Rachael Blackmore, a name synonymous with groundbreaking achievement in horse racing, has announced her retirement at the age of 35.

“I don’t feel male or female right now. I don’t even feel human.”

This memorable quote perfectly encapsulates Blackmore’s emotional state after her historic 2021 Grand National victory, becoming the first female jockey to achieve this feat aboard Minella Times.

Her retirement marks the end of a truly remarkable career, solidifying her legacy as a transformative figure in the sport and one of the best jockeys of her generation.

In a sport where male and female riders compete equally, Blackmore’s gender was never a defining factor; she was simply recognized for her exceptional skill.

With quiet humility, she consistently surpassed expectations, becoming the first woman to win the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham (2021, aboard Honeysuckle), claim the leading rider title at the Cheltenham Festival (2021), conquer the Grand National (2021), and triumph in the Cheltenham Gold Cup (2022, aboard A Plus Tard).

Trailblazing Jockey Blackmore Retires

Blackmore Reflects on Unforgettable National Triumph

Born the daughter of a dairy farmer and school teacher, Blackmore’s passion for riding began in childhood near her home in County Tipperary, Ireland. She pursued a degree in equine science, initially aiming for a veterinary career, but seamlessly integrated her studies with riding and amateur competitions.

Her professional career commenced in 2015, following her first win in 2011. Significant success stemmed from her collaborations with trainer Henry de Bromhead and early opportunities provided by Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary and his Gigginstown House Stud.

O’Leary’s post-National comments highlight Blackmore’s exceptional talent: “We identified Rachael early on as a very good jockey – not a female jockey – and we put her on all the Gigginstown Horses.”

Her remarkable 2021 Cheltenham Festival performance, securing six wins to become leading jockey, underscored her dominance, exceeding the entire British training contingent’s total. This achievement held particular significance given COVID-19 restrictions.

Blackmore’s triumphs transcended the sport itself. Her Grand National victory, viewed by an estimated 500 million globally, garnered international headlines, culminating in her selection as World Sport Star at the 2021 BBC Sports Personality awards. This recognition placed her alongside renowned athletes such as Novak Djokovic, Canelo Alvarez, and Tom Brady.

While not seeking the spotlight, Blackmore’s thoughtful interviews revealed her depth and character. Her unwavering support for Henry de Bromhead following the tragic loss of his son, and their subsequent emotional victory in the Mares’ Hurdle at Cheltenham (2023), exemplify her resilience and compassion.

Blackmore’s partnership with Honeysuckle produced an impressive seventeen wins from nineteen races, including four at the Cheltenham Festival. The iconic image of a rainbow appearing in the winner’s enclosure after their final race solidified this special bond.

Her legacy extends beyond personal achievements. Blackmore’s impact on the sport is undeniable, inspiring countless aspiring female jockeys. While the reasons for her retirement remain undisclosed, her contributions will continue to resonate for years to come.

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Rachael Blackmore, a celebrated jockey, has retired from racing after a remarkable career highlighted by wins at the Cheltenham Gold Cup and the Grand National.

“I don’t feel male or female right now. I don’t even feel human.”

This memorable quote perfectly encapsulates Blackmore’s emotional state after her historic 2021 Grand National victory, making her the first woman to achieve this feat.

At 35, Blackmore’s retirement marks the end of an era for a true game-changer who consistently ranked among the best jockeys of her generation. In a sport where male and female riders compete equally, she transcended gender, celebrated simply as a top-tier jockey.

With quiet humility, Blackmore achieved numerous groundbreaking milestones, becoming the first woman to:

Win the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham (2021) with Honeysuckle.

Become Cheltenham Festival’s leading rider (2021).

Win the Grand National (2021).

Win the Cheltenham Gold Cup (2022) with A Plus Tard.

Trailblazing Jockey Blackmore Retires

Blackmore Reflects on Unbelievable National Triumph

The daughter of a dairy farmer and a school teacher, Blackmore honed her skills riding ponies near her Killenaule, County Tipperary home. Initially pursuing an equine science degree with veterinary aspirations, she balanced her studies with amateur riding and competition.

Her professional career began in 2011 with her first win aboard Stowaway Pearl, and she turned professional four years later. A significant portion of her success stemmed from her collaboration with trainer Henry de Bromhead and early opportunities provided by Ryanair’s Michael O’Leary and Gigginstown House Stud.

“We identified Rachael early on as a very good jockey – not a female jockey – and we put her on all the Gigginstown Horses with Henry and Joseph [O’Brien],” O’Leary stated after her National victory. “Her hard work and intelligence has done all the rest.”

Blackmore’s 2021 Cheltenham Festival performance was extraordinary, winning on Allaho, Sir Gerhard, Telmesomethinggirl, Honeysuckle, Quilixios, and Bob Olinger.

Her success is a testament to instinct, timing, tactical awareness, strength, resilience, and unwavering dedication. Even with the challenges of falls and injuries, she consistently bounced back stronger.

Her six wins at the 2021 Cheltenham Festival, surpassing the entire British training contingent, made a significant impact, despite the subdued atmosphere due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Blackmore’s accomplishments stand in stark contrast to the limited successes of female jockeys before her, like Katie Walsh and Nina Carberry. With several prominent female jockeys now retired or having moved abroad, her legacy creates anticipation for the next generation of female riders.

Recently, Hollie Doyle broke Hayley Turner’s record for wins by a female flat jockey, highlighting the continued evolution of women in racing; however, Blackmore and Isabel Williams were the only two professional women riding at this year’s Cheltenham Festival.

Rachael Blackmore’s 2021 Grand National win aboard Minella Times.

While Blackmore hasn’t publicly stated her reasons for retirement, it aligns with the ages at which Walsh and Carberry concluded their careers. Her decision to retire, perhaps surprisingly, shortly after a less successful Punchestown Festival, might be linked to a recent neck injury sustained earlier in the season.

Blackmore competed for the Irish champion jockey title, finishing runner-up to Paul Townend twice. Her accomplishments extended far beyond racing; her Grand National victory, witnessed by an estimated 500 million globally, garnered international headlines, leading to a World Sport Star award at the 2021 BBC Sports Personality awards.

“The support has been incredible. I got such a kick out of being on that list of nominees,” she shared, noting the impressive company of nominees like Novak Djokovic, Canelo Alvarez, and Tom Brady.

Blackmore, whose partner is fellow jockey Brian Hayes, remained grounded despite her success, prioritizing her work and offering thoughtful insights in interviews. De Bromhead noted her crucial support following the death of his son, Jack.

Their shared victory with Honeysuckle in the Mares’ Hurdle at Cheltenham in March 2023 was particularly emotional, with an overwhelming display of support for the horse, trainer, and jockey. The mention of “Rachael” at the races immediately identified the celebrated rider.

A rainbow appeared on the horizon as Honeysuckle entered the winner’s enclosure. “We all wish a very special kid could be here today but he’s watching down on us,” Blackmore remarked.

Her remarkable partnership with Honeysuckle resulted in seventeen wins from nineteen races, including four at the Cheltenham Festival—all with Blackmore aboard.

Blackmore will be remembered for her many firsts and her potential to inspire future generations. “Ah, look, it’s brilliant, but I won’t be the last. I’m delighted for myself anyway,” she said after her National win. “I just hope it shows it doesn’t matter, male or female.”

Her Gold Cup victory earned praise from Ruby Walsh, Cheltenham’s all-time leading rider: “She’s inspiring kids everywhere. It’s incredible the interest she’s driving in the sport. You need role models like that for the sport and the industry, she’s box office.”

Blackmore’s journey embodies the spirit of the “This Girl Can” campaign, showcasing a woman who not only participated but achieved the pinnacle of her chosen sport. This girl did.

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