Rachael Blackmore retires from racing after glittering career

Trailblazing jockey Rachael Blackmore has announced her immediate retirement from race-riding.

Following the conclusion of yet another stellar season which saw Blackmore land the Stayers' Hurdle on board Bob Olinger, the 35-year-old has opted to bring the curtain down on a spectacular career which saw her record groundbreaking successes in the Grand National, Gold Cup and Champion Hurdle.

Riding her first winner as a professional in September 2015, Blackmore forged a hugely successful partnership with the mare Honeysuckle, who she guided to two successive Champion Hurdles.

In 2021, she became the first female jockey to win the Grand National as she steered Minella Times to glory at Aintree and a year later, Blackmore was celebrating Gold Cup success as A Plus Tard won Cheltenham Festival's ultimate prize.

Blackmore's accomplishments were recognised in 2023 as she was appointed an Honorary Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to sport.

Publishing a post on X, Blackmore said: "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."

She added: "The people to thank are endless, it's not possible to mention everyone (as I don't want this to be another book) but I'm going to get a few names in here anyway and to everyone else, you know who you are, as they say.

"Firstly, my parents who provided me with the best childhood, and a pony I couldn't hold! This set the seed for a life of racing.

"Aidan Kennedy gave me my first ride in a point to point. I spent time riding out for Arthur Moore and Pat Doyle which I loved. Sam Curling and Liam Lennon were also big supporters as was Denise O' Shea, John Nicholson, Ellmarie Holden, Harry Smyth and Gigginstown House Stud.

"I rode my first winner for Shark Hanlon, who then helped me become Champion Conditional. I will be forever grateful to Shark for getting behind me, supporting me and believing in me when it would have been just as easy to look elsewhere. He was the catalyst for what was to come."

Blackmore's career concludes with 18 Cheltenham Festival winners, with only seven jockeys riding more winners than her at the event.

Jaquob Crooke

• • 
  •