Rachael Blackmore announces retirement with lengthy statement

Extra.ie​

12-05-2025

Irish jockey Rachael Blackmore has announced her retirement, writing 'I feel the time is right.'
The Tipperary native became the first female jockey to win the Grand National in 2021.
She also became the first woman to be lead jockey at the Cheltenham Festival with six victories, including the Champion Hurdle in 2021. Irish jockey Rachael Blackmore has announced her retirement, writing 'I feel the time is right.' Pic: Scott Heppell/Pool/AFP via Getty Images
Confirming her retirement on Monday afternoon, Rachael took to social media and shared: '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.'
The 35-year-old noted that those she had to thank were 'endless.'
'Firstly, my parents who produced me with the best childhood and a pony I couldn't hold,' she shared, 'This set the seed for a life of racing.'
The jockey paid tribute to Aidan Kennedy who she had her first point to point with as well as Arthur Moore and Pat Doyle who she spent time riding with in her early days.
'I rode my first winner for Shark Hanlon, who then helped me become Champion Conditional,' Rachael continued, '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 loos elsewhere.
'He was the catalyst for what was to come.'
Rachael explained how a 'conversation' between Eddie O'Leary and Henry de Bromhead on the way to Aintree took her career to a 'whole new level.' Jockey Rachael Blackmore with the Grand National trophy in 2021. Pic: David Davies – Pool/Getty Images
After getting in the door at Knockeen, she met horses including Honeysuckle, A Plus Tard, Minella Indo and Minella Times.
'All with one thing in common — Henry de Bromhead. He's a phenomenal trainer, who brought out the best in me,' Rachael praised, 'Without Henry, my story is very different.'
The jockey then paid tribute to her sponsors over the years as well as her team at Knockeen who she said 'do such incredible work looking after all the horses.'
'To all the amazing doctors, surgeons and physios who looked after me over the years,' she added, 'To all the wonderful owners who trusted me and gave me the opportunity to do what I love doing. Rachael Blackmore's statement concluded, admitting that it was 'daunting' to no longer be referred to as a jockey. Pic:'To everyone I shared the weigh room with, I'll miss being in there with you.'
Rachael's statement concluded, admitting that it was 'daunting' to no longer be referred to as a jockey.
'Who even am I now,' she joked, 'But I feel so incredible lucky to have had the career I've had. To have been in the right place at the right time with the right people, and to have gotten on the right horses — because it doesn't matter how good you are without them.
'They have given me the best days of my life and to them I am most grateful.'
Social media users took to the comments to extend well wishes to Rachael on her retirement, with one writing: 'Rachel you inspired me.'
Another added: 'Simply the best Rachael.'