Trailblazing jockey Rachael Blackmore has announced her retirement from horse racing at the age of 35.
The Irish rider confirmed the end of her illustrious career in a statement released today.
"My days of being a jockey have come to an end," Blackmore said.
"I feel the time is right. I'm sad but I'm also incredibly grateful for what my life has been for the past 16 years."
Rachael Blackmore has announced her retirement from horse racing at the age of 35
PA
Her decision brings the curtain down on a remarkable career that redefined what was possible for women in the sport.
Blackmore made history in 2021 when she became the first female jockey to win the Grand National at Aintree.
Riding Minella Times, trained by Henry de Bromhead, she triumphed in the world's most famous steeplechase.
It was a groundbreaking moment that captured international headlines, breaking a barrier that had stood for 182 years in the prestigious race.
The Tipperary native's victory on Minella Times was widely celebrated as one of the most significant moments in racing history.
Her trailblazing continued in 2022 when she became the first female jockey to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup aboard A Plus Tard.
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This victory added to her impressive collection of firsts in the sport.
Blackmore had already made her mark at Cheltenham Festival in 2020, winning the Champion Hurdle on Honeysuckle.
That success helped her become the first woman to be crowned leading rider at the prestigious Cotswolds event.
She would go on to claim another Champion Hurdle victory the following year.
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Rachael Blackmore made history as the first female jockey to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup
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Blackmore built a particularly successful partnership with Irish trainer Henry de Bromhead throughout her career.
It was with the Waterford-based trainer that she enjoyed many of her biggest successes in racing.
Her achievements have left an indelible mark on the sport, shattering numerous glass ceilings for women in racing.
The Killenaule native's accomplishments helped transform perceptions about female jockeys at the highest level of competition.
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Rachael Blackmore admitted she is 'sad' about retirement but 'the time is right'
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Her pioneering success opened doors for women in what had traditionally been a male-dominated profession.
In her retirement statement, Blackmore expressed both sadness and gratitude for her time in the sport.
"I just feel so lucky, to have been legged up on the horses I have, and to have experienced success I never even dreamt could be possible," she said.
The 35-year-old's decision brings to a close a 16-year career that transformed the landscape of horse racing.
Her legacy as one of the sport's true pioneers is firmly secured after breaking barriers that had stood for generations.
