Rachael Blackmore Announces Retirement from Jockey Career
In a move that marks the end of an era in Irish racing, jockey Rachael Blackmore has announced her retirement after a glittering 16-year career in the saddle. The 35-year-old Tipperary rider, who made history by becoming the first female jockey to win the Aintree Grand National in 2021 on Minella Times and the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2022 on A Plus Tard, has decided to hang up her riding boots.
According to a report by RTÉ, Blackmore’s decision to retire comes after a highly successful career that saw her accumulate 18 victories at the Cheltenham Festival, including a record-breaking win in the two-mile Champion Chase at the 2024 Festival with Captain Guinness. Her last ride was a winning one at Cork on Saturday, where she partnered with Henry de Bromhead’s Ma Belle Etoile to take the spoils.
In a statement, Blackmore expressed her gratitude for the opportunities she has had during her career, saying: "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. I just feel so lucky to have been legged up on the horses I have, and to have experienced success I never even dreamt could be possible." As RTÉ reported, Blackmore’s achievements have earned her widespread recognition, including being named RTÉ Sport Sportsperson of the Year in 2021.
Blackmore paid tribute to several key figures in her career, including John ‘Shark’ Hanlon, who provided her with her first winner, and Henry de Bromhead, with whom she enjoyed a highly successful partnership that yielded many of her outstanding victories, including with the mare Honeysuckle, which secured two Champion Hurdle successes. As quoted by RTÉ, Blackmore said: "A conversation between Eddie O’Leary and Henry de Bromhead in a taxi on the way to Aintree took my career to a whole new level. Eddie got me in the door at Knockeen, and what came next was unimaginable: Honeysuckle, A Plus Tard, Minella Indo, Captain Guinness, Bob Olinger, Minella Times, among many others… all with one thing in common – Henry de Bromhead. He’s a phenomenal trainer who brought out the best in me. Without Henry, my story is very different."
Blackmore’s retirement marks the end of an era in Irish racing, and her achievements will be remembered for years to come. As RTÉ noted, she was also the first woman to be leading jockey at Prestbury Park five years ago, and her success has paved the way for future generations of female jockeys. Despite her many achievements, Blackmore remains humble, saying: "It is daunting, not being able to say that I am a jockey any more. But I feel so incredibly lucky to have had the career I’ve had. To have been in the right place at the right time with the right people, and to have gotten on the right horses – because it doesn’t matter how good you are without them. They have given me the best days of my life and to them I am most grateful."
As Blackmore looks to the future, she has yet to reveal her plans, but one thing is certain – her legacy in the world of Irish racing will endure. With a career spanning over 16 years, Blackmore has left an indelible mark on the sport, and her retirement will be felt by fans and colleagues alike. According to RTÉ, Blackmore’s decision to retire has sent shockwaves through the racing community, with many paying tribute to her remarkable career.
In conclusion, Rachael Blackmore’s retirement from the jockey career marks the end of an era in Irish racing. Her achievements, as reported by RTÉ, will be remembered for years to come, and her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of jockeys.
