Harrington and Blackmore back lucrative Ladies Cup at Leopardstown

Jessica Harrington and Rachael Blackmore have provided their backing to the new €50,000 Microsoft Ladies Cup, which will fittingly take place on ladies' evening at Leopardstown on May 17.

The Microsoft Ladies Cup will be the most valuable race of its kind in Europe and will form an important role as being the centrepiece at a fixture where much-needed funds are raised for Breast Cancer Awareness.

The introduction of the race has been hailed as a "great initiative" by Harrington, arguably the best dual-purpose trainer in the business, as well as receiving support from two-time Cheltenham Festival-winning rider Blackmore.

Harrington, who was the guest speaker at the ladies' evening event in 2017, said: "This is a great initiative by Leopardstown and it’s wonderful to have a race capable of attracting so many high quality lady riders.

"There is a superb purse for the race and we'll certainly be aiming to have runners and support the event as much as possible."

Rachael Blackmore: has backed the new €50,000 Microsoft Ladies CupCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Blackmore, who has carried the mantle for female riders in Ireland since Katie Walsh and Nina Carberry exited the stage at Punchestown last season, also hopes to be in attendance.

She said: "The Microsoft Cup is a fantastic initiative. This is a wonderful opportunity for all lady riders and I very much hope to be there on the evening, all being well."

The Ladies Cup, run over a mile and a half, is open to professional and amateur female riders and will be the final race on a card that will also stage the Listed Saval Beg Stakes.

Leopardstown boss Pat Keogh said: "Leopardstown ladies' evening is now in its third year and has gone from strength to strength. The introduction of the Microsoft Cup is recognition of how the event has established itself. We're very grateful to Microsoft and all our partners for making this happen."

For must-have offers tap the free bets button on the racecard on the website and app or go to racingpost.com/free-bets