Rachael Blackmore’s retirement in May 2025 ended a 16-year career that included a historic Grand National win, but the reasons behind her decision and her future plans remain a topic of public curiosity. This article traces her journey from the track to her new roles as author and brand ambassador.
Born: 11 July 1989 · Occupation: Former National Hunt jockey · Historic win: First female jockey to win the Grand National (2021) · Instagram followers: 73,000+ · Notable publication: Children’s book author
Quick snapshot
- Retired 12 May 2025 (RTÉ Sport)
- 575 career winners (The Irish Times)
- Won 2021 Grand National (Reuters)
- Exact net worth
- Whether she will return in any racing capacity
- Hollie Doyle’s hospitalisation reason
Rachael Blackmore’s profile at a glance:
| Full name | Rachael Blackmore |
| Born | 11 July 1989 |
| Nationality | Irish |
| Occupation | Former National Hunt jockey, author |
| Spouse | Brian Hayes |
| Grand National win | 2021 (first female jockey) |
| Instagram followers | 73,000+ |
What has happened to Rachael Blackmore?
Rachael Blackmore’s recent racing absence
Rachael Blackmore announced her immediate retirement from professional racing on 12 May 2025, ending a 16-year career. The announcement came through RTÉ Sport (Ireland’s national broadcaster), where she confirmed, “My days of being a jockey have come to an end.” Her last ride was Ma Belle Etoile at Cork on 10 May 2025 – a winner, according to The Irish Times.
She had not ridden in major races in the months before the announcement, leading to speculation about injury or a planned exit. At 35, she said retirement “felt right” and was not part of a “massive plan,” as reported by RTÉ Sport.
Blackmore left the sport on her own terms, with 575 career winners and a place in history. For racing fans, the absence of a farewell tour or a final big-race appearance remains a quiet disappointment.
The implication: the retirement was deliberate and left no room for a gradual exit.
Injury or retirement speculation
Before the official announcement, there was no confirmation of injury. The silence from her camp suggested a private decision. Reuters (global news agency) described her as a “trailblazing female jockey” when covering the retirement. No medical reason has been cited.
Update on her health and future plans
In the weeks after retirement, Blackmore said she was taking time to figure out her next steps. By August 2025, she told EVOKE (Irish lifestyle platform) she was keeping “all options open” and had been unveiled as the new face of FBD Hotels & Resorts under a two-year ambassador partnership. She also looked forward to “the normal stuff of life,” as reported by EVOKE.
How many children does Rachael Blackmore have?
Rachael Blackmore’s family life
Rachael Blackmore married fellow jockey Brian Hayes in 2023. To date, the couple have not publicly disclosed having children. There are no public records or official statements confirming that they are parents.
Reuters and other outlets note her private personal life; no mention of children appears in any verified source.
Is Rachael Blackmore a mother?
Based on available information, no. She has not indicated otherwise in interviews or social media. The question remains one of the most common search queries, reflecting public curiosity about her life off the track.
For fans, the absence of children is neutral – it simply means her focus has remained on her career and marriage. But the persistent question underlines how female athletes are often asked about family in ways male counterparts are not.
The pattern: public curiosity about family life does not match available evidence.
Is Rachael Blackmore racing in the Grand National 2026?
Grand National 2026 participation
There is no official confirmation that Rachael Blackmore will ride in the 2026 Grand National. Since her retirement in May 2025, she has not ridden competitively. The 2026 entries are typically not announced until early 2026.
Given her retirement statement, the likelihood of her competing is extremely low. However, she has not publicly ruled out a one-off return – but that would contradict the finality of her 12 May announcement.
Rachael Blackmore’s current racing status
She is a former jockey. Her current role is as an author and brand ambassador. Racing TV quoted her directly: “My days of being a jockey have come to an end.” That leaves little room for ambiguity.
How rich is Rachael Blackmore?
Rachael Blackmore net worth estimates
Exact net worth is not publicly confirmed. Historic prize money from her career – including her Grand National win and other Grade 1 successes – is estimated to have exceeded £1 million, but most figures are speculative. The Irish Times noted she had 575 career winners, but jockey earnings depend on percentage shares, sponsorship, and bonuses.
Prize money and endorsements
Endorsement deals, such as her ambassadorship with FBD Hotels & Resorts, are undisclosed. She also earns book royalties. Compared to elite flat jockeys, National Hunt jockeys typically have lower income ceilings – but Blackmore’s historic achievement has likely boosted her earning potential off the track.
The catch: without official disclosures, any estimate remains speculative.
What is the sad news from horse racing today?
Recent tragic events in horse racing
In the context of Rachael Blackmore queries, many users also search for “sad news horse racing today” – often linked to fellow jockey Hollie Doyle. Doyle was hospitalised for an undisclosed reason, causing her to miss rides. No official statement on severity has been released.
Racing Post (UK’s leading racing publication) has not published details. The lack of clarity has fuelled concern and speculation on social media.
Hollie Doyle’s hospitalisation
Hollie Doyle, one of Britain’s top female jockeys, was unable to ride on date not specified due to hospitalisation. No official reason has been given. Her return date is unknown.
Other recent tragedies include the death of horses at major meetings – but those are not directly related to Blackmore. The overlap in search queries suggests users lump together “sad news” across the sport.
Why is Hollie Doyle not riding today?
Hollie Doyle’s riding status
Hollie Doyle missed rides due to hospitalisation. As of late 2025, no return date has been confirmed. The absence is notable because Doyle is a rival in the public consciousness – both are pioneering female jockeys in the UK and Ireland.
Injury or personal reasons
The reason remains private. Racing Post has not reported on the cause. Doyle’s team has not released a statement. Fans should be cautious about rumours until official word appears.
Timeline of Rachael Blackmore’s career and retirement
- – Born in Ireland (Reuters)
- – Graduated in Equine Science from University of Limerick (RTÉ Sport)
- – Won Grand National on Minella Times, first female jockey to do so (Reuters)
- – Named RTÉ Sport Sportsperson of the Year (RTÉ Sport)
- – Published her first children’s book (RTÉ Sport)
- – Announced immediate retirement (Reuters)
- – Signed as FBD Hotels & Resorts ambassador (EVOKE)
- – Grand National 2026 participation unconfirmed (Racing TV)
Confirmed facts vs unanswered questions
Confirmed facts
- Rachael Blackmore is a former National Hunt jockey
- She won the Grand National in 2021
- She published a children’s book in 2024
- She is married to Brian Hayes
- No publicly known children
What’s unclear
- Exact net worth
- Reason for racing absence (now resolved as retirement)
- Whether she will ride in Grand National 2026
- Hollie Doyle’s reason for hospitalisation
- Specifics of “sad news” in horse racing today
- Likely media or punditry roles (speculative)
Quotes from and about Rachael Blackmore
“My days of being a jockey have come to an end.”
— Rachael Blackmore, via Racing TV
“She is a trailblazing female jockey whose legacy will inspire generations.”
— Reuters (global news agency)
Rachael Blackmore’s story is one of controlled exit: she left on her own terms, with a historic record and a clear sense of what’s next. For Irish racing fans, her retirement closes a chapter that opened so brightly in 2021. For the sport, the absence of a jockey who broke a 182-year Grand National barrier is a quiet loss. But Blackmore has already signalled she is not leaving the public eye – she is just trading the saddle for a different kind of spotlight. For the racing community, the choice is clear: follow her into her next chapter, or wait for the next female trailblazer to emerge.
en.wikipedia.org, gov.ie, rte.ie, news.williamhill.com, liverpoolecho.co.uk, express.co.uk
Frequently asked questions
Is Rachael Blackmore retired?
Yes. She announced retirement on 12 May 2025 (RTÉ Sport).
What races has Rachael Blackmore won?
She won the 2021 Grand National and had 575 career winners (The Irish Times).
Who is Rachael Blackmore married to?
Fellow jockey Brian Hayes (Reuters).
Does Rachael Blackmore have children?
No publicly known children.
What is Rachael Blackmore’s net worth?
Not publicly confirmed.
Where did Rachael Blackmore study?
University of Limerick – Equine Science degree.
What book did Rachael Blackmore write?
She published a children’s book in 2024.
Is Rachael Blackmore active on social media?
Yes – Instagram (73,000+ followers) and other platforms.
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Edward Davies Bennett is Editor-in-Chief and Responsible Publisher at Insight Britain, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and the corrections process.