‘Biggest roar of the week’ – Rachael Blackmore suffers horror Cheltenham fall but her and Journey With Me both fine

RACHAEL BLACKMORE and Journey with Me received rapturous applause from the Cheltenham Festival crowd despite falling at the final hurdle on Wednesday.

The horse which led for almost the entire race looked in a good place to challenge for the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle.

PA

Blackmore flew off Journey With Me after going over the final flight[/caption]

PA

Both horse and jockey appeared to hit the floor hard[/caption]

Rex

Blackmore clambered back to her feet following the heavy impact[/caption]

Rex

And Journey With Me also thankfully came away from the fall without any serious injuries[/caption]

But pre-race favourite and eventual winner Sir Gerhard came through jockeyed by Paul Townend as trainer Willie Mullins picked up his 80th Festival winner.

Blackmore and Journey With Me attempted to cling onto second from Three Stripe Life but then ended up falling at the final flight.

It looked like a very awkward and dangerous fall for both the horse and jockey.

But shortly after it was confirmed they were both OK as Blackmore and her horse got back to their feet.

And PA journalist Jack Dawling tweeted: “Journey With Me is up and met with the biggest roar of the week.”

Reacting to the news on social media, one person said: “Best news all day.”

Another added: “Thank goodness they are okay – terrible fall!!”

While a relieved third horse racing fan said: “So glad both horse and jockey are OK.”

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It is already Blackmore’s second fall of the week following a bad one on Telmesomethinggirl on Tuesday.

But there has also been success for the sensational Irish jockey at this year’s Cheltenham Festival.

Earlier on during day one she led Honeysuckle to their defence of the Champion Hurdle.