‘Mastermind’ who discovered Rachael Blackmore unleashes 17-year-old superstar set to follow in her footsteps
HAS the man who discovered Rachael Blackmore uncovered racing's next superstar?
Legendary Irish trainer 'Shark' Hanlon convinced Blackmore to turn pro and gave her the first rides on her route to Grand National glory and global icon.
Shark describes Blackmore as still being 'like part of the family' after she bagged her first winner for him after a couple of months.
But it looks like he could have unearthed an even more precocious talent in the shape of 17-year-old Taylor Kinsgley.
The American jockey rode a winner for Shark on her Irish debut for him, steering home 33-1 Chef D'Etat at Tramore last Friday.
Shark waxed lyrical about Kingley's skill in the saddle and highlighted an upcoming race in England where British punters will get to see her talents.
He said: "She came over to me last November and has had 11 rides.
"She's ridden nine winners, so that will tell you what sort of rider she is.
"I'd love to have her around here the whole time. She's a great girl.
"I have a bumper picked out for him in England on the 28th of this month and Taylor will ride him again."
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Speaking of Shark's role in her rise, Kingsley, who is from South Carolina, said: "It's a dream come true.
"Shark was the man who masterminded it all. I haven't been over long but I've loved it."
Kingsley spent a month with Shark this winter to be with Cape Gentleman, the Grand National runner who also belongs to Chef D'Etat's owner.
She landed back in Ireland around a week before her debut breakthrough.
Kingsley hopes to be back this winter to bang in some more winners for the Hewick trainer once the National Hunt season is back underway.
Blackmore, 33, shot to superstardom was she crowned top jockey at Cheltenham Festival in March 2021.
She became the first woman to win the Aintree National the following month on Minella Times.
However, she recently found herself at the centre of controversy after getting banned five days for this particular ride.
