Rachael Blackmore's New Chapter Beyond the Track
The Cheltenham Festival this year presented a different view for racing legend Rachael Blackmore. Rather than competing on the hallowed turf, the retired jockey watched from the stands, marking a significant transition in her life following her departure from professional racing last year.
A Historic Career Comes to a Close
Blackmore, aged 36, quietly concluded her illustrious 16-year career ten months ago with a final victorious ride aboard Ma Belle Etoile at Cork. In a heartfelt social media statement, she expressed both sadness and profound gratitude for her racing journey.
"My days of being a jockey have come to an end. I feel the time is right," Blackmore announced. "I'm sad but I'm also incredibly grateful for what my life has been for the past 16 years. I just feel so lucky, to have been legged up on the horses I have, and to have experienced success I never even dreamt could be possible."
Her career achievements remain groundbreaking. Blackmore made history as the first woman to win both the Grand National in 2021 and the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2022. She accumulated 18 Cheltenham winners total, with her first professional victory coming aboard Most Honourable at Clonmel in September 2015.
Further milestones included becoming the first female to win Ireland's conditional riders' championship in 2017, claiming the Champion Hurdle twice on the brilliant mare Honeysuckle, and securing the 2024 Champion Chase on Captain Guinness.
Personal Milestones: Pregnancy and Marriage
Blackmore's life away from racing has been equally eventful. In February, she revealed she is expecting her first child through an unconventional pregnancy announcement. Fans deduced the news after she shared a social media picture showing a buggy box in the boot of her Volvo XC60, captioned simply: "Boot contents looking a little bit different now."
She later debuted her baby bump at Cheltenham, wearing a cosy brown jumper, blue trench coat, and black shades. When comparing impending motherhood to her racing career, Blackmore admitted riding at Cheltenham was more nerve-wracking.
"I would definitely say riding [was more difficult]," she said. "The whole giving birth thing I haven't given an overly massive thought to yet, I think I should probably start doing that in a month or two!"
This joyful news followed her January marriage to long-term partner Brian Hayes, a fellow jockey from County Cork. Hayes, who achieved his maiden festival victory in 2023 riding Impervious to glory in the Mares' Chase, described their wedding as "a lovely day" celebrated in Rosscarbery and Cavan with friends and family.
Despite both being immersed in racing, Blackmore once revealed they "don't talk about racing half as much as people think" during their time away from the courses.
Reflections and Gratitude
In her retirement statement, Blackmore extended thanks to numerous supporters who shaped her career, beginning with her parents who "provided me with the best childhood, and a pony I couldn't hold!"
She acknowledged early mentors including Aidan Kennedy, who gave her first point-to-point ride, and trainers Arthur Moore and Pat Doyle. Special recognition went to Shark Hanlon, who helped her become Champion Conditional.
"I will be forever grateful to Shark for getting behind me, supporting me and believing in me when it would have been just as easy to look elsewhere," Blackmore wrote. "He was the catalyst for what was to come."
As Blackmore embraces motherhood and married life, her legacy as a trailblazing jockey who shattered gender barriers in horse racing remains firmly intact, while her personal journey enters an exciting new phase.
