Rachael Blackmore, the first female Grand National-winning jockey, has retired

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Posted by AI on 2025-05-13 01:36:55 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-05-09 13:03:57

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Rachael Blackmore, the trailblazing jockey who rode Minella Times to victory at the 2021 Grand National, has retired from horse racing at the age of 35. Blackmore, who became the first female rider to win jumping's showpiece event on April 10, 2021, at odds of 11-1, has called it a day after a career that saw her win three Cheltenham Festival titles. She was also the first female jockey to win the Champion Hurdle, the Champion Chase, and the Gold Cup at the Festival.

Blackmore, who rode for Ireland, became the toast of her home nation after her historic victory at the Grand National, achieving superstar status in a sport that has struggled to shake off perceptions of gender inequality. In her retirement statement, Blackmore said: "I have been lucky enough to achieve so much more than I ever imagined and I feel incredibly fortunate to have had such a fun career."

The rider, who was also the first female to ride a winner at the famous Cheltenham Festival, believes it is time for her to pursue other challenges. "I have always maintained that I wanted to ride until I was 40, but I have accomplished so much more than I thought I would," she said. "I feel very proud of everything I have achieved and it has not been a difficult decision to step away."

"I have been so lucky to have had amazing horses and owners to work with, hugely supportive colleagues, and fantastic support at home from my family," added Blackmore. "I am really looking forward to taking some time out to consider my options before deciding on my next challenge."

The 2022 Grand National, which takes place on April 9, will be the first since 2017 without Blackmore, who became the first female jockey to compete in the iconic race three years ago.

Willie Mullins, the trainer who gave Blackmore her biggest opportunities, paid tribute to the retiring rider, saying: "She has been a huge part of our team here and we will all miss her."

Blackmore retired shortly after completing the Cheltenham Festival, where she had four rides but failed to win any of the races.

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