Rachael Blackmore, the retired champion jockey, has shared the exciting news of her pregnancy with her husband and fellow jockey, Brian Hayes. The couple recently got married in a cozy ceremony in West Cork on January 5, after knowing each other for more than a decade.
Announcing the joyful news on her Instagram story, Rachael posted a picture of her Volvo car with a baby pram in the boot, humorously noting the change in contents. The 36-year-old, who retired from horse racing last year, made history as the first female jockey to win the Grand National and to become the leading jockey at Cheltenham.
Born in Tipperary, Rachael achieved 575 wins in her professional racing career before retiring in May last year, following her remarkable victory with Minella Times at Aintree in 2021. She also excelled at the Cheltenham Festival in 2021, winning 18 races, including all five championship contests.
Her notable victories included Honeysuckle’s back-to-back wins in the Champion Hurdle, A Plus Tard’s historic Cheltenham Gold Cup triumph, and successes with Envoi Allen, Captain Guinness, and Bob Olinger in different races.
In 2021, Rachael was honored with the World Sports Star award at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards and was later inducted into the hall of fame at Cheltenham racecourse as the greatest female jump jockey of all time.
Rachael and Brian, who have been friends for over ten years, initially met during their early careers at a stable in Co Carlow. Despite both being jockeys, they rarely discuss racing in their household. Rachael expressed gratitude to Brian for his significant role in her career upon her retirement, acknowledging his invaluable support.
The couple has been seen together at various events, including Wimbledon, music festivals, and vacations. Brian, aged 34, with a 17-year riding career, claimed one victory at the Cheltenham Festival and has ridden for notable figures such as Willie Mullins.
