Curragh taking the wrong course in pursuit of glamour angle

Few stories in Irish racing in recent years have given me as much pleasure as Rachael Blackmore's ascent to the top of her profession, a remarkable tale of triumph against the odds in one of sport's most unforgiving arenas.

I am proud to have recognised her potential early on. My files reveal I gave her a first favourable mention in this column on September 5, 2012 when she was a little-known amateur rider. On November 11, 2015, in an article chronicling the historic contribution of female riders in Ireland, I wrote the following: "Early days yet, but perhaps a role-model in the making." The previous week Blackmore had ridden her fourth winner as a professional.

This is not a trumpet-blowing exercise. Many colleagues and many racing professionals – Davy Russell immediately springs to mind – also noted her natural talent and determined attitude before she was widely known.