Rachael Blackmore banned after outcry over mysterious Kilbeggan ride

RACHAEL BLACKMORE has been banned for five days after stewards finally drew a line under her mysterious Kilbeggan ride.

The trailblazing Grand National winner was found to have ridden for home a circuit too early.

Blackmore was found to have gone for home a circuit early on Lady Rita in this race at Kilbeggan

The incident occurred on May 12 and stewards initially cleared Blackmore of any wrongdoing on the night.

But a special investigation was launched into the ride and ultimately concluded Blackmore had been in the wrong.

This despite her insisting on the night that she had not misjudged the winning post.

Footage showed Blackmore urging her horse Lady Rita to stretch five lengths clear approaching the post for the second time in the 3m handicap hurdle.

Blackmore said the horse ‘got lairy’ in front.

Shortly after passing the line the seven-year-old mare drifted back into the pack under restraint and eventually finished fourth.

The Louise Kyons-trained horse had been backed into 8-1 from 25-1.

Blackmore was hauled before stewards and explained the bizarre incident by saying she wanted to ensure the race was run at a good gallop.

The IHRB concluded their probe on Wednesday morning – almost two weeks after the race – and found she had been in breach of Rule 212A(iv).

The rule states: “Any rider who fails to obtain their best possible placing as a result of negligent misjudgement (including a misjudgement of the winning post or the number of circuits, easing their mount without good reason or stopping riding) shall be guilty of an offence under this sub-rule.”

She also had to forfeit her riding fee.