leading jockey at Cheltenham – that’s crazy stuff. Henry de Bromhead is an incredible trainer. I’m just part of that team and getting on those horses. At the start of the week, I was hoping I would get one [winner] and every jockey thinks that, but when that happens it’s some weight off your shoulders and everything is a bonus after that.”

Blackmore finished two wins clear of Jack Kennedy who had four, and Paul Townend was in third with three wins.

The Leading Trainer award was somehow clawed back by Willie Mullins who took the final two races to draw level with Henry de Bromhead, winning the title on countback for second place finishes. Mullins was securing the award for the eighth time.