- Blackmore rode Minella Indo to third place in the Grand National
- Race at Aintree ends Rachael Blackmore Serial Winners Fund
- Funds raised will be donated to the Injured Jockeys Fund and the Irish Injured Jockeys.
Betfair has rounded up the final figure for the Rachael Blackmore Serial Winners Fund to £250,000 as the charity initiative ended at Aintree on Saturday.
The fund, which celebrates and recognizes the determination and hard work of jockeys in the racing world, was officially launched last November on Betfair Chase day at Haydock Park.
Betfair made an initial donation of £100,000, before pledging to donate an additional £5,000 each time Blackmore rides a winner until Grand National Day.
The Irish jockey has collected £210.00 in total over the 140 days, including two wins at Cheltenham.
Betfair has confirmed that it has rounded up the final figure to £250,000.
Rachael Blackmore, right, rode Minella Indo to third place in the Grand National
I Am Maximus, ridden by Paul Townend, took victory in the Grand National at Aintree
Blackmore has managed to raise £250,000 for charities as part of the Serial Winners Fund.
Proceeds will be split equally between the Injured Jockeys Fund and Irish Injured Jockeys, charities improving the lives of jockeys in the UK and Ireland.
“The Serial Winners Fund was an incredible initiative run by Betfair all season in support of the Injured Jockeys Fund in Ireland and the UK and I am so proud to have been a part of it,” said Blackmore.
“This is truly a substantial donation, generously matched by Betfair, and will support the vital work they carry out helping jockeys in all areas of their lives.”
The charity initiative was launched alongside Betfair’s ‘Serial Winner’ documentary series, which focused on Blackmore.
‘The Serial Winners Fund has been a fantastic journey for all of us; Betfair, the IJF, Irish Injured Riders and Rachael. “It has been a real team effort from the start and we have all been cheering Rachael on,” said Charlotte Booth, Betfair Chief Commercial Officer.
‘Our team visited Oaksey House in Lambourn and RACE’s facilities in Ireland and witnessed first-hand the work both charities do.
‘It is nothing short of amazing to see the services and support they provide to the riders and the dedication of the teams. These are very important charities for the racing community and I am sure that this initiative has raised awareness of these great causes.
‘Rachael has been brilliant throughout and the highlight has to be her two Cheltenham winners which added £20,000 to the pot.
Blackmore led Minella Indo to third place in the Grand National on Saturday as the effort came to an end.
A second Grand National win looked possible when Minelle Indo challenged in the closing stages, but I Am Maximus managed to win at Aintree, with Delta Work in second.
“Coming to the Canal’s turn we thought that Rachel and Minella Indo were going to finish the initiative in the most spectacular way, but Maximus had other ideas,” said Lisa Handcock, executive director of the IJF.
“It has been a wonderful campaign for us and we are very grateful to the team at Betfair for supporting us so generously.”
Michael Higgins, CEO of the Irish Injured Jockeys, added: ‘We are delighted to be part of the Betfair Serial Winners Fund with our UK colleagues, the IJF. Thank you to Betfair for their generosity and to Rachael for her winners.’