Some athletes rewrite the record books; Rachael Blackmore rewrote history. On 12 May 2025, the Irish jockey known for being the first woman to win the Grand National announced her immediate retirement with 575 career wins to her name, according to ESPN. She also stepped away holding 18 Cheltenham Festival victories and multiple firsts for female riders. Here’s a grounded look at her career timeline, personal life, and what’s known — and what isn’t.
Born: 11 July 1989 ·
Nationality: Irish ·
Occupation: Former National Hunt jockey ·
Grand National win: 2021 (first female jockey)
Quick snapshot
- First female jockey to win the Grand National (2021) (ESPN)
- First female jockey to win Cheltenham Gold Cup (2022) (ESPN)
- Retired with 575 career wins (Wikipedia)
- Turned professional in March 2015 (Horse & Hound)
- Born 11 July 1989 in County Tipperary (Wikipedia)
- First professional winner in 2011 (Horse & Hound)
- Grand National win: April 2021 (ESPN)
- Retirement: 12 May 2025 (ESPN)
Eight key facts from her life and career, sourced from official records.
| Attribute | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Born | 11 July 1989 | Wikipedia |
| Birthplace | Killenaule, County Tipperary, Ireland | BBC Sport |
| Parents | Father a farmer, mother a teacher | BBC Sport |
| Education | Degree in equine science, University of Limerick | Kiddle |
| Began riding | Age 2–3 | BBC Newsround |
| First professional winner | 2011 on Stowaway Pearl at Thurles | Horse & Hound |
| Turned professional | March 2015 | Horse & Hound |
| Grand National win | 2021 on Minella Times | ESPN |
| Cheltenham Festival wins | 18 total | Thoroughbred Daily News |
| Career wins at retirement | 575 | Wikipedia |
| Retirement date | 12 May 2025 | ESPN |
The pattern: every major milestone was a first for a female jockey in National Hunt racing.
Is Rachael Blackmore in a relationship?
Blackmore has kept her personal life out of the spotlight. No official confirmation of a partner or spouse exists in public records. Some unconfirmed reports link her to fellow Irish jockey Brian Hayes, who also rides in National Hunt races. However, neither Blackmore nor Hayes has publicly addressed the speculation.
Who is Rachael Blackmore’s partner?
There is no verified public source identifying a romantic partner. The speculation about Brian Hayes stems from their shared profession and occasional social media interactions, but it remains unsubstantiated.
Does Rachael Blackmore have a husband?
No evidence suggests Blackmore has ever been married. She has not mentioned a husband in any known interviews or biographical statements.
Has Rachael Blackmore had children?
There is no public information to suggest Rachael Blackmore has children. She has never referenced motherhood in media interviews or social media posts. The topic does not appear in any verified biographical materials.
The implication: without any disclosure, it is safe to assume she does not have children, though it remains possible she keeps that aspect of life private.
What happened to Rachael Blackmore?
On 12 May 2025, Rachael Blackmore announced her immediate retirement from race-riding. In a statement reported by Wikipedia, she said, “My days of being a jockey have come to an end” and “I feel the time is right.” She expressed gratitude for her 16-year professional career.
The BBC Sport described Blackmore as a “transformative figure” who “quietly achieved multiple firsts.” Her retirement reason was not publicly disclosed beyond her own words.
Blackmore exited at the top of her sport with 575 wins and a legacy as the most successful female jockey in British and Irish racing history.
What is Rachael Blackmore’s net worth?
Rachael Blackmore’s exact net worth is unknown. A report from 888Sport states directly that her net worth is not publicly disclosed. Estimates appear on various websites but lack authoritative sourcing. Unlike top English jockeys whose earnings are partly visible through prize money, Blackmore’s personal finances remain opaque.
The pattern: even high-profile jockeys often have unreported wealth unless they publish details or are tied to major endorsements.
Where does Rachael Blackmore live now?
Blackmore grew up in Killenaule, County Tipperary, Ireland, according to BBC Sport. Her current residence has not been publicly confirmed. Given her family ties and the location of many Irish racing yards, she likely remains in Ireland, though no move has been reported.
Timeline: Key moments in Rachael Blackmore’s career
- 11 July 1989: Born in Killenaule, County Tipperary (Wikipedia)
- Age 2–3: Began riding ponies (BBC Newsround)
- 2011: First professional winner on Stowaway Pearl (Horse & Hound)
- March 2015: Turned professional (Horse & Hound)
- 2016/2017: First female Conditional Riders’ title winner with 32 winners (Horse & Hound)
- April 2021: Won Grand National on Minella Times (ESPN)
- 2021: Leading jockey at Cheltenham Festival; won Champion Hurdle on Honeysuckle (BBC Sport)
- March 2022: Won Cheltenham Gold Cup on A Plus Tard (ESPN)
- 12 May 2025: Announced retirement with 575 career wins (ESPN)
Blackmore retired with more trophies than any female jockey before her, yet the public knows almost nothing about her personal finances or future plans.
What we know vs. what’s unclear
Confirmed facts
- Born 11 July 1989 in County Tipperary (Wikipedia)
- First female Grand National winner (2021) (ESPN)
- Retired 12 May 2025 with 575 wins (ESPN)
- 18 Cheltenham Festival wins (Thoroughbred Daily News)
- First woman to win Champion Hurdle and Cheltenham Gold Cup (BBC Sport)
What’s unclear
- Exact net worth — no verified figures
- Relationship status — no official confirmation
- Exact reason for retirement beyond “time is right”
- Future professional plans — none announced
- Current residence — assumed Ireland but unconfirmed
Quotes from Rachael Blackmore and the racing world
“My days of being a jockey have come to an end.”
— Rachael Blackmore, as quoted by Wikipedia
“I feel the time is right. I have so many people to thank for the past 16 years.”
— Rachael Blackmore, retirement statement via Wikipedia
“A transformative figure in the sport who quietly achieved multiple firsts.”
— BBC Sport
Why this matters: the racing establishment itself acknowledges Blackmore’s historic, understated impact.
youtube.com, evoke.ie, itv.com, youtube.com, bakomrubriken.se
For a deeper look at her journey from a childhood in County Tipperary to racing history, you can read Rachael Blackmores biography and career.
Frequently asked questions
Is Rachael Blackmore in a relationship?
There is no confirmed information about a romantic partner. Unverified speculation points to jockey Brian Hayes, but neither party has commented.
Does Rachael Blackmore have children?
No public evidence suggests she has children. She has never mentioned kids in interviews or on social media.
What is Rachael Blackmore’s net worth?
Her net worth has not been publicly disclosed. Unofficial estimates vary widely and lack authoritative sources.
Why did Rachael Blackmore retire?
She announced retirement on 12 May 2025, stating “the time is right.” No further reasons have been given.
How many races did Rachael Blackmore win?
She retired with 575 career wins as a professional jockey (Wikipedia).
Which horses did Rachael Blackmore ride?
Notable mounts include Minella Times (Grand National), Honeysuckle (Champion Hurdle), and A Plus Tard (Cheltenham Gold Cup).
Where does Rachael Blackmore live?
She grew up in Killenaule, County Tipperary. Current residence is not publicly known.
For racing fans, the legacy is clear: Blackmore’s records will stand as milestones, but the next chapter in her life may inspire as many as her riding did.
George Harry Howard Bennett is a staff writer for Public Journal UK, specializing in UK news, policy analysis, and public affairs coverage. He works under Editor-in-Chief Margaret Ellison, maintaining high standards of sourcing, verification, and fact-checking. Bennett reports on Westminster, government policy, and societal issues, providing balanced and accurate journalism with timely insight.