Blackmore warms up for National with Queen win Rachael Blackmore warmed up for her big race ride on Alpha Des Obeaux in the Randox Health Grand National this Saturday in the best possible fashion when successful aboard Kilganer Queen in the Follow Limerick Racecourse On Facebook Mares Handicap Chase. Blackmore, who also teams up with trainer Mouse Morris in the Topham Chase at Aintree tomorrow on Rogue Angel, produced the eight-year-old mare to challenge approaching the straight. There were three horses in the air together at the second last but the Denise O’Shea-trained Kilganer Queen got on top on the run-in. The 4/1 chance kept on well to beat Erkindale Lady by a length and a half, while Field Exhibition was another four lengths adrift in third. Bold Sky held every chance at the penultimate fence but the 6/4 favourite folded tamely to finish fifth. O'Shea said, "That was a little bit unexpected as I thought she might need the run and was a small bit concerned over the ground as it was gluey. "She is a fantastic mare and is a pleasure to have. We have already got black-type with her and whatever she did over hurdles was going to be a bonus. "Michael (Mee, owner) has four horses with me and is a great man to me. Rachael is also fantastic and has been a huge asset to me. She might go to Punchestown next." (TW & AM)
