Rachael Blackmore, the retired racing icon, has disclosed her pregnancy, expecting her first child with fellow jockey Brian Hayes. The pair recently got married in a cozy ceremony in West Cork on January 5 after a decade-long acquaintance.
Rachael took to her Instagram story to share the delightful news, featuring a picture of her Volvo car with a baby pram in the boot, captioned “Love driving the Volvo XC60 BA. Boot contents looking a little bit different now.” The 36-year-old retired from horse racing last year following a remarkable career that included being the first female jockey to win the Grand National and securing the leading jockey title at Cheltenham.
The accomplished rider from Tipperary accumulated 575 victories during her professional racing tenure.
Last year, at the age of 36, she announced her retirement post her exceptional partnership with Minella Times, triumphing at Aintree in 2021.
Her achievements in 2021 included being the leading rider at the Cheltenham Festival, with 18 victories, including wins in all five championship contests.
Noteworthy wins in 2021 comprised Honeysuckle’s back-to-back Champion Hurdle victories, A Plus Tard’s historic Cheltenham Gold Cup triumph in 2022, and victories in various other races like the Ryanair Chase, Queen Mother Champion Chase, and Stayers’ Hurdle.
Rachael was honored with the World Sports Star at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards in recognition of her achievements in 2021. She was also acknowledged by Cheltenham racecourse as the greatest female jump jockey of all time when she was inducted into the track’s hall of fame last year.
Rachael and Brian’s friendship spans over a decade, originating from their early career days at a stable in Co Carlow. Previously, they resided together with their mutual friend Patrick Mullins, the son of renowned jump trainer Willie Mullins.
In a reflection on their everyday life in 2021, Rachael mentioned that despite being all jockeys in the household, racing discussions were scarce.
Upon her retirement in May last year, Rachael acknowledged Brian’s pivotal role in her career, expressing gratitude for his significant contribution by stating, “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.”
The couple has been seen together at various events like Wimbledon, music festivals, and vacations. Brian, aged 34, has had a 17-year riding career, securing one Cheltenham Festival victory. He has ridden for notable figures including Willie Mullins.
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