Is rachael blackmore married? Inside Rachael Blackmore’s Relationship with Fellow Jockey Brian Hayes

The racing world is bidding farewell to one of its brightest stars. Rachael Blackmore, the trailblazing jockey from Tipperary, has officially retired after an incredible 16-year career. Her decision has left fans emotional, proud, and inspired. From making history at Cheltenham to becoming the first woman to win the Grand National, Rachael has changed the game forever.

Let’s take a look at her powerful journey, personal life, and the legacy she leaves behind.

A Country Girl With Big Dreams

Rachael Blackmore was born on July 11, 1989, in the quiet village of Killenaule, County Tipperary. As a child, her first dream was to become a vet. Animals were always her passion, especially horses.

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But life had a different plan.

She chose to study equine science at the University of Limerick, followed by a business diploma from Griffith College Dublin. Even during her studies, the pull of the saddle was too strong to ignore. Racing was more than a hobby — it was her calling.

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Her family always stood behind her. Her father, Charles, worked as a dairy farmer, and her mother, Eimir, was a teacher. Rachael grew up with two siblings: Jonathan, a graphic designer, and Charlotte, a lawyer.

When Rachael Turned Pro

Rachael turned professional in 2015 at the age of 25. Some said she was getting in late, but she quickly proved that talent and determination could silence any doubts.

Her breakthrough came in 2019 at Cheltenham when she rode A Plus Tard to victory in the Chase Brothers Novices’ Handicap Chase. That win opened the floodgates to a legendary run of triumphs at Cheltenham Festival.

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She didn’t stop at one win — she went on to secure 18 Cheltenham victories in total. But perhaps her most iconic moment came in 2021, when she rode Minella Times to victory in the Grand National, becoming the first female jockey in history to do so.

That year was filled with honors. She was named RTE Sportsperson of the Year and also voted BBC Sports Personality’s World Sport Star of the Year.

And it didn’t stop there.

She became the first female jockey to win the Champion Hurdle and the Ruby Walsh Trophy. She did all this with a calm focus, quiet confidence, and unmatched determination.

Her Final Wins and Goodbye to Racing

Even in her final year, Rachael was still winning at the highest level. Her last Cheltenham victories came in March 2025 aboard Air of Entitlement and Bob Olinger.

On May 12, she shared her decision to retire, stating:

“My days of being a jockey have come to an end. I feel the time is right. I’m sad but I’m also incredibly grateful for what my life has been for the past 16 years. I just feel so lucky, to have been legged up on the horses I have, and to have experienced success I never even dreamt could be possible.”

That heartfelt statement captured the humility that defined her entire career. She wasn’t just a champion on the track — she was someone who never forgot where she came from.

Love and Life With Brian Hayes

Away from the spotlight, Rachael has always been private about her personal life. But over the years, fans have come to admire her relationship with fellow jockey Brian Hayes.

The couple lives in Leighlinbridge, Carlow, along with their friend and fellow jockey Patrick Mullins, son of legendary trainer Willie Mullins.

Patrick once revealed a fun detail about their life together — while the guys were off racing, Rachael would stay home and bake. She called it her version of “punching the wall.” It was her way of relaxing and unwinding.

Rachael herself shared that living with two jockeys might sound intense, but racing isn’t always the main topic in the house.

“I live with two other jockeys, Patrick Mullins and Brian Hayes. I am going out with Brian Hayes, so there are three of us here. It is a great house to live in and it is in a really good location in Leighlinbridge in Carlow.”

In her retirement message, she made sure to thank Brian in the most touching way:

“Brian Hayes won’t enjoy getting a mention, but he was more important to my career than I’ll ever be able to thank him for.”

Those words say everything about the support and love that helped fuel her historic journey.