Folsom Blue (centre) strikes the front at the last© Photo Healy Racing
Rachael Blackmore was seen at her best when completing a double on the day as Folsom Blue bounced back to form in the Newgrange Veterans Handicap Chase at Navan.
The Mouse Morris-trained gelding was recording his fifth career win but first in over three years, although he did finish fourth behind stablemate Rogue Angel in the Boylesports Irish Grand National last year.
The Old Vic gelding, who did well to survive a mistake earlier in this three-mile event, appeared to have little chance in a moderate fourth before two out but really got motoring approaching the last where he landed in front.
The Gigginstown-owned ten-year-old stayed on strongly to beat Canaly who wasn’t helped by a mistake two out, by nearly four lengths. Some Drama held every chance but couldn’t find any extra on the run-in to finish a further eight lengths back in third.
Blackmore was completing a 49/1 double having been successful earlier in the afternoon aboard On The Go Again and is now four ahead on the 25 winner mark in the conditional riders championship.
Her nearest rival for that title Donagh Meyler was also successful in the previous 2m1f handicap chase on Ontopoftheworld
Blackmore said, “It was either a very bad ride or a very good one. It was a slog out there. I'm delighted.
“I'm very happy to ride a winner for Gigginstown as they've given me plenty of opportunities. The luck is with me today.”
Morris said, "It's good to see him back. All he does is stay, and it's good to get winners at this time of the season.”
(GC & AM)
