A Plus Tard Retires: Rachael Blackmore hails Gold Cup winner with whom she made history

• Blackmore calls A Plus Tard "Incredible"

• De Bromhead-trained 10-year-old won four Grade 1s

• Gold Cup victory in 2022 was finest hour

Rachael Blackmore paid tribute to A Plus Tard - the horse the Betfair ambassador rode to victory in the 2022 Cheltenham Gold Cup - after the 10-year-old was retired by owners Cheveley Park Stud.

Blackmore said: "He had everything you could ask for in a horse, speed, stamina, really accurate jumper.

"To feel him accelerate like he did after the last in the Gold Cup is a feeling I'll never forget, I feel so lucky to have been on his back. He was incredible and such a special horse to me. He will enjoy a very well deserved retirement now."

The Irish jockey, who writes an exclusive column for Betfair, was on board for A Plus Tard's crowning moment at the Festival when he put in a stunning performance to win the Gold Cup by 15-lengths.

The win also meant Blackmore became the first woman jockey to win the Gold Cup.

Happy retirement to Betfair Chase and Gold Cup hero A Plus Tard! pic.twitter.com/lxp8d2Bn6x

-- Betfair Racing (@BetfairRacing) January 18, 2024

Across a glorious career, A Plus Tard won eight of his 23 starts including four Grade 1s - and came second eight times.

He earned £957,124 in prize money and reached a highest rating of 180.

Stunning Betfair Chase win was a highlight

As well as his Gold Cup, Grade 1 victories included the Paddy's Rewards Club Chase at Leopardstown in 2019, the Savills Chase the following year and the Betfair Chase in which he stormed to victory by 22-lengths in 2021.

He also won the Novices' Handicap Chase, which no longer exists, at the Cheltenham Festival making him a two-time winner at the prestigious meeting.

This year's Festival takes place from 12-15 March and will stir fond memories of A Plus Tard for Blackmore and her fans.

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