Who Is Rachael Blackmore? Age, Biography and Wiki
Rachael Blackmore, born on July 11, 1989, in Killenaule, County Tipperary, Ireland, has made an indelible mark in the world of National Hunt racing. As a trailblazing jockey known for her exceptional skill and determination, she has not only garnered numerous awards but has also become a role model for aspiring athletes worldwide. With a growing fan base, Rachael’s journey from a small-town girl to a celebrated sports figure remains an inspiring story. As of 2025, she is 35 years old.
| Occupation | Equestrian |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 11, 1989 |
| Age | 35 Years |
| Birth Place | Killenaule, County Tipperary, Ireland |
| Horoscope | Cancer |
| Country | Ireland |
Popularity
Rachael Blackmore's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Rachael Blackmore stands at an impressive height of 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) and weighs approximately 145 pounds (66 kg). Her physique is a testament to her rigorous training and dedication to her sport, maintaining a balanced and athletic body that enables her to excel on the racecourse. Her body measurements typically reflect her commitment to fitness, crucial for the demands of professional riding.
Blackmore rode her first winner as an amateur jockey on 10 February 2011, when Stowaway Pearl, trained by John Joseph "Shark" Hanlon, won the Tipperary Ladies’ Handicap Hurdle at Thurles. She turned professional in March 2015, having ridden eleven point-to-point winners and seven winners under the Rules of Racing as an amateur rider.
Her first winner as a professional was Most Honourable, trained by Hanlon, at Clonmel on 3 September 2015. In 2017, she became the first woman to win the conditional riders' championship in Ireland. Blackmore had her first ride in the Grand National in 2018.
Her mount, Alpha des Obeaux, trained by Mouse Morris, went off at 33/1 and fell at the fifteenth fence, the Chair. Her first Cheltenham Festival winner came in 2019 when A Plus Tard landed the Chase Brothers Novices' Handicap Chase. She then gained her first Grade 1 victory when Minella Indo won the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle.
Both winners were trained by Henry de Bromhead for whom Blackmore was by now riding as stable jockey. In the 2019 Grand National Blackmore finished in tenth place on the de Bromhead-trained 66/1 chance Valseur Lido.
Blackmore's first Grade 1 race victory in Ireland came in April 2019 when Honeysuckle won the Mares' Novice Hurdle Championship Final at Fairyhouse. Blackmore finished the season with 90 winners and took the runner-up spot in the Irish jump racing Champion Jockey competition behind Paul Townend.
Honeysuckle provided Blackmore with another Cheltenham Festival win in the Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle in 2020. Blackmore finished third in the Irish National Hunt championship during the curtailed 2019–20 season.
In 2021, she achieved two notable firsts at the Cheltenham Festival, becoming the first female jockey to partner a winner of the Champion Hurdle when she rode Honeysuckle to victory and, by finishing with six winners across the four days, became the first female jockey to win the Ruby Walsh Trophy for leading Cheltenham jockey.
On 10 April of the same year, Blackmore rode Minella Times to victory in the 2021 Grand National, becoming the first female jockey to win the race.
The gelding, trained by de Bromhead, went off as fourth favourite at 11/1 and, having given Blackmore a "sensational spin", passed the post 6½ lengths in front of stablemate and runner-up Balko Des Flos. Due to COVID-19 protocols, there were no spectators on the course to witness Blackmore's historic victory.
Interviewed by ITV after the race, she said: "I don't feel male or female right now. I don't even feel human.... It's unbelievable". The following year she again partnered Minella Times in the race. Carrying top weight, Minella Times went off second favourite but fell at Valentine's Brook.
In 2023, she finished last of the seventeen finishers on Ain't That A Shame, trained by de Bromhead. In 2024 and 2025, she rode Minella Indo for de Bromhead, finishing third in 2024 and ninth in 2025.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Despite her public persona, Rachael Blackmore keeps her personal life relatively private. As of 2025, she is reportedly in a relationship, though specific details about her boyfriend remain sparse. Rachael has frequently expressed gratitude towards her family for their unwavering support throughout her career, including her parents and siblings. This close-knit family structure has played a vital role in her journey to success.
At the 2022 Cheltenham Festival, Blackmore secured a repeat win on Honeysuckle in the Champion Hurdle and then became the first female jockey to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup, riding favourite A Plus Tard to a 15-length victory.
At the 2023 Festival, she rode Honeysuckle to win the David Nicholson Mares' Hurdle for a second time on the mare's final racecourse appearance. Blackmore had ridden Honeysuckle in all her races, including thirteen Grade 1 wins in Britain and Ireland.
Victory on Captain Guinness in the Queen Mother Champion Chase in 2024 and on Bob Olinger in the Stayers' Hurdle in 2025 gave Blackmore a full-house of feature races at the Festival. A fall at Downpatrick in September 2024, in which she sustained an injury to her neck, left Blackmore unable to race for three months.
Net Worth and Salary
Rachael Blackmore's net worth is estimated to be around $2 million in 2025, a significant increase attributed to her successful racing career and endorsements. She has earned considerable income from race winnings and partnerships with various brands. Her notable achievements, including historic wins at prestigious events like the Cheltenham Festival, further enhance her financial standing. Reports suggest her annual earnings exceed $1 million, solidifying her status as one of the top jockeys in the sport.
Career, Business and Investments
Rachael Blackmore's career has been nothing short of remarkable. She made history in 2021 by becoming the first female jockey to win the Grand National, a win that catapulted her into the international spotlight. Since then, she has continued to break records and earn accolades, solidifying her position in the racing elite. Beyond racing, Rachael has shown interest in various business ventures, including potential partnerships with sporting brands and charitable organizations. Her ability to diversify her income streams indicates her keen business acumen and forward-thinking mentality.
Although primarily a National Hunt jockey, Blackmore occasionally rode on the flat, achieving twelve successes over her career. The first was in May 2017 and the most notable was the Group 3 Brontë Cup at York in May 2024, riding Term Of Endearment for de Bromhead.
Social Network
Rachael Blackmore maintains an active presence on social media platforms, particularly Instagram and Twitter. With hundreds of thousands of followers, she uses these platforms to connect with fans and share insights into her life as a professional jockey. Her engaging posts often include updates about races, training routines, and glimpses into her personal life, making her a relatable figure to many.
Education
Before embarking on her illustrious racing career, Rachael Blackmore pursued her education at University College Dublin, where she studied veterinary medicine. This academic background not only enhanced her understanding of horses but also fortified her passion for equestrian sports. Rachael’s educational journey serves as a reminder that dedication and hard work are foundational to achieving one's dreams.
The daughter of a teacher and a farmer (Eimir and Charles), Blackmore grew up on a dairy farm in Killenaule, County Tipperary, Ireland, and first started riding ponies at just two years of age. Growing up she took part in pony club meetings, hunting, eventing and pony racing. She gained a degree in equine science at the University of Limerick, while riding out and competing as an amateur jockey.
