The Cheltenham Festival 2026 kicked off on Tuesday, March 10, marking four days of elite jumps racing at Prestbury Park. However, one iconic figure is missing from the saddle this year: Rachael Blackmore, the trailblazing Irish jockey who officially retired from professional race riding on May 12, 2025.
Blackmore's Retirement and Legacy
Blackmore stepped away from racing after a stellar 16-year career, choosing to retire while still at the peak of her performance. Her final professional ride was a victory at Cork just two days before her announcement, cementing her status as a champion.
At the Cheltenham Festival, Blackmore leaves behind an extraordinary legacy with 18 winners. She made history in 2022 by becoming the first female jockey to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup aboard A Plus Tard. In 2021, she achieved another milestone as the first woman to be crowned the meeting's leading jockey, securing six victories that week, including a historic win in the Champion Hurdle with Honeysuckle.
Completing the Full Set
Blackmore is one of the few riders to have won all four major championship races at the Cheltenham Festival. Her 2025 victory in the Stayers' Hurdle with Bob Olinger completed this legendary 'full set' of championship trophies, showcasing her versatility and skill across different race types.
New Ambassadorial Role at Cheltenham
Although no longer competing, Blackmore remains a central figure at this year's Festival. She has taken on a new role as the official Head of Ladies' Day, where she is leading initiatives to encourage more women to attend and enjoy horse racing. In this capacity, she will host Q&A sessions and participate in the reintroduction of traditional Ladies' Day events, aiming to foster inclusivity and engagement in the sport.
Personal Life Changes
Away from the racecourse, Blackmore's life has transformed since her retirement. In January, she married long-time partner Brian Hayes, who is also a jockey. In February, she hinted at expecting their first child by posting a picture of a newly-purchased pram in the boot of their car, signaling a new chapter in her personal journey.
Her absence from the competitive arena this week underscores a shift in focus from riding to advocacy and family, as she continues to influence the racing world from a different perspective.
