Bookmakers run for cover as brilliant Rachael Blackmore makes it six on the week

Rachael Blackmore's remarkable success at this week's Cheltenham Festival has reportedly prompted several major bookmakers to take evasive action on Gold Cup day, with punters restricted when placing multiples on the rides of the Champion Hurdle-winning jockey.

And the threat of a Blackmore bonanza loomed slightly larger for bookmakers after she won the opening race on Gold Cup day with Quilixios in the JCB Triumph Hurdle, her sixth winner of the week. She is just one winner away from matching Ruby Walsh's record of seven winners at a Cheltenham Festival, something he achieved in 2009 and 2016.

However, the 31-year-old was beaten in the County Hurdle on Champagne Gold. who finished down the field in 17th.

Blackmore has three more rides to come on the final day, headlined by A Plus Tard in the WellChild Cheltenham Gold Cup (3.05). Pats Fancy (2.30) and Cabaret Queen (4.15) are her other chances.

Sky Bet have confirmed a maximum payout cap of £25,000 was introduced on the Blackmore five-fold this morning.

Super six for Rachael Blackmore as Quilixios outguns Triumph rivals

Rachael Blackmore's rides

1.20 Quilixios (Won 2-1)
1.55 Champagne Gold (17th)
2.30 Pats Fancy
3.05 A Plus Tard
4.15 Cabaret Queen

Sky Bet spokesman Michael Shinners said: "We have had to put a cap on the Rachael Blackmore five-fold this morning at a maximum payout of £25,000, to allow more of our customers to get on the bet."

Punters have also reported restrictions with bet365 when trying to place some multiples on Blackmore rides. Bet365 have been contacted for comment by the Racing Post.

Blackmore ended Thursday in pole position to be crowned top jockey for the festival after five winners on the first three days of the meeting, including a sublime Champion Hurdle victory on Honeysuckle on Tuesday.

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Rachael Blackmore's 2021 Cheltenham Festival form

Walsh and Sir Anthony McCoy were among those to heap praise on the "incredible" Blackmore on Wednesday after her fine ride to win the Ballymore Novices' Hurdle on Bob Olinger, with Sir Gerhard completing a double on the second day in a fine front-running performance in the Weatherbys Champion Bumper.

Ryanair Chase winner Allaho and Mares' Novices' Hurdle victor Telmesomethinggirl provided Blackmore with a double on Thursday.

Friday's race previews:

2.30 Cheltenham: 'I'm sweet on him and he's a massive price' – focus on wide-open Albert Bartlett

3.05 Cheltenham: Al Boum Photo bids to join jumping legends as he chases historic hat-trick

3.40 Cheltenham: O'Sullivan confident It Came To Pass can successfully defend Cheltenham crown

4.15 Cheltenham: can Willie Mullins extend his superiority in mares' festival races to the chase?

4.50 Cheltenham: will switch of festival plan pay off for JP McManus and 'Ballymore horse'?

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