A sensational recovery by jockey Stephen Mulqueen in the Racing Welfare Supporting Mental Health Awareness Novices Handicap chase at Perth Racecourse yesterday saw Lucinda Russell- trained Spark Of Madness take home the win.
Mulqueen lost both irons in an incident at the second fence and jumped the next two without any stirrups. He recovered and rallied to guide the 13-8 favourite to a three-quarters of a length win.
Speaking after the race Stephen Mulqueen said: “I did see the ground coming up towards me a couple of times, but I was determined to stay on! To be fair he was a terrific partner as he jumped great and never let me down. Before the race all I said to Lucinda and his owners was that I’d try and keep things simple.”
The attention at Perth is now turned to today’s Edinburgh Gin Ladies Day where record-breaker Rachael Blackmore is set to make her first appearance.
Blackmore who was the first female jockey to win the Aintree Grand National and Cheltenham Gold Cup, will compete in the £15,000 DM Hall 125th Anniversary Novices’ Chase with Brave Way.
Blackmore landed the 2021 Grand National aboard Minella Times before adding this year’s Gold Cup with A Plus Tard.
Brave Way carries the colours of locally based Kenny Alexander – owner of Blackmore’s multiple Grade 1 partner Honeysuckle – and she is also the first Perth runner for Co Waterford trainer Henry De Bromhead.