Rachael Blackmore, the trailblazing Irish jockey, has announced her retirement from professional horse racing at the age of 35, concluding a remarkable 16-year career marked by historic achievements and groundbreaking milestones.

In a heartfelt statement, Blackmore expressed, “My days of being a jockey have come to an end. I feel the time is right. I’m sad but I’m also incredibly grateful for what my life has been for the past 16 years.”

Blackmore’s career is distinguished by a series of firsts that have redefined the landscape of horse racing. In 2021, she became the first female jockey to win the Grand National, riding Minella Times to victory. That same year, she was the leading jockey at the Cheltenham Festival with six wins, including the Champion Hurdle aboard Honeysuckle. In 2022, she secured another historic win by becoming the first female jockey to claim the Cheltenham Gold Cup, guiding A Plus Tard to triumph.

Throughout her career, Blackmore amassed 575 professional wins, including 18 at the Cheltenham Festival. Her partnership with trainer Henry de Bromhead was instrumental in her success, with notable victories on horses such as Honeysuckle, A Plus Tard, and Minella Indo.

Blackmore’s achievements have transcended the sport, earning her widespread recognition. In 2021, she was named BBC World Sport Star of the Year and RTÉ Sports Person of the Year. In 2023, she was appointed an Honorary Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to sport.

Her retirement has elicited tributes from across the racing community. Trainer Henry de Bromhead remarked, “She’s just an amazing person with an incredible work ethic. She has scaled such huge heights and done so with such humility.”

Blackmore’s legacy is not only defined by her victories but also by the barriers she broke for women in horse racing. Her success has inspired a new generation of female jockeys, demonstrating that excellence in the sport transcends gender.

As she steps away from the saddle, Blackmore leaves behind a transformative legacy that has reshaped the narrative of horse racing and opened doors for future generations.

For more stories and insights, visit It’s On

Instagram:@itson.ie

TikTok videos and information:@itson.ie