RACING BLACK TO THE FEST...

LEGENDARY Irish jockey Rachael Blackmore will take up a new role as Head of Ladies Day at the Cheltenham Festival as the track aims to attract more female racegoers.

- BY BRIAN FLANAGAN

Blackmore retired from riding in May after a record-breaking and trailblazing career as a National Hunt jockey.

Blackmore's exploits in the saddle saw her become the first woman to ride winners of the Grand National, Gold Cup, Champion Hurdle and Champion Chase while she was also leading rider at the Cheltenham Festival.