Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis 'guaranteed' to take up sporting challenge

Fintan Starkey

By Fintan Starkey


Published: 19/01/2026

- 15:16

Rachel Blackmore has taken up an ambassadorial role as the head of Ladies Day at the Cheltenham Festival

The children of the Prince and Princess of Wales will take up horse racing when they get older, according to a retired Grand National winner.

Rachael Blackmore became the first female jockey to win the Grand National in the 173rd running of the race in 2021.


The Irish jockey announced her retirement last year, to much surprise, but is confident that Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis will find their passion for horse racing as they grow older.

She claimed: “I have a feeling when they get into their teenage years, they’re going to want to [go].

Prince William, Prince George, Prince Louis, Princess Charlotte, Princess Kate

The Walses children are "guaranteed" to enjoy horse racing

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GETTY

“Cheltenham is one of the best sporting occasions in Britain. I guarantee you, they’ll be racing in some shape or form when they’re older.”

Ms Blackmore has taken up an ambassadorial role as the head of Ladies Day at the Cheltenham Festival.

She will be joining Zara Tindall, who is a non-executive director of the racecourse, and said: “She’s great fun, really, really nice and obviously an extremely accomplished rider herself.

Following her Grand National victory, she was visited by the-then Duchess of Cornwall, Camilla, who took a trip to visit the jockey.

Camilla visited Henry’s yard in County Waterford and met Ms Blackmore and Honeysuckle, one of her most successful horses.

Recalling the experience, Ms Blackmore stated: “That was a fantastic visit. She’s just so passionate about horses. She really knows her horses and it’s fantastic to see.

Rachael Blackmore

Rachael Blackmore has spoken on her interactions with the royal family

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GETTY

“She had such admiration for meeting Honeysuckle and her achievements.”

The 36-year-old is no stranger to the royal family, but a particular moment stood out to the seasoned jockey.

A particular highlight for the champion was sitting in the Royal Box at Wimbledon behind the Prince and Princess of Wales to watch the men’s final in 2023.

She told Hello: “She knew who I was and she congratulated me on the success I had. She’s a beautiful person inside and out.”

Ms Blackmore has also been congratulated by Zara when she won on New Year’s Day at Cheltenham in 2024.

Zara was recently seen unveiling a new luxury jewellery line in partnership with Australian designer John Calleija, with pieces in the collection commanding prices of up to £26,680.

Zara Tindall

Zara Tindall showcased a new line of jewellery recently

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CALLEIJA JEWELLERS

The most expensive item is an 18-carat yellow gold Coronet Necklace, while certain exclusive pieces are listed as price on application.

Among the standout pieces is a £21,600 ring crafted from pink and white diamonds in a saddle shape, paying homage to the accomplished equestrian's passion for eventing.

Additional offerings include 18-carat yellow gold ear cuffs retailing at £1,430 and a distinctive 'sunrise' ring combining white and yellow gold with Australian Argyle pink and white diamonds.