Rachel Blackmore, the pioneering female jockey who made history by winning the Grand National, announced her retirement from horse racing on Monday. At 35 years old, Blackmore shared on social media that her days as a jockey are now behind her.
In 2021, Blackmore broke new ground as the first woman to win the Grand National in the race’s 182-year history. Riding Minella Times, trained by Henry de Bromhead, she achieved this landmark victory at Aintree, 44 years after Charlotte Brew became the first woman to compete in the famous jump race.
The Irish jockey also became the first woman to win the championship hurdle and made history again in 2022 by leading a horse to victory in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Blackmore expressed in her social media post that she feels the timing is right to retire, reflecting on her 16-year career with gratitude despite the sadness of stepping away.
Over her career, Blackmore claimed 575 wins from 4,566 races. Her final win was on Saturday at Cork, riding Ma Belle Etoile.
Fan Take: Rachel Blackmore’s retirement marks the end of an era for horse racing fans who witnessed history being made. Her groundbreaking achievements have paved the way for more women in the sport, potentially inspiring a new generation of jockeys and bringing fresh energy to horse racing.
