Rachael Blackmore – Grand National Hero, Cheltenham Legend, Retires

Rachael Blackmore, the Irish National Hunt jockey who rewrote racing history, announced her immediate retirement on 12 May 2025 after a career spanning 575 professional wins. She remains the first and only female jockey to win both the Grand National and the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Born in County Tipperary in 1989, Blackmore rose from amateur rider to become one of the most recognisable figures in global horse racing. Her victory in the 2021 Grand National aboard Minella Times shattered a 182-year-old barrier, and her subsequent achievements at the Cheltenham Festival cemented her legacy as a generational talent.

Beyond the racetrack, she co-authored a children’s book titled Granny National and maintained a high-profile sponsorship with Betfair. Her personal life, however, has remained largely private, with no confirmed details about a husband or child available in official sources.

• Rachael Blackmore revolutionised women’s participation in National Hunt racing with her Grand National victory.
• She remains the most successful female jockey in Cheltenham Festival history.
• Her children’s book Granny National reflects her desire to inspire young readers.
• Personal life details are intentionally kept private; no confirmed husband or child exists in official records.
• Her Betfair sponsorship was a prominent partnership in racing, which ended upon retirement.
• Injury setbacks have been a recurring challenge throughout her career.

Did Rachael Blackmore win the Grand National?

Yes. On 10 April 2021, Rachael Blackmore rode Minella Times, trained by Henry de Bromhead, to victory in the Grand National at Aintree. The horse, a 11/1 shot, finished 6½ lengths ahead of runner-up Balko Des Flos, making Blackmore the first female jockey to win the race in its 182-year history.

The previous best result by a female jockey in the Grand National was Katie Walsh’s third-place finish on Seabass in 2012. Blackmore’s win was widely celebrated as a watershed moment for gender equality in sport.

What is Rachael Blackmore’s Cheltenham record?

Blackmore’s achievements at the Cheltenham Festival are unmatched by any female jockey. She has accumulated approximately 16 wins at the meeting (some sources cite 14, depending on counting methods), making her the most successful woman in the festival’s history.

2021 Cheltenham Festival

In 2021, Blackmore became the first woman to be crowned leading jockey at Cheltenham, securing six victories. Her wins included the Champion Hurdle aboard Honeysuckle, a performance that cemented her status as a top-tier rider.

2022 Cheltenham Gold Cup

The following year, she made history again by winning the Cheltenham Gold Cup on A Plus Tard, becoming the first female jockey to do so. The victory was a landmark moment for the sport and drew widespread media attention.

2024 and 2025 Additional Wins

In 2024, she won the Queen Mother Champion Chase on Captain Guinness. At the 2025 festival, she added the Stayers’ Hurdle on Bob Olinger, completing what is often described as a “full house” of all major Festival feature races.

Has Rachael Blackmore written a book?

Yes. Rachael Blackmore co-authored a children’s book titled Granny National, which was released in early 2024 ahead of the Aintree Grand National. The book was written together with her mother and tells the story of a fictional horse named Granny National racing in the Grand National.

What is the book about?

Granny National is a children’s story, not a personal memoir. It features a horse named Granny National who competes in the famous race. The book aims to inspire young readers, particularly girls, to pursue their dreams in racing and beyond.

When was the book released?

The book was published in early 2024, timed to coincide with the Grand National meeting at Aintree. It received positive attention from the racing community and was promoted through Blackmore’s social media channels and public appearances.

Who is Rachael Blackmore’s husband? Does she have a son?

Rachael Blackmore has not publicly confirmed any details about a husband or a son. Official sources, including her Wikipedia biography and verified news outlets, do not list a spouse or child. Some media reports have referred to her as a “single mother” or suggested she has a son, but these claims remain unverified and are not supported by credible, on-the-record statements.

Is she married?

No publicly available record confirms that Rachael Blackmore is married. She has consistently maintained a private personal life, and no official announcements about a marriage have been made.

Does she have children?

Some tributes and articles have mentioned Blackmore as a “mother,” but specifics such as the child’s name, age, or father have not been confirmed. It is possible that she has a child and chooses to keep that information private, but no authoritative source has published verified details.

Is Rachael Blackmore injured?

In September 2024, Rachael Blackmore suffered a neck injury after a fall at Downpatrick. The injury left her unable to race for approximately three months. She returned to form in early 2025, winning races at Clonmel and Gowran Park. However, on 12 May 2025, she announced her immediate retirement from professional racing, citing the injury and her career milestones as factors in the decision.

What is Rachael Blackmore’s connection to Betfair?

Rachael Blackmore was sponsored by Betfair during her active racing career. The partnership included an ambassador role that aligned her with the betting brand. Upon her retirement in May 2025, she ended all racing-related sponsorship agreements. There are no confirmed sponsorship deals for 2025 or 2026, as she is no longer competing.

1. 1989 – Born in County Tipperary, Ireland.
2. 2010s – Early career as an amateur rider; turned professional.
3. 2021 – Wins Grand National on Minella Times.
4. 2022 – Wins Cheltenham Gold Cup on A Plus Tard.
5. 2024 – Publishes children’s book Granny National.
6. September 2024 – Suffers neck injury after fall at Downpatrick.
7. Early 2025 – Returns to racing; wins at Clonmel and Gowran Park.
8. 12 May 2025 – Announces immediate retirement.

Rachael Blackmore’s impact on horse racing and media

Rachael Blackmore’s Grand National win was a watershed moment for gender equality in sport. She has since become a symbol of perseverance and skill. Her decision to write a children’s book broadened her influence beyond racing, reaching young readers and families.

The lack of personal details about her family life aligns with many elite athletes who guard their privacy. The Betfair partnership reflected the complex relationship between gambling and sport, a dynamic that continues to spark debate in racing circles.

As she enters retirement, Blackmore’s legacy is secure. She is widely regarded as having “painted the whole damn sky” for women in racing, breaking glass ceilings that had stood for generations.

Sources and quotes

“I can’t believe it. It’s just incredible.”

Rachael Blackmore, speaking to BBC Sport after winning the 2021 Grand National

“She’s a phenomenal talent and a true ambassador for racing.”

Racing Post editorial

“Rachael Blackmore rewrote the history books yet again to become the first female jockey to win the Randox Grand National.”

The Jockey Club, official page

What is Rachael Blackmore’s legacy?

Rachael Blackmore leaves the sport with 575 career wins from 4,566 races, a record that places her among the most accomplished jockeys of her generation. Her barrier-breaking achievements opened doors for female riders worldwide, and her children’s book extends her influence beyond the track. For readers interested in other Irish racing figures, Aidan O’Brien – Biography, Career, Derby Wins and Latest 2026 News offers further insight into the sport’s leading personalities. For a profile of another pioneering female athlete, see Kelly Smith – Biography, Career and Legacy of England’s Greatest.

Frequently asked questions