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The Herald Scotland
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Rachael Blackmore announces retirement from riding
In a statement, Blackmore 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.' Rachael Blackmore celebrates winning the Champion Hurdle on Honeysuckle (David Davies/PA) Prior to her Grand National triumph Blackmore had already become the first female jockey to win the Champion Hurdle aboard Honeysuckle that year and in 2022 she secured another first when steering A Plus Tard to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Having won the two-mile Champion Chase at the 2024 Festival with Captain Guinness, Bob Olinger's Stayers' Hurdle win in March meant Blackmore ticked off the final championship event at Cheltenham – a feat very few jockeys complete during their career and putting Blackmore further out on her own among female riders. Her statement continued: 'The people to thank are endless, it's not possible to mention everyone (as I don't want this to be another book) but I'm going to get a few names in here anyway and to everyone else, you know who you are, as they say. 'Firstly, my parents who provided me with the best childhood, and a pony I couldn't hold! This set the seed for a life of racing. Aidan Kennedy gave me my first ride in a point-to-point. I spent time riding out for Arthur Moore and Pat Doyle which I loved. Sam Curling and Liam Lennon were also big supporters as was Denise O' Shea, John Nicholson, Ellmarie Holden, Harry Smyth and Gigginstown House Stud. 'I rode my first winner for Shark Hanlon, who then helped me become champion conditional. 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 look elsewhere. He was the catalyst for what was to come. 'A conversation between Eddie O'Leary and Henry de Bromhead in a taxi on the way to Aintree took my career to a whole new level. Eddie got me in the door at Knockeen, and what came next was unimaginable: Honeysuckle, A Plus Tard, Minella Indo, Captain Guinness, Bob Olinger, Minella Times, among many others… all with one thing in common – Henry de Bromhead. 'He's a phenomenal trainer, who brought out the best in me. Without Henry, my story is very different. 'To my sponsors over the years. Dornan, KPMG, Volvo, Betfair, PCI Insurance, thank you for your support. To Garry Cribbin, who looked after me as my agent since day one with professionalism and friendship. To Rebecca Matthews who managed (and hopefully will continue to manage!) the non-horse related requests. To Willie Mullins who provided me with success throughout my career. 'To all the team in Knockeen who do such incredible work looking after all the horses, without you and all the stable staff across the country, winners don't happen. To Davy Roche, whose help was invaluable when I was privileged enough to have a choice in a race. Rachael Blackmore with Gold Cup winner A Plus Tard (Lorraine O'Sullivan/PA) 'To all the amazing doctors, surgeons and physios who looked after me over the years. To all the wonderful owners who trusted me and gave me the opportunity to do what I love doing. To everyone I shared the weigh room with, I'll miss being in there with you. 'To all my great friends – you made winning special. Brian Hayes won't enjoy getting a mention, but he was more important to my career than I'll ever be able to thank him for. 'It is daunting, not being able to say that I am a jockey anymore… who even am I now! But I feel so incredibly 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.' Blackmore rode her first winner as a professional in 2015 and bows out with 18 Cheltenham Festival victories on her CV. She had been booked to ride at Sligo and Tipperary in the coming days but her decision to retire with immediate effect means Blackmore's final career success came aboard Ma Belle Etoile, fittingly trained by her long-time ally De Bromhead, at Cork on Saturday.
Glasgow Times
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Rachael Blackmore announces retirement from riding
The 35-year-old 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 the then 182-year history of the race. In a statement, Blackmore 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.' Rachael Blackmore celebrates winning the Champion Hurdle on Honeysuckle (David Davies/PA) Prior to her Grand National triumph Blackmore had already become the first female jockey to win the Champion Hurdle aboard Honeysuckle that year and in 2022 she secured another first when steering A Plus Tard to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Having won the two-mile Champion Chase at the 2024 Festival with Captain Guinness, Bob Olinger's Stayers' Hurdle win in March meant Blackmore ticked off the final championship event at Cheltenham – a feat very few jockeys complete during their career and putting Blackmore further out on her own among female riders. Her statement continued: 'The people to thank are endless, it's not possible to mention everyone (as I don't want this to be another book) but I'm going to get a few names in here anyway and to everyone else, you know who you are, as they say. 'Firstly, my parents who provided me with the best childhood, and a pony I couldn't hold! This set the seed for a life of racing. Aidan Kennedy gave me my first ride in a point-to-point. I spent time riding out for Arthur Moore and Pat Doyle which I loved. Sam Curling and Liam Lennon were also big supporters as was Denise O' Shea, John Nicholson, Ellmarie Holden, Harry Smyth and Gigginstown House Stud. 'I rode my first winner for Shark Hanlon, who then helped me become champion conditional. 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 look elsewhere. He was the catalyst for what was to come. 'A conversation between Eddie O'Leary and Henry de Bromhead in a taxi on the way to Aintree took my career to a whole new level. Eddie got me in the door at Knockeen, and what came next was unimaginable: Honeysuckle, A Plus Tard, Minella Indo, Captain Guinness, Bob Olinger, Minella Times, among many others… all with one thing in common – Henry de Bromhead. 'He's a phenomenal trainer, who brought out the best in me. Without Henry, my story is very different. 'To my sponsors over the years. Dornan, KPMG, Volvo, Betfair, PCI Insurance, thank you for your support. To Garry Cribbin, who looked after me as my agent since day one with professionalism and friendship. To Rebecca Matthews who managed (and hopefully will continue to manage!) the non-horse related requests. To Willie Mullins who provided me with success throughout my career. 'To all the team in Knockeen who do such incredible work looking after all the horses, without you and all the stable staff across the country, winners don't happen. To Davy Roche, whose help was invaluable when I was privileged enough to have a choice in a race. Rachael Blackmore with Gold Cup winner A Plus Tard (Lorraine O'Sullivan/PA) 'To all the amazing doctors, surgeons and physios who looked after me over the years. To all the wonderful owners who trusted me and gave me the opportunity to do what I love doing. To everyone I shared the weigh room with, I'll miss being in there with you. 'To all my great friends – you made winning special. Brian Hayes won't enjoy getting a mention, but he was more important to my career than I'll ever be able to thank him for. 'It is daunting, not being able to say that I am a jockey anymore… who even am I now! But I feel so incredibly 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.' Blackmore rode her first winner as a professional in 2015 and bows out with 18 Cheltenham Festival victories on her CV. She had been booked to ride at Sligo and Tipperary in the coming days but her decision to retire with immediate effect means Blackmore's final career success came aboard Ma Belle Etoile, fittingly trained by her long-time ally De Bromhead, at Cork on Saturday.
Leader Live
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Rachael Blackmore announces retirement from riding
The 35-year-old 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 the then 182-year history of the race. In a statement, Blackmore 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.' Rachael Blackmore celebrates winning the Champion Hurdle on Honeysuckle (David Davies/PA) Prior to her Grand National triumph Blackmore had already become the first female jockey to win the Champion Hurdle aboard Honeysuckle that year and in 2022 she secured another first when steering A Plus Tard to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Having won the two-mile Champion Chase at the 2024 Festival with Captain Guinness, Bob Olinger's Stayers' Hurdle win in March meant Blackmore ticked off the final championship event at Cheltenham – a feat very few jockeys complete during their career and putting Blackmore further out on her own among female riders. Her statement continued: 'The people to thank are endless, it's not possible to mention everyone (as I don't want this to be another book) but I'm going to get a few names in here anyway and to everyone else, you know who you are, as they say. 'Firstly, my parents who provided me with the best childhood, and a pony I couldn't hold! This set the seed for a life of racing. Aidan Kennedy gave me my first ride in a point-to-point. I spent time riding out for Arthur Moore and Pat Doyle which I loved. Sam Curling and Liam Lennon were also big supporters as was Denise O' Shea, John Nicholson, Ellmarie Holden, Harry Smyth and Gigginstown House Stud. 'I rode my first winner for Shark Hanlon, who then helped me become champion conditional. 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 look elsewhere. He was the catalyst for what was to come. 'A conversation between Eddie O'Leary and Henry de Bromhead in a taxi on the way to Aintree took my career to a whole new level. Eddie got me in the door at Knockeen, and what came next was unimaginable: Honeysuckle, A Plus Tard, Minella Indo, Captain Guinness, Bob Olinger, Minella Times, among many others… all with one thing in common – Henry de Bromhead. 'He's a phenomenal trainer, who brought out the best in me. Without Henry, my story is very different. 'To my sponsors over the years. Dornan, KPMG, Volvo, Betfair, PCI Insurance, thank you for your support. To Garry Cribbin, who looked after me as my agent since day one with professionalism and friendship. To Rebecca Matthews who managed (and hopefully will continue to manage!) the non-horse related requests. To Willie Mullins who provided me with success throughout my career. 'To all the team in Knockeen who do such incredible work looking after all the horses, without you and all the stable staff across the country, winners don't happen. To Davy Roche, whose help was invaluable when I was privileged enough to have a choice in a race. Rachael Blackmore with Gold Cup winner A Plus Tard (Lorraine O'Sullivan/PA) 'To all the amazing doctors, surgeons and physios who looked after me over the years. To all the wonderful owners who trusted me and gave me the opportunity to do what I love doing. To everyone I shared the weigh room with, I'll miss being in there with you. 'To all my great friends – you made winning special. Brian Hayes won't enjoy getting a mention, but he was more important to my career than I'll ever be able to thank him for. 'It is daunting, not being able to say that I am a jockey anymore… who even am I now! But I feel so incredibly 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.'
South Wales Guardian
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Guardian
Rachael Blackmore announces retirement from riding
The 35-year-old 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 the then 182-year history of the race. In a statement, Blackmore 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.' Rachael Blackmore celebrates winning the Champion Hurdle on Honeysuckle (David Davies/PA) Prior to her Grand National triumph Blackmore had already become the first female jockey to win the Champion Hurdle aboard Honeysuckle that year and in 2022 she secured another first when steering A Plus Tard to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Having won the two-mile Champion Chase at the 2024 Festival with Captain Guinness, Bob Olinger's Stayers' Hurdle win in March meant Blackmore ticked off the final championship event at Cheltenham – a feat very few jockeys complete during their career and putting Blackmore further out on her own among female riders. Her statement continued: 'The people to thank are endless, it's not possible to mention everyone (as I don't want this to be another book) but I'm going to get a few names in here anyway and to everyone else, you know who you are, as they say. 'Firstly, my parents who provided me with the best childhood, and a pony I couldn't hold! This set the seed for a life of racing. Aidan Kennedy gave me my first ride in a point-to-point. I spent time riding out for Arthur Moore and Pat Doyle which I loved. Sam Curling and Liam Lennon were also big supporters as was Denise O' Shea, John Nicholson, Ellmarie Holden, Harry Smyth and Gigginstown House Stud. 'I rode my first winner for Shark Hanlon, who then helped me become champion conditional. 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 look elsewhere. He was the catalyst for what was to come. 'A conversation between Eddie O'Leary and Henry de Bromhead in a taxi on the way to Aintree took my career to a whole new level. Eddie got me in the door at Knockeen, and what came next was unimaginable: Honeysuckle, A Plus Tard, Minella Indo, Captain Guinness, Bob Olinger, Minella Times, among many others… all with one thing in common – Henry de Bromhead. 'He's a phenomenal trainer, who brought out the best in me. Without Henry, my story is very different. 'To my sponsors over the years. Dornan, KPMG, Volvo, Betfair, PCI Insurance, thank you for your support. To Garry Cribbin, who looked after me as my agent since day one with professionalism and friendship. To Rebecca Matthews who managed (and hopefully will continue to manage!) the non-horse related requests. To Willie Mullins who provided me with success throughout my career. 'To all the team in Knockeen who do such incredible work looking after all the horses, without you and all the stable staff across the country, winners don't happen. To Davy Roche, whose help was invaluable when I was privileged enough to have a choice in a race. Rachael Blackmore with Gold Cup winner A Plus Tard (Lorraine O'Sullivan/PA) 'To all the amazing doctors, surgeons and physios who looked after me over the years. To all the wonderful owners who trusted me and gave me the opportunity to do what I love doing. To everyone I shared the weigh room with, I'll miss being in there with you. 'To all my great friends – you made winning special. Brian Hayes won't enjoy getting a mention, but he was more important to my career than I'll ever be able to thank him for. 'It is daunting, not being able to say that I am a jockey anymore… who even am I now! But I feel so incredibly 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.'
The Irish Sun
01-05-2025
- Climate
- The Irish Sun
‘Costa Del Punchestown' hail punters who also rave about surprising drinks prices at 2025 Festival
THE 2025 Punchestown Festival is receiving broadly positive reviews thanks to the combination of glorious weather and reasonable drinks prices. There are of course still 5 Twitter user Steve Duggan shared this photo from the hospitality tent while praising the drink prices on offer Credit: X 5 For reference, here is the menu from the 2024 Festival Credit: @racingblogger 5 Popular horse racing tipster Stephen Power branded the Kildare course 'Costa Del Punchestown' Credit: @racingblogger 5 Similarly, Clare Makin called Wednesday 'a gorgeous day for it' But having trawled through punter feedback online, complaints around the Kildare venue itself seem few and far between. Steve noted the price of a Guinness is lower than what you'd pay at Saluting the attendee experience as a whole, he said: "Been a great two days at a great course with great friendly staff and the Guinness is cheaper here on course than in Dublin." A number of famous faces Read More On Irish Sport Ireland football legend Other celebs at the track included Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: 'The Punchestown Racing Festival is always a must-attend event in the Irish racing calendar, with fantastic energy all-round. "The Ladbrokes Gold Cup is no doubt the showstopper to top off an exhilarating day at the racecourse.' Most read in Horse Racing And in the big race of the day, jockey Kathryn Thomas enjoys day out at Punchestown Festival The nine-year-old prevented an unwanted hat-trick in the race, having been second to Fastorslow for the past two years. The 5-6 favourite left no doubt about his star quality as he received rapturous applause from punters watching the big race. 'We are very, very fortunate to have him,' said the winning rider. 'Obviously we were very disappointed coming away from Cheltenham. 5 Weather forecasters have predicted another heatwave around the midlands today before the rain returns on Friday and Saturday Speaking after the big win, Corkman Townend added: 'We are very, very fortunate to have him. "Obviously we were very disappointed coming away from Cheltenham. The reception he gets his special and we are just lucky to be a part of it. He's a unique horse.' Galopin Des Champs gave his rider a scare by producing a scruffy jump at the last, but it didn't impact the end result. Townend continued: 'It wouldn't be like him at all but the fact he done it meant he was doing things easy enough. 'In fairness he gave me plenty of warning. After that he got in a good rhythm and enjoyed it. 'He was taking me today whereas I was trying to hang in there in Cheltenham. "He wasn't right in Cheltenham and thankfully it didn't leave a huge mark on him which it could have with the effort he put in. 'He got me out of trouble at the last, there's no lying about it. He's all class." have significant live coverage throughout each day's racing. On Thursday and Friday it'll be showcased from 4pm to 7pm on RTE Two with RTE One then broadcasting the final day from 3pm until 5:45pm.
