The Grand National-winning rider of 2021 on Minella Times said she has been “privileged” to inspire the next generation at the races after making history in her sport
Weighing room history-maker Rachael Blackmore has spoken out for the first time since retiring from the sport of horse racing.
The 35-year-old won the Grand National and Gold Cup during a career which saw her become one of the best jockeys to compete over jumps.
Blackmore signed off with a final victory for long-time ally Henry de Bromhead on Ma Belle Etoile at Cork on May 10.
After a week to reflect on her decision, the sportswoman revealed to Betfair how she first considered calling it a day at Cheltenham in March, where she joined a select group of jockeys to tick off a full house in the four championship events.
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After riding Stayers’ Hurdle hero Bob Olinger, Blackmore pondered the future as she left Prestbury Park, a place which helped her become a household name.
“It was the first time that thought had ever crept into my head,” the betting firm’s ambassador said. “I just said to myself leave it [the decision] until June and get to the jockey’s break.”
Blackmore, who entered the record books by becoming the first female jockey to conquer the National on Minella Times, added: “I was going to Cork the other day [to ride Ma Belle Etoile] and I thought: ‘If this one wins then maybe that’s the time to call it.”
“She won and, the following morning, I fully decided that was it.”
Yet to decide on her future plans, Blackmore credits subsequent Gold Cup hero A Plus Tard with taking her career to the next level in a 2019 Festival handicap.
“I had never ridden a (Cheltenham) winner) – Henry put a lot of faith in me to deliver that week and it was massive,” she said.
As of March 2025, Blackmore had raked in approximately £9million in prize money at Cheltenham and beyond, according to At The Races. As per the PJA, jockeys receive around ten per cent of the win fund.
The rider of 18 Festival winners and 2021 BBC World Sports Personality of the Year also detailed what it is like to be famous, with young fans often heading her way at the races.
“It’s just a privilege to be that person,” she said. “When you see some of them looking up to you, they half think you’re Beyonce or something! They are mesmerised to see you. So excited and happy to get their little moment with a picture or an autograph.
“To have that influence on someone’s day for 30 seconds, it’s a really special thing.”
