'Vote for Nina!' - Blackmore urges racing to support Carberry in dancing final

Rachael Blackmore has urged racing fans to get behind Nina Carberry's bid to be crowned Dancing With The Stars champion as the build up to Sunday's series final intensifies.

Carberry has wowed the show's judges alongside dance partner Pasquale La Rocca throughout the Irish adaptation of the competition this year, advancing to the series decider with a maximum score of 30 in last weekend's semi-final.

It was the third occasion that the former Irish Grand National-winning rider had received top marks from all three judges, while her penultimate performance also saw her bag an impressive 29 points.

Carberry has now made it to the final four where she will take on Dublin singer-songwriter Erica Cody, Irish rugby player Jordan Conroy and Paralympic swimmer Ellen Keane.

BoyleSports have installed the seven-time Cheltenham Festival winner as the 2-5 favourite to lift the Glitterball trophy, while Cody and Keane are both priced up at 9-2. Conroy is the outsider of the field at 14-1.

Blackmore has paid tribute to Carberry's remarkable transition to the dancefloor and called on followers of the sport to support the 37-year-old when voting lines open on Sunday.

"Nina has been simply outstanding," she said. "She's such an inspirational person in the way that she has turned herself into an almost professional dancer in just a few weeks. It's incredible."

Blackmore added: "We all need to get behind her on Sunday as from what I remember about her from the weighing room, it's not about coming second!"

Rachael Blackmore (centre) on Nina Carberry (second from right): 'She's been simply outstanding'Credit: Caroline Norris (racingpost.com/photos)

Carberry told the Racing Post that advancing to the final has surpassed all of her expectations from when first entering the competition without any background in dancing.

Her young daughters, four-year-old Rosie and two-year-old Holly, have also got a major kick out of following their mother's progress.

"It's been unbelievable, a weird but very exciting journey," Carberry said. "It's been a long road but we've got there in the end. I find it hard to explain because it's totally different from what I'm used to doing.

"It's something different for the girls. A bit of glam, make-up and dresses – they're really into that and only remember me as a dancer now. They don't remember me as a jockey at all!"

Carberry added: "Not in a million years did I think I'd get this far. I have a brilliant partner in Pasquale – he's world class. It's all down to him as well with his creative choreography that makes me look good. This is far from a one-person show, it's down to Pasquale too."

Irish racing has got behind Carberry's quest for dancing success in recent months, most notably through Noel Meade and wife Derville's entertaining dance videos shared on TikTok and other social media platforms.

Carberry said: "I've had brilliant support. I'm just proud that I've managed to get to the final for those who have been getting behind me, especially Noel. It's fantastic to get this far.

"It's been something for everyone to smile about on a Sunday night after the doom and gloom of Covid for so long. This week I'm doing a showdance and a previous dance that I've done before."

Irish viewers can vote for Nina Carberry once voting lines open during the show by texting the word NINA to 53125, with the final live on RTE 1 at 6.30pm this Sunday.

Read more . . .

'I even surprised myself' – Nina Carberry new Dancing With The Stars favourite

Nina Carberry: It's the hardest thing I've done in my life

Over 50% off Racing Post Members' Club!Members' Club is the only subscription racing fans and punters need in order to stay informed and make smarter betting decisions. Features include early access to the Racing Post digital newspaper, exclusive news and interviews, premium tips and form study tools to assist with betting. Select 'Get Ultimate Monthly' and enter code TRYME to get your first month for just £14.99* – that's better than half price!

Subscribe now

If you decide that Members' Club is not for you, then you can cancel at anytime by contacting us.

*Members' Club Ultimate Monthly first month will be charged at £14.99, renews at full price thereafter