It all started with a pony she could barely control—and ended with a legendary career that redefined horse racing.
Rachael Blackmore, one of the most inspiring and successful jockeys of our time, has officially retired from the saddle.
At 35, the Irish superstar took to social media on Monday to announce the end of her incredible journey.
After nearly two decades in the sport, filled with unforgettable wins and broken barriers, Blackmore says she knows it’s the right time to step away.
The Grand National That Changed Everything
If you had to pick one moment that truly captured Blackmore’s magic, it would probably be that historic April afternoon in 2021.
Partnering with Minella Times at Aintree, she became the first woman to ever win the Randox Grand National.
The race was run behind closed doors due to the pandemic, but it didn’t matter—Blackmore’s win made global headlines.
In that emotional moment, she summed it up in a way only she could: “I don’t feel male or female now… I don’t even feel human.”
It wasn’t just about the win—it was about rewriting what was possible.
A Champion in Every Way
Blackmore didn’t just break through one barrier—she smashed through them all.
She’s one of a rare few jockeys to complete the “Cheltenham Grand Slam”: winning the Gold Cup, Champion Hurdle, Queen Mother Champion Chase, and Stayers’ Hurdle.
Her partnerships with beloved horses like Honeysuckle lit up the sport.
Together, they claimed four consecutive Festival wins between 2020 and 2023.
In total, she rode 18 winners at Cheltenham, including being crowned Leading Rider in 2021.
Her ability to connect with horses and read a race set her apart—not just as a female jockey, but as one of the best jump jockeys, period.
Fighting Back from Injury
This past season wasn’t without its challenges.
Blackmore suffered a serious neck injury last September, keeping her off the track for three months.
But in true Rachael fashion, she returned in time for Christmas—and made her mark yet again with a 152/1 double at Cheltenham.
That winning double included a standout ride on Bob Olinger in the Stayers’ Hurdle, one of her all-time favorite horses.
It was the kind of comeback only a true champion could pull off.
A Farewell From the Heart
In her farewell statement, Blackmore shared her deep gratitude for a life she described as “something I never even dreamt could be possible.”
Reflecting on her 16-year journey, she thanked her parents—who gave her that first unruly pony—as well as trainers like Shark Hanlon and Henry de Bromhead, who believed in her long before she became a household name.
“It’s daunting, not being able to say I am a jockey anymore,” she admitted.
“Who even am I now?!” But her message was clear: she feels incredibly fortunate and wouldn’t trade a second of it.
From Thurles to Cork: A Career Bookended in Style
Her first winner came at Thurles in 2011 on a horse named Stowaway Pearl.
Fittingly, her final win—number nearly 600—came just two days ago at Cork.
She was riding Ma Belle Etoile for, of course, Henry de Bromhead.
As she closes the chapter on her riding career, Rachael Blackmore leaves behind more than just trophies—she leaves a legacy.
A path cleared for others to follow. A new standard for what’s possible.
And no matter what comes next, there’s no doubt about it: Rachael Blackmore changed the sport forever.