Rachael Blackmore gives rare insight into her personal life following retirement
Rachael Blackmore has given a rare insight into her personal life and relationship with jockey Brian Hayes following her retirement from the saddle.
The Grand National and Gold Cup-winning rider called time on her career last month. Blackmore made international headlines in 2021 when she teamed up with the Henry de Bromhead-trained Minella Times to win the world's greatest steeplechase at Aintree – the first woman to do so.
In a statement last month, the Tipperary native 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.'
Expanding on her decision, she told Betfair: 'When I was leaving the weighing room at Cheltenham on Friday this year, for the first time I just had a little thought in my head: 'Will I be back here next season?'
'It was the first time that thought had ever crept into my head. I didn't know.
'Part of me thought I would be back, part of me thought I wouldn't .
'I just said to myself leave it until June and get to the jockeys' break. I'd think about it all then.'
Blackmore is in a long-term relationship with Brian Hayes. Though the couple keeps their personal life mostly out of the public eye, she did open up about their shared home life in a 2021 interview. "I live with two other jockeys, Patrick Mullins and Brian Hayes," she revealed. "It's a great house, located in Leighlinbridge, Carlow, close to all the big tracks in Ireland."
She added: "We don't talk about racing half as much as people think. It's just a normal house when we come home."
Blackmore recently shared a number of photos on Instagram, showing her enjoying a holiday, dinner, and social events with her friends and family, including Hayes.
The trailblazer says she has not set plans despite retiring, but admits she will have 'a very different life' to the one she had previously.
'Even though retiring was probably a feeling inside me that I had kind of dampened down, it wasn't part of a massive plan to retire that Saturday, there is nothing set up but I am very lucky that I can take a few weeks and decide what might be next,' she said.
'It will be a very different life to the one I had previously."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
34 minutes ago
- The Irish Sun
Love Island's Ronnie grows close to stunning influencer as they're spotted flirting after Harriett split
LOVE Island's Ronnie Vint is already growing close to a glamorous influencer just days after his split from Harriett Blackmore. The Sun can exclusively reveal Ronnie spent a night in Ibiza chatting up stunning Lauren Watson, who has 153,000 followers on Instagram. Advertisement 5 Ronnie Vint has been flirting with a stunning influencer Credit: Instagram/@ronnievint 5 Lauren Watson caught his eye in Ibiza Credit: Instagram 5 Ronnie recently split from girlfriend Harriett Blackmore Credit: Getty He was at the launch of the Unexpected Hotel in Ibiza on Tuesday and spent most of it flirting with Lauren. An onlooker said: 'Ronnie looked really into Lauren, and certainly wasn't spending his time pining over Harriett. "He's always had an eye for the ladies, so it was no surprise that Lauren caught his attention. "They spent most of the night chatting and looked very cosy. They're also following each other on social media already.' Advertisement READ MORE ON RONNIE VINT A rep for Ronnie declined to comment. Prior to the Ibiza getaway, Ronnie and Harriett unfollowed each other on social media and deleted pictures. Fans had spotted that footballer But Advertisement Most read in News TV Have YOU got a story or an amazing picture or video? Email and you could even get PAID The Love Island star shared a screengrab from an Instagram page that claimed he and Harriett had split. The post appeared to show Ronnie commenting: "Yeah it's true. Will explain my side of things later," along with the caption: "Ronnie Vint is sharing his side of that story with what happened with Love Island fans work out 'real reason' Olivia Attwood pushed Ronnie to make Harriett his girlfriend He insisted that was simply a cruel hoax by a social media user, writing: "This is clearly a set up. Edited because we are sweet and I haven't commented a thing. Thank you." Advertisement The pair had planned to move in together this month before thing took a sour turn. Harriett told "We're moving up towards London, which is exciting. "It's really close to Advertisement Last summer, the pair However, viewers watched as Harriet and Ronnie Ronnie was an original All Stars islander and Harriett The pair Advertisement 5 Jetsetter Lauren has over 150,000 followers Credit: Instagram 5 She's very into fashion and holidays Credit: Instagram Love Island winners - where they are now EVERY year Love Island opens its doors to more sexy Islanders who are hoping for a holiday romance that could turn into more. Here we take you through all of the 2025 - The second series of All Stars saw STATUS: Still together. 2024 - The summer Love Island saw and Josh Oyinsan were STATUS: Broken up. 2024 - The first ever All stars spin off show was STATUS: Still together. 2023 - STATUS: Broken up. 2023 - The first series of 2023 saw STATUS: Still together. 2022 - STATUS: Broken up. 2021 - STATUS: Still together. 2020 - The first ever winter Love Island saw STATUS: Broken up. 2019 - Series 5 saw STATUS: Broken up. 2018 - It wasn't surprising fan favourites STATUS: Broken up. 2017 - STATUS: Broken up. 2016 - Nathan Massey and Cara De La Hoyde were together from the start of the series, and since they won the show they've had two kids and are married. STATUS: Still together. 2015 - Despite poor STATUS: Broken up.
The Irish Sun
2 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Inside Schumacher's inner circle as F1 boss reveals who ‘regularly' sees tragic star… & his shock at pal who WON'T visit
AN F1 boss has revealed insider information on Michael Schumacher's inner circle - like who "regularly" visits him and his shock at one pal who won't. Schumacher hasn't been in the public eye since 7 Schumacher lifts the trophy after victory in the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix in Monte Carlo, Monaco Credit: Getty 7 German formula one world champion Michael Schumacher of Ferrari hugs his wife Corinna in 2004 Credit: Alamy 7 Ex-Red Bull chief Richard Hopkins has spoken out about the star Credit: Re-Engineering Australia Foundation 7 The F1 legend's family Now ex-Red Bull chief Richard Hopkins has spoken out about the star - and revealed who regularly him. He told "I believe Luca Badoer, who is a close family friend, visits him. read more f1 "If there is a third, I don't know who that would be." But Hopkins also spoke of a pal who won't visit Schumacher - He added: "Flavio is, as we know, a flamboyant character. I would have thought he would have probably been the first person who would have wanted to see Michael in whatever way that was. But you have to respect that decision. "That's down to the individual. Not necessarily shared by all. I know there are close friends that go and see Schumacher and that's their own choice and for their own reasons. Most read in Motorsport "But Flavio has obviously got his and it's very deep and personal how we remember people, and how we want to remember people. "I think we all have to respect that one." Michael Schumacher's Monaco Grand Prix-Winning Ferrari F2001 In 2020 Briatore's former wife Elisabetta Gregoraci claimed that: 'Michael doesn't speak, he communicates with his eyes.' Addressing this rumour, Hopkins said: "I'm not in that circle to know the absolute facts about Schumacher. Not many people are. Does he communicate through his eyes? Quite possibly. "There is rumour he does watch Grand Prixs. But this is just speculation and perhaps unfair for anyone to make assumptions and guesses. "Any remark I make will be unqualified as well in that sense, so it's difficult to be drawn on it." In April, Schumacher belonging to fellow F1 icon Sir Jackie Stewart with help from Corinna. The helmet will be auctioned to raise money for Stewart's charity Race Against Dementia . But Hopkins has described the signing as potentially being a "one-off". He said: "I suspect that [Jackie Stewart helmet signature] gesture was a one-off. There was a lot of media around that and maybe for the family too much media. 7 Michael Schumacher and Flavio Briatore Credit: Getty - Contributor 7 Alpine F1 Team Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore looks on in the paddock during qualifying Credit: Getty 7 Race winner Michael Schumacher celebrates on the podium in 1994 Credit: Alamy "They try to keep everything quiet and private, so I'd hazard a guess that it was a one-off. "It was a great gesture from the family to organise that." Yilmaz Tozturkan, 53, and his son Daniel Lins, 30, had threatened to publish videos and pictures of Schumacher unless they were Security guard Markus Fritsche had copied the private material while working for the Schumachers and sold it to the two men. In February the trio were found guilty of their part in the Fritsche was given a two-year suspended sentence, while Tozturkan was jailed for three years and Lins was given a six-month suspended prison sentence by a German court. Schumacher's wife Corinna wanted a harsher sentence for Fritsche. She said: 'What still shocks me most is the massive breach of trust. 'He should receive a punishment for this that deters others from potentially doing the same.' When Schumacher's head hit a boulder in the skiing accident 12 years ago, it split his helmet in two. The brain injury was so serious that he spent 250 days in a coma. The best medical treatment that money could buy brought the sporting great, who is worth £468million, back to consciousness. There had been rumours that further treatment in Paris had allowed Schumacher to take some small steps, but that was later dismissed. What do we know about Schumacher since his accident? MICHAEL Schumacher's life changed forever on December 29, 2013, when a skiing accident left the seven-time F1 champion with a severe brain injury. Since then, his family has protected his privacy, with only a select few remaining in contact with the racing legend. December 29, 2013 - The skiing accident : Schumacher suffers a life-threatening head injury while skiing off-piste in Méribel, France. He falls and hits his head on a rock, causing severe brain trauma despite wearing a helmet. He is airlifted to a hospital in Grenoble, where he undergoes two emergency surgeries. Doctors place him in a medically induced coma to reduce swelling in his brain. January 2014 - Schumacher fights for his life : Schumacher remains in a coma. Doctors describe his condition as 'critical but stable'. His family, led by wife Corinna, remains at his bedside. The world's F1 community rallies behind him, with fans holding vigils outside the hospital. June 2014 - Schumacher brought out of his coma : After nearly six months, Schumacher is brought out of his coma. His family confirms he is no longer in a coma but gives no further health details. He is transferred from Grenoble to a rehabilitation facility in Lausanne, Switzerland. September 2014 - Back home: Schumacher is moved to his family home near Lake Geneva. Corinna announces he will continue his recovery at home, with a dedicated medical team. 2015–2018 - Mystery surrounding his health: Reports suggest Schumacher is receiving round-the-clock medical care at home, costing £50,000 per week. Jean Todt reveals he still visits Schumacher and that they watch F1 races together. May 2017 - German magazine sued by Schumacher's family: The magazine Bunte has to pay Michael Schumacher €50,000 (£42,000) in damages after claiming in 2015 that Schumacher would walk again. The Hamburg regional court determined that the statement was false and infringed upon Schumacher's right to privacy. September 2019 - Schumacher secretly transferred to Paris : French media reports that Schumacher is taken to Paris for stem cell therapy at the Georges-Pompidou Hospital. The procedure is led by renowned surgeon Dr. Philippe Menasché. Details of the treatment remain undisclosed. December 2019 - Manager issues rare statement : Schumacher's longtime manager Sabine Kehm says his condition will remain private. She dismisses speculation and false reports about his health. September 2021 - Netflix documentary 'Schumacher' released : A new Netflix documentary, Schumacher, provides rare insights into his life. Corinna speaks publicly about his condition for the first time, saying: 'Michael is here. Different, but he's here, and that gives us strength.' December 2023 - 10 years since the accident : Schumacher turns 55. The anniversary of his accident is marked by tributes from the F1 world. Jean Todt confirms he still sees Schumacher regularly and describes his visits as 'full of affection'. September 2024 - Daughter Gina's wedding : Gina Schumacher, 27, marries longtime boyfriend Iain Bethke at the family's £27million Majorca villa. Reports claim Schumacher attends the wedding, but close friend Johnny Herbert later calls it 'A1 fake news'. Guests are reportedly required to hand over their phones to prevent leaks. December 2024 - Schumacher to become a grandfather : Gina announces she is pregnant, three months after her wedding. She shares the news on Instagram, writing: 'Impatiently awaiting the arrival of our little girl.'
The Irish Sun
2 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Love Island casting comes under fire AGAIN after it's revealed star had TikTok account where he ‘secretly films women'
AXED Love Island hunk Kyle Ashman took part in 'misogynistic' videos with a pal where they secretly filmed women. 3 Kyle was axed from the show earlier this week Credit: Instagram Now it has been revealed that he had a joint TikTok and YouTube page with a friend called Fin Musker. Whilst the joint pages have been wiped of content, a source has told The Sun that the videos involved them 'picking up girls and filming them without knowledge'. The source added that the videos 'displayed misogynistic behaviour towards women'. Some content still online shows Fin and Kyle out on the town, kissing women and speaking to them in bars. READ MORE ON LOVE ISLAND When approached about the videos, Kyle did not wish to comment. It raises further question marks about ITV's vetting process for its reality shows. Earlier this week Kyle was sent packing from Majorca after The Sun alerted show bosses that he had been arrested on suspicion of a machete attack and was only cleared by police last month - meaning he would've been in discussion with authorities whilst auditioning for Love Island. ITV chiefs sent him home from Most read in Love Island A source said: 'All of the online content had been cleared so may not have come up on surface level checks, but for this kind of show far deeper trawls should be in place. 'ITV has steered clear of OnlyFans stars in the past and Kyle's link to one - particularly taking part in joint content of a misogynistic nature - is surely not in keeping with Love Island being a family show.' Love Island's Kyle Ashman reveals he wants show return as Casa Amor hunk after being axed over machete attack on dad ITV declined to comment. Sources said the channel was unaware of the incident and he was not flagged as part of contestant checks. The victim, 38, nearly lost his arm. He was rushed to hospital for emergency treatment and kept in for around two weeks. Another mourner was glassed, one struck with a metal pole, and two people run over by a car during the 15 minutes of terror at a social club. Ashman, who lives in the town, was one of two men to be nicked on suspicion of affray then bailed. Police confirmed that after the matter had been investigated the pair were released with no further action only last month. Speaking after he was axed from the show, he said: "I'm not a bad guy, honestly. I'm a normal guy from a normal place. An opportunity arose to find love and I grabbed it with both hands, and it's been taken away from me. "I've seen the support pages and, who knows, maybe I'll get the chance to go on Casa Amor or as a bombshell, go back in and show you who I really am. Show you I'm not a bad guy. We'll see." 3 He was quizzed by cops over a machete attack that happened in February Credit: Instagram/@kyleashmantr 3 He was released without charge and insists he's a normal guy Credit: Instagram Troubled history of telly hit By Jonathan Kanengoni LOVE Island has been hit by a string of controversies since it first aired in 2015. Malia Arkian lasted just three hours before she was marched out by security in its second year after pushing co-contestant Kady McDermott for spilling wine on her. Sherif Lanre was booted off after nine days in 2019. He had made a vile joke after accidentally kicking fan fave Molly-Mae Hague in the crotch during a play fight. In the same year Women's Aid complained of contestant Joe Garratt's 'abusive' behaviour towards on-screen partner Lucie Donlan. She broke down in tears after he told her to stay away from the other lads. Ollie Williams left after three days in 2020 when he realised he still had feelings for his ex. But his exit came amid mounting pressure on bosses to remove him after pictures of him allegedly trophy hunting came to light. Salesman Haris Namani was dumped in 2023 after The Sun revealed footage of him in a street brawl. The show has also been accused of failing to look after islanders' mental health when filming stops. Sophie Gradon took her own life, aged 32, two years after she appeared on Love Island 2016. And Mike Thalassitis's suicide in 2019, at 26, prompted calls for better after-care by reality shows. In 2022, watchdog Ofcom received 3,600 complaints in a week over alleged misogynistic behaviour by some of the male contestants. And this year it received thousands of complaints about All Stars contestant Elma Pazar's bullying of Ekin- Su Culculoglu during a row.
