Rachael Blackmore's huge announcement, relationship with jockey and surprise retirement
Grand National winner Rachael Blackmore has been spotted at Cheltenham Festival this week following her retirement last year.
Rachael Blackmore has returned to the Cheltenham Festival this week. However, the iconic jockey has been observing the action from the stands, following her retirement last year. The 36-year-old made history as the first woman to win the Grand National in 2021 and the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2022. Blackmore achieved a total of 18 Cheltenham victories before calling time on her career.
Her maiden victory as a professional came aboard Most Honourable at Clonmel in September 2015, and she became the first female to win the conditional riders' championship in Ireland in 2017. Blackmore won the Champion Hurdle twice on the exceptional mare Honeysuckle, as well as the 2024 Champion Chase on Captain Guinness.
But Express Sport now offers you an insight into the legendary racer's lesser-known life and achievements off the track, by exploring her marriage, recent pregnancy announcement and retirement decision.
Pregnancy announcement
Blackmore surprised fans in February by announcing she is expecting her first child. However, it wasn't your typical pregnancy announcement, as fans deduced it for themselves after she posted a picture on social media with a box containing a pram in the boot of her Volvo XC60.
She simply captioned the post: "Boot contents looking a little bit different now."
Blackmore unveiled her baby bump at Cheltenham earlier this week, having been seen sporting a cosy brown jumper, a blue trench coat and black shades. Discussing the significant year ahead, Blackmore confessed riding at Cheltenham was considerably more nerve-wracking than impending motherhood.
She said: "I would definitely say riding [was more difficult]. The whole giving birth thing I haven't given an overly massive thought to yet, I think I should probably start doing that in a month or two!"
Marriage to fellow jockey
Confirmation of her expected baby came shortly after her marriage to long-term partner Brian Hayes in January of this year. Hayes is a fellow jockey, meaning their relationship has occasionally had to take a back seat once the racing has commenced.
Hayes, who originates from County Cork, established himself with his inaugural festival triumph in 2023 when guiding Impervious to victory in the Mares' Chase. Blackmore previously disclosed that the pair "don't talk about racing half as much as people think" during their time away from the courses.
The Jockey Club provides a range of ticket options for each day of the event for less than the on-the-gate prices.
Hayes is recognised for securing numerous rides with Emmet Mullins throughout the years. He now frequently partners with horses trained by reigning Irish and British champion handler Willie Mullins.
Speaking days after riding a winner in January, Hayes said about his wedding: "I got married ten days ago I suppose. Myself and Rachael got married so off the market.
"It was a lovely day. We got married on the Friday down at home in Rosscarbery, in my home place. We went up to Cavan then on the Monday and had a big party with all our friends and family. It was nice... it was nice just to get married finally."
Life in retirement
Blackmore discreetly confirmed the conclusion of her illustrious racing career 10 months ago. The groundbreaking jockey chose to retire following a final outing aboard Ma Belle Etoile at Cork, where she finished triumphant.
In a statement published on social media, she said: "My days of being a jockey have come to an end. I feel the time is right. I'm sad but l'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.
"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."
