'It's good to be back' - Rachael Blackmore enjoys first winner since injury

Rachael Blackmore returned to the winner's enclosure on just her fourth ride since returning from injury after talented chaser Eklat De Rire registered a Listed success at Wexford for Henry de Bromhead.

It was the record-breaking rider's first winner after surgery in July following a fall at Killarney in which she sustained a fractured ankle and hip injury.

Winning team: Henry de Bromhead, Zoe Smalley and Rachael Blackmore after Eklat De Rire's successful return at WexfordCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Having been out of luck on her Galway return aboard Balko Des Flos on Saturday, the 2021 Cheltenham Festival leading jockey finished third in two subsequent mounts at Wexford on Sunday and Monday.

Speaking after striking in the BetVictor MW Hickey Memorial Chase, which she won last year aboard Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Minella Indo, Blackmore told Racing TV: "It's brilliant, always nice to get the first winner back. I'm glad to get Eklat De Rire's season off to a good start as well.

"I was disappointed in myself with what happened at Cheltenham [in the RSA Chase when unseating], but he's a really nice horse with a big future."

She added: "I'm so lucky being associated with Henry's yard. His horses are incredible and it's great to be on the team. I had a lot to come back for. It's good to be back."

Eklat De Rire: set for a big season over fencesCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Grade 3 winner Eklat De Rire, rated 152, was trimmed into 25-1 from 50-1 by William Hill to emulate his stablemate in this season's Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Sent off the 10-11 favourite, he finished four and a half lengths clear of 145-rated rival Conflated.

Blackmore said: "It's great to get his head in front. He jumped well and it was definitely a stepping stone with more to come. He got tired after the last so will build on today. It's tough going for any horse having their first run back."

Results, analysis and replays

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