You know you've arrived when AP McCoy is pulling you in for a post-race selfie

Calling Rachael Blackmore a brilliant female jockey now feels dated. It’s simpler and better to call her The Best. Over the last 12 months she has proved herself to be the most tactically astute, pace-sensitive, deadly rider in the jumps weighing room.

On a blissful spring day, the glint from the Gold Cup trophy lit up Blackmore’s face as she kissed the cup over and over for photographers. A Plus Tard’s partner in a domineering Gold Cup win looks more comfortable these days in a starring role. The attention no longer inclines her to retreat to her shell.

If Sir Anthony McCoy is pulling you in for a post-race selfie, you know you’ve arrived. Blackmore has now won the Grand National, Champion Hurdle (twice) and Gold Cup in a 12-month rampage through the top jumps races. People outside the sport will ask: what’s the secret – the story? Is this just an F1 tale of a pilot being given the keys to the best vehicles?