Rachael Blackmore – Biography, Achievements, Book and Retirement Facts

Who is Rachael Blackmore?

Rachael Blackmore is an Irish former National Hunt jockey who retired on 12 May 2025 after a transformative career. Born on 11 July 1989 in County Tipperary, she became the first female jockey to win the Grand National, the Champion Hurdle, and the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Over her professional life, she amassed 575 race wins and inspired a generation of newcomers to the sport.

Her path to the top was not typical for a racing star. She earned a degree in equine science before turning professional in March 2015, according to the Horse Racing Ireland statistics database. Her character has been described in media profiles as naturally shy, reserved, and incredibly modest, a stark contrast to the scale of her historic achievements.

Quick Facts at a Glance

• Full Name: Rachael Blackmore
• Born: 11 July 1989 (County Tipperary, Ireland)
• Occupation: Former National Hunt jockey
• Major Wins: Grand National (2021), Cheltenham Gold Cup (2022)

Key Insights into Her Career

• She broke gender barriers as the first female jockey to win the Grand National.
• Her partnership with horses Minella Times and A Plus Tard defines much of her legacy.
• She won 33 Grade 1 races over her entire career.
• She was the first woman to be the leading jockey at the Cheltenham Festival, winning the Ruby Walsh Trophy.
• She received the Contribution to the Industry Award at the 2025 Horse Racing Ireland Awards.

Snapshot Facts

What are Rachael Blackmore’s biggest career achievements?

Her career is defined by a series of historic firsts in the most prestigious races in the sport. She didn’t just compete at the top level; she dominated, setting records that will stand for years.

The Grand National Victory (2021)

Riding Minella Times, she became the first female jockey to win the 182-year-old race at Aintree. The horse went off as the 4th favourite at 11/1, a victory broadcast around the world.

Cheltenham Gold Cup Triumph (2022)

A year later, she won the Gold Cup on A Plus Tard. This made her the first jockey since Tony McCoy in 1997 to win both the Champion Hurdle and the Gold Cup, cementing her place in racing history.

Champion Hurdle Dominance

She won the Champion Hurdle twice on the mare Honeysuckle (2021 and 2022). This partnership was one of the most successful in modern National Hunt racing, showcasing consistency at the highest level.

Is Rachael Blackmore married? Does she have children?

Details about her personal life have been kept relatively private, though some information is publicly available.

Marriage to Brian Hayes

She is married to Brian Hayes, a fellow National Hunt jockey. The couple married in 2023, according to reports from the racing press.

Family Background and Children

Born in County Tipperary (Killenaule) to a dairy farmer father and a school teacher mother, she earned a degree in equine science. She has a son, born in 2024, though specific details such as his name have not been widely published in the sources used for this profile.

Personality and Character

Those who know her describe her as naturally shy, reserved, and incredibly modest. She did not come from a racing dynasty but achieved everything through sheer skill and determination.

Did Rachael Blackmore write a book?

Yes, she published a children’s picture book titled Granny National in 2024. The book is a way to share her love of racing with a younger audience, according to her Instagram announcement.

What is the timeline of her career and life?

1. 1989 – Born in County Tipperary, Ireland.
2. 2011 – Turns professional.
3. 2017 – Wins first Grade 1 at Punchestown (aboard Let’s Dance).
4. 2021 – Wins Grand National on Minella Times (first female jockey).
5. 2021 – Wins Champion Hurdle on Honeysuckle.
6. 2022 – Wins Cheltenham Gold Cup on A Plus Tard.
7. 2023 – Marries Brian Hayes.
8. 2024 – Publishes children’s book ‘Granny National’.
9. 2025 – Retires from racing with 575 professional wins.

What is confirmed and what remains uncertain?

While a great deal is known about her public career, some areas of her life and future plans remain unconfirmed in the available public records.

Established Information

• Grand National win and the horse she rode (Minella Times).
• Marriage to Brian Hayes.
• Birth of a son (announced in the press).
• Height (5’4″ from multiple public sources).
• Book publication and title (Granny National).

Information Not Fully Established

• Exact future participation in 2026 races – she retired in May 2025.
• Specific betting odds for 2026 – moot due to retirement.
• Details of personal life beyond public announcements (e.g., son’s name not widely published).
• Exact net worth or Betfair Exchange activity.

What is the significance of her impact on racing?

Blackmore’s Grand National win reshaped perceptions of gender in horse racing on a global scale. It sparked increased media coverage and sponsorship opportunities for female jockeys, inspiring a new generation of riders.

Her consistency at the highest level, particularly at the Cheltenham Festival, solidified her as a top-tier jockey regardless of gender. The children’s book she published in 2024, Granny National, signaled a move into media and brand extension, showing that her influence extends beyond the racetrack.

For readers interested in other trailblazing athletes, see our profile on Mary Earps – Age, Height, Partner and Retirement Facts.

What are the authoritative sources and quotes?

The key facts about Rachael Blackmore are well-documented by official racing bodies and credible media outlets.

“I never set out to be a trailblazer, I just wanted to win.”

Rachael Blackmore, post-Grand National interview, 2021

“The book is a fun way to share my love of racing with children.”

Rachael Blackmore, Instagram announcement, 2024

Authoritative sources include her Wikipedia profile, the Horse Racing Ireland statistics database, and her official Instagram account. Further coverage can be found via the BBC Sport horse racing section and the Racing Post statistics page. The Jockey Club’s Grand National history page also provides official context on her landmark win.

What is the lasting legacy of Rachael Blackmore?

Rachael Blackmore leaves the sport as one of its most celebrated figures. Her 575 wins and series of historic firsts changed the face of National Hunt racing. Her legacy is one of quiet determination, immense skill, and breaking barriers. For a similar story of a champion athlete navigating life after their peak, read our profile on Pat Cash – Wimbledon Champion and Life After Tennis.

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