Jockey Of The Month: Cheltenham Superstars Nominated for Award

Features | 5^th April 2022

These three had electric months in the saddle which included top tier success at one of the sport's premier fixtures, the Cheltenham Festival. You can only vote for one though ...

The three jockeys nominated for March Jockey of the Month 2022 are Rachael Blackmore, Paul Townend and Tom Cannon.

All three nominees had big race winners throughout the month. Find out more about each jockeys’ month below.

Jockey Rachael Blackmore won the March Jockey Of The Month vote with a share of 53%. Congratulations Rachael!

Rachael Blackmore

A jockey who needs no introduction. The BBC 2021 World Sports Star of the Year proved her credentials once again on the biggest stage, backing up a magnificent 2021 with another outstanding Cheltenham Festival performance.

Her week was underpinned by her flourishing relationship with two of the National Hunt racing’s best known equine stars. Wonder-mare Honeysuckle justified favouritism to defend her Champion Hurdle crown before A Plus Tard avenged last year’s second place finish to win the 2022 Gold Cup. In doing so, Rachael became the first woman to ride the Gold Cup winner.

She is now the only current jockey in the weighing room to have won the Champion Hurdle, Gold Cup and Grand National.

Paul Townend

Townend, one the sports most successful jockeys looked imperious for much of the Cheltenham Festival, running away with the top jockey title having amassed 5 winners that included three Grade 1 victories.

Allaho showed his class as he led all the way to win the Ryanair Chase for a second year running, Vauban looked a superstar in the making when winning the Triumph and Energumene proved the best in a quality field as he obliged in the Queen Mother Champion Chase.

Tom Cannon

It was all about the Arkle for top jockey Tom Cannon. The talented Edwardstone, ridden by Tom, powered away from the opposition on the run to the line to give trainer Alan King a third success in the two-mile novice championship.

However, it was not straightforward for the 5-2 favourite, as he was almost brought down at the fourth fence. However, he showed his superiority from there by settling down nicely before pulling clear to win comfortably.

Successful jockey Tom Cannon said: “I’ve got a better relationship with him than I have with any human being! For me it feels great – it feels like it’s been a long time coming”.