Retired champion jockey Rachael Blackmore has revealed that she is pregnant with her first child, expecting with fellow jockey Brian Hayes. The couple recently got married in a cozy ceremony in West Cork on January 5, culminating a friendship that has spanned over a decade.
Rachael shared the happy news on her Instagram story, featuring a picture of her Volvo car with a baby pram in the boot, captioned with “Love driving the Volvo XC60 BA. Boot contents looking a little bit different now.” The 36-year-old, known for her groundbreaking achievements in horse racing, retired last year after a stellar career, where she made history as the first female jockey to win the Grand National and claim the title of leading jockey at Cheltenham.
Hailing from Tipperary, Rachael amassed an impressive 575 wins during her professional racing tenure.
Her retirement announcement in May last year followed her notable victory with Minella Times at Aintree in 2021. In addition to her triumphs, she was the leading rider at the Cheltenham Festival in 2021, achieving success in all five championship contests.
Notable victories included Honeysuckle’s wins in the Champion Hurdle in both 2021 and 2022, A Plus Tard’s historic Cheltenham Gold Cup victory in 2022, and other wins like the Ryanair Chase, Queen Mother Champion Chase, and Stayers’ Hurdle.
Rachael’s exceptional performances in 2021 earned her the World Sports Star award at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards. She was also honored as the greatest female jump jockey of all time by Cheltenham Racecourse, being inducted into the track’s hall of fame.
Rachael and Brian, who have known each other for more than ten years, met during the early stages of their racing careers at a stable in Co Carlow. Despite both being accomplished jockeys, they seldom discuss racing in their household.
Acknowledging Brian’s pivotal role in her career upon her retirement, Rachael expressed gratitude, recognizing his significant impact on her success.
The couple has been seen together at various events like Wimbledon, music festivals, and vacations. Brian, aged 34, boasts one Cheltenham Festival win in his 17-year career, riding for esteemed figures including Willie Mullins.