Retired champion jockey Rachael Blackmore has revealed that she is pregnant with her first child alongside her husband and fellow jockey Brian Hayes. The pair recently exchanged vows in a cozy ceremony in West Cork on January 5 after a decade-long friendship.
The exciting news was shared by Rachael on her Instagram story, where she posted a picture of her Volvo car with a baby pram in the trunk, adding a sweet caption about the change in the car’s contents. The 36-year-old retired from horse racing last year after a remarkable career that included historic victories, such as being the first female jockey to win the Grand National and becoming the leading jockey at Cheltenham.
Originally from Tipperary, Rachael achieved an impressive tally of 575 wins during her professional racing tenure. Her retirement in May of the previous year came after a stellar partnership with Minella Times, culminating in a triumph at Aintree in 2021.
In addition to her Grand National win, Rachael’s accomplishments at the Cheltenham Festival in 2021 were notable, with victories in all five championship contests. Her successes included Honeysuckle’s back-to-back Champion Hurdle wins in 2021 and 2022, A Plus Tard’s historic Cheltenham Gold Cup victory in 2022, and wins in other prestigious races.
Rachael’s outstanding performances in 2021 earned her recognition at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards, where she was honored with the World Sports Star award. Furthermore, she was recently inducted into Cheltenham racecourse’s hall of fame as the greatest female jump jockey of all time.
The couple, who have been friends for over ten years, first met at a stable in Co Carlow during the early stages of their careers. Despite both being jockeys, they seldom talk about racing in their household. Rachael has expressed gratitude for Brian’s pivotal role in her career, emphasizing his significant influence.
In their leisure time, Rachael and Brian have been seen together at various events, including Wimbledon, music festivals, and vacations. Brian, 34, has had a successful 17-year career as a jockey, with one Cheltenham Festival win under his belt. He has ridden for renowned figures like Willie Mullins.
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