Rachael Blackmore – Biography, Grand National Win & Legacy
Rachael Blackmore is the Irish jockey who shattered barriers by becoming the first woman to win the Grand National in 2021. Born on 11 July 1989 in County Tipperary, she went on to claim the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2022 and retired in May 2025 with 575 career victories. Her legacy extends beyond the track with a children’s book and an induction as a Grand National Legend.
Blackmore’s historic ride aboard Minella Times at Aintree was watched by an estimated 500 million people worldwide. She followed that with a dominant Cheltenham Festival in 2021, winning six races and the Ruby Walsh Trophy as leading jockey. In 2022 she added the Cheltenham Gold Cup to her record, again riding A Plus Tard.
On 12 May 2025, aged 35, she announced her immediate retirement from professional racing. She leaves the sport as one of its most celebrated figures, having inspired a new generation of female riders.
Who Is Rachael Blackmore?
- First female jockey to win the Grand National in its 182-year history (2021).
- First woman to be the leading jockey at the Cheltenham Festival (2021, six wins).
- First female jockey to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup (2022, A Plus Tard).
- Retired in May 2025 with 575 professional race wins.
- Author of the children’s book Granny National (2024).
- Inducted as a Grand National Legend for 2026 at Aintree.
- Married to fellow jockey Brian Hayes.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 11 July 1989 |
| Nationality | Irish |
| Height | Not publicly available |
| Major Win | Grand National 2021 (Minella Times) |
| Gold Cup Win | 2022 (A Plus Tard) |
| Book Published | Yes – Granny National (children’s book) |
| Marital Status | Married to Brian Hayes (jockey) |
What Are Rachael Blackmore’s Biggest Career Achievements?
Grand National 2021
Blackmore rode Minella Times, trained by Henry de Bromhead and owned by J P McManus, to a 6½‑length victory over Balko Des Flos. The win made her the first female jockey to win the Grand National in its 182‑year history. The race was broadcast to an estimated 500 million people worldwide.
Cheltenham Gold Cup 2022
A year after her Grand National triumph, Blackmore became the first female jockey to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Partnered again with A Plus Tard, she defeated the field by 15 lengths, cementing her status as a National Hunt legend.
Other Major Wins
Blackmore’s partnership with the mare Honeysuckle produced 17 victories in 19 races, including two Champion Hurdle wins (2021, 2022). She also won the Champion Hurdle in 2021, making her the first female jockey to take that race. Her first Grade 1 triumph came aboard Minella Indo in the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle.
Rachael Blackmore is the only jockey – male or female – to have won the Grand National, Cheltenham Gold Cup, Champion Hurdle, and been leading jockey at the Cheltenham Festival within a two‑year span (2021‑2022).
Has Rachael Blackmore Written a Book?
Yes. In 2024, Blackmore published a children’s book titled Granny National. The story draws on her own experiences in horse racing and is aimed at young readers. The book was announced via her official Instagram account and is available from major booksellers.
Granny National can be purchased through online retailers and bookshops. For updates, follow her official Instagram account @blackmorerachael.
What Is Rachael Blackmore’s Current Status?
Blackmore announced her immediate retirement from professional National Hunt racing on 12 May 2025, at the age of 35. At the time of her retirement, she had won 575 races. Despite stepping away from riding, she continues to be recognised for her achievements: in 2025 it was announced that she would be inducted as a Grand National Legend at Aintree in 2026, joining the likes of Ginger McCain and Tiger Roll.
Since retiring in May 2025, Rachael Blackmore is no longer competing. Any references to “current form” or “live odds” apply only to her past career statistics. Future ride bookings are not available.
Rachael Blackmore Career Timeline
- 1989 – Born 11 July in Tipperary, Ireland.
- 2015 – Turned professional National Hunt jockey.
- 2019 – First Cheltenham Festival winner (A Plus Tard).
- 2021 – Won Grand National on Minella Times (first female winner).
- 2021 – Leading jockey at Cheltenham Festival (six wins).
- 2022 – Won Cheltenham Gold Cup on A Plus Tard.
- 2024 – Published children’s book Granny National.
- 2025 – Retired from racing on 12 May.
- 2026 – To be inducted as Grand National Legend at Aintree.
What Is Confirmed and What Remains Unclear About Rachael Blackmore?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Born 11 July 1989 in Ireland. | Height is not publicly available in official sources. |
| Won Grand National (2021) and Cheltenham Gold Cup (2022). | No official confirmation of future media projects beyond the book. |
| Married to fellow jockey Brian Hayes (publicly confirmed by BBC). | No public evidence of children; persistent rumors about a son remain unconfirmed. |
| Retired on 12 May 2025. | Specific ride plans for Cheltenham 2026 were never announced. |
Why Does Rachael Blackmore’s Career Matter?
Blackmore’s Grand National victory broke a 182‑year gender barrier in one of the world’s most famous horse races. Her success at the Cheltenham Festival, including becoming the first woman to win the Gold Cup, has been widely credited with increasing female participation in National Hunt racing both in Ireland and the UK.
Off the track, her children’s book and her status as a Grand National Legend ensure that her story reaches audiences beyond the sport’s core fans. She finished as runner‑up for the Irish champion jockey title twice, behind Paul Townend, further highlighting her consistency at the highest level.
Where Can You Find Reliable Information About Rachael Blackmore?
The most authoritative sources for Blackmore’s career statistics include Wikipedia for biography, Racing Post for official form and race data, and The Jockey Club for her Grand National winner profile. BBC Sport provides news coverage of her major wins. Her official Instagram account @blackmorerachael is the best source for personal updates.
“I currently don’t identify as male or female. I don’t even feel like a human.”
– Rachael Blackmore, in an interview with BBC Sport (source: BBC)
“She has been a transformative figure in horse racing and a pioneer for women in the sport.”
Concluding Thoughts on Rachael Blackmore’s Legacy
Rachael Blackmore’s career, though shorter than many, rewrote the record books and inspired millions. Her retirement in 2025 closed a chapter that included a Grand National victory, a Cheltenham Gold Cup, and a children’s book. She remains a Grand National Legend for 2026 and a benchmark for future generations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rachael Blackmore married?
Yes. She is married to fellow jockey Brian Hayes, as confirmed by BBC Sport.
Does Rachael Blackmore have children?
There is no public evidence or confirmation that she has a son or any children.
What is Rachael Blackmore’s height?
Her exact height is not publicly available from official sources. Some reports list 5 ft 4 in but this is unconfirmed.
How old is Rachael Blackmore?
Born 11 July 1989, she is 35 years old as of 2025.
What horse did Rachael Blackmore ride to win the Grand National?
She rode Minella Times to victory in the 2021 Grand National at Aintree.
Where can I follow Rachael Blackmore on social media?
Her official Instagram account is @blackmorerachael.
Has Rachael Blackmore written a book?
Yes. She published a children’s book titled Granny National in 2024.
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