'No sign of my slowing down yet' says Rachael Blackmore at Kilkenny Christmas event

This week’s interviewee barely needs an introduction as there isn’t a household in Ireland who doesn’t know who the world class jockey Rachael Blackmore is.

I had the great pleasure to meet her recently when she lit up the Christmas Tree in Kilkenny’s Lyrath Estate Hotel. A wish that finally came true for me.

Rachael Blackmore celebrates with the cup after riding Honeysuckle to victory in the Paddy Power Champion Hurdle during day four of the Punchestown Festival. PICTURE: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

Rachael Blackmore is a wonderful ambassador for racing and has brought a whole new audience to the sport. We also like to take some claim of her in Kilkenny as it was here in the ‘Shark’ Hanlon’s yard that she broke in professional racing.  

Growing up on a farm in Killenaule, Co Tipperary Rachael loved working with and being around animals. She gained a degree in equine science at the University of Limerick, while riding out and competing as an amateur jockey.

Since starting to compete in National Hunt horse racing Rachael has set a lot of firsts in her lifetime. In 2021, she became the first female jockey to win the Grand National in the 182-year history of the race when she rode Minella Times to victory.

Riding six winners across the four days, she became the first female jockey to win the Ruby Walsh Trophy for leading Cheltenham jockey with a hugely popular win on the nation's favourite Honeysuckle.

GOLD CUP

The following year she became the first female jockey to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup with a famous victory on A Plus Tard. 

Rachel was appointed an Honorary Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2023 Special Honours for services to sport. Honorary MBEs are awarded to those who are from outside of the UK but who excel in their field in Britain.

Here is a glimpse into Rachael’s world…

Rachael it all started on your first pony Bubbles – the one that liked to go as fast as Honeysuckle! You weren’t from a racing background as Dad Charles was a dairy farmer and Mum Eimir a teacher.

I was from an equestrian background, just not a racing one. We always had horses and ponies at home.

I was very lucky I never had to ask for a pony, and I had a great childhood. I had an older brother who rode as well, so there was always a pony at home.

I was also so lucky to grow up on a farm and to always be surrounded by animals. So, ponies were a big part of my childhood.

You started off your career in Paulstown, with Kilkenny horse trainer John ‘Shark’ Hanlon. How influential was he with your career?

Shark has been massively influential for my whole career. I rode my first winner for him in Thurles, and my first winner for him in a point-to-point as well.

Then he encouraged me to turn professional when I was 25 years old. He said he would get behind me and he did. He gave me a career and he gave me a stepping stone.

That stepping stone is what everyone needs to get going as a jockey. I’II always be so grateful for him for giving me that leg up.

When you had your big win at the Aintree Grand National in 2021. You said, ‘I can’t believe I am Rachael Blackmore’. What did you mean by that?

Quite a few people have asked me that. I don’t really know. I suppose it was just disbelief that you could be the person that wins that race. It's such an iconic race, with so much history attached to it. You need so much luck to win it.

Even getting a ride in it is a big deal and an even bigger thrill. So, to be the one who actually gets to cross the line in front, it’s just disbelief that it all happened.

How does it feel when you are going 50 miles an hour on a novice chaser? It must be such a thrill, as well as frightening?

You wouldn’t be frightened in this sport. I think if you are frightened, you are doing the wrong sport. It’s something that I love doing and I feel very lucky that I get to do it.

My son Ted show jumps and to date has broken ten bones from falls. How many have you broken?

I’ve broken a few, but that’s definitely part and parcel of what we do. As you said your son does show jumping and has experienced his share of broken bones as well.

Taking falls, breaking bones is all part of it. I think if you overthink all of that and get too wrapped up in it, then it’s not the right sport for you.

Lorraine McAuliffe, Rachel Blackmore and Siobhan Donohoe at the switching on of the Christmas lights at the Lyrath Estate Hotel

It’s an honour to have you in Kilkenny turning on the Christmas tree lights in Lyrath Estate Hotel, in aid of Aoibheann’s Pink Tie.

Aoibheann’s Pink Tie charity is such a worthwhile cause. For example, the charity provides emergency packs in hospitals for families, and I think those little things make a difference for a family in their hour of need.

Christmas is a fantastic time of year but it’s also a hard time for those with kids in hospital, so getting behind a charity like this is so important. It’s wonderful to see Lyrath supporting and helping them.

Lyrath Estate Hotel is a fantastic venue and it’s an honour to turn on their lights.

If you could talk to four-year-old Rachael now. What would you tell her about her future and how amazing Rachael Blackmore would become?

I don’t think four-year-old me would believe all that has happened! It’s incredible. I never thought that I would be in a position where my career is being a jockey. So, I feel very lucky.

You work really hard. Is there any sign of Rachael Blackmore slowing down?

No! We are very much in the wheel of it now and enjoying it. So hopefully it keeps turning as there is no sign of my slowing down yet.

Christmas at Lyrath Estate: Glowing with traditional elegance, warmth and luxury, and the meeting point of choice for friends, family, and colleagues in the exciting and fun-filled lead up to Christmas. For more information visit www.lyrath.com