Champion jockey Rachael Blackmore has welcomed her first child, a baby boy, with husband Brian Hayes. The sporting star shared the first photograph of her newborn son, revealing the heartwarming name she chose for him.
Announcement on Social Media
Rachael and Brian, who married in January, tend to keep a low profile, but they were delighted to announce the arrival of their first child to their social media followers on Wednesday. Posting a black-and-white photograph of her son nestled against her chest, Rachael wrote on Instagram: "Bowie Martin Hayes," accompanied by a blue loveheart emoji.
Friends and fans quickly congratulated the couple. Niamh De Brún wrote: "He's adorable! Congratulations." Doireann Garrihy said: "Massive congratulations, what a beautiful baby." Yvonne Connolly also sent her congratulations with loveheart emojis.
Pregnancy and Wedding
Rachael announced she was expecting back in February, posting a picture of her Volvo car with a baby pram in the boot, writing: "Love driving the Volvo XC60 BA. Boot contents looking a little bit different now..." The announcement came just a month after her understated West Cork wedding to Brian.
Career and Legacy
Rachael, who retired from the saddle last year following a hugely distinguished career in horse racing, made history as the first female jockey to win the Grand National and the first woman to be crowned leading jockey at Cheltenham. The Tipperary native racked up an impressive 575 victories throughout her professional career.
She and Brian have known each other for over a decade, having first crossed paths at a training yard in Carlow when both were just starting out. The couple previously shared a home with their friend Patrick Mullins, the son of legendary jump trainer Willie Mullins.
Personal Life
Rachael opened up briefly about their romance in 2021, noting that their household was a wonderful place to live and that racing rarely dominated their conversations at home. She said: "I live with two other jockeys, Patrick Mullins and Brian Hayes. I am going out with Brian Hayes, so there are three of us here. It is a great house to live in, and it is in a really good location in Leighlinbridge in Carlow."
When she hung up her riding boots last May, she paid tribute to Brian in her farewell statement, writing: "Brian Hayes won't enjoy getting a mention, but he was more important to my career than I'll ever be able to thank him for."
