‘She broke the glass ceiling' – Ruby Walsh pays glowing tribute to ‘resilient' Rachael Blackmore after retirement
ICONIC former jockey Ruby Walsh made an emotional tribute to Rachael Blackmore on Monday evening.
The
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Rachael Blackmore confirmed her retirement on Monday afternoon after a glittering career
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Ruby Walsh made a glowing tribute to Blackmore as she called time of her career
Blackmore made history in 2021 by becoming the first female jockey to win the
She also secured victories in the
35-year-old Blackmore took to Instagram on Monday afternoon as she
And Walsh told
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He said: "Rachael Blackmore is unique. We keep saying the first but she is the only woman to have won a Grand National, a Gold Cup, a Champion Hurdle, a Stayers' Hurdle, a Champion Chase. The only woman to be leading rider at the Cheltenham Festival.
"She did what all top sports people do. She made very few mistakes and that's the difference. She was very cool under pressure, calculated under pressure and just didn't get it wrong.
"Rachael was able to make fewer mistakes and that's what made her so good. Being a National Hunt jockey is not an easy life.
Ruby went on to credit her from bouncing back so soon after numerous injuries.
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He added: "Men and women do get to compete on a level playing field but it's the physicality: the falling, the thumps off the ground, the speed of the impacts and being able to pick yourself up.
"Rachael Blackmore was able to fall and get up quicker than most men, and that's what made her different. She was like an elastic band.
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"So resilient, so tough. Whilst she broke the glass ceiling and proved women can do it, I don't know how many there are like Rachael."
Earlier this evening,
as hailed the Killenaule native as a
as he took to social media.
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The also retired jockey is the second most successful jockey of all time at the Cheltenham Festival.
Meath native Geraghty hailed Blackmore as a incredible horse woman.
He posted: Barry Geraghty penned: "A huge congratulations and best of luck in your retirement after an amazing career.
"An ultra talented horse woman, a brilliant competitor and one of the most committed Jockeys you could ever ride against.
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"Brilliant to see you get out on your own terms."
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