Blackmore brings up double on Midland Millie

Rachael Blackmore grabbed a Punchestown double on Midland Millie who fended off Bellaney Gem in the Ladbrokes Handicap Hurdle over an extended two and a half miles.

Blackmore went for home before the last but the pair were soon followed through by Bellaney Gem and JJ Slevin.

Midland Millie held the pursuer on the run-in to win by a length and a half at 9/2. Bellaney Gem was a 10/1 chance. She'stherightone (40/1) and Fighting Fit (11/1) gave their backers an each-way dividend in third and fourth respectively.

Trainer Arthur Moore said: “I bought her and Fag An Bealach as foals from William Flood on the same day about six years ago and they have both now won in the space of a few days.

“She’s a nice mare and will pay her way through the winter. She’s owned by the nicest man in the world, Mr Trappe. He’s so genuine and I trained a winner for him in Thurles about ten years ago which is the only other winner that he’s had. He gets so much pleasure out of it.

“Rachael rode out for us when she was at college in Dublin for a couple of winters and I’ve always wanted her to ride a winner for us.

“I have ten in training at the moment but they are a nice bunch and all seem healthy and well.”

Additional reporting by Alan Magee