Rachael Blackmore, a retired star in the racing world, and her fellow jockey, Brian Hayes, are expecting their first child together. The couple recently got married in a cozy ceremony in West Cork on January 5, after knowing each other for more than a decade.
The joyful news of Rachael’s pregnancy was shared on her Instagram story, where she posted a picture of her Volvo car with a baby pram in the boot, humorously mentioning the change in the car’s contents. Rachael, who retired from horse racing last year, made history as the first female jockey to win the Grand National and also secured the leading jockey title at Cheltenham.
Throughout her professional racing career, the rider from Tipperary achieved an impressive total of 575 wins. Rachael announced her retirement in May last year, following her remarkable victory with Minella Times at Aintree in 2021.
In addition to her many accomplishments, Rachael excelled at the Cheltenham Festival in 2021, winning a total of 18 races, including major championship contests. Her successes extended to other prestigious races, such as the Champion Hurdle and the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Rachael’s achievements were recognized with awards like the World Sports Star 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, where she was inducted into the hall of fame.
Rachael and Brian, who have been friends for over ten years, met during the early stages of their racing careers at a stable in Co Carlow. Despite both being jockeys, they rarely discuss racing in their household. Rachael expressed gratitude towards Brian for his significant contribution to her career upon her retirement.
The couple has been seen together at various events like Wimbledon, music festivals, and vacations. Brian, aged 34, has had a successful 17-year career as a jockey, including winning at the Cheltenham Festival and riding for prominent figures like Willie Mullins.