Retired racing icon Rachael Blackmore has revealed that she and fellow jockey Brian Hayes are expecting their first child. The couple recently got married in a cozy ceremony in West Cork on January 5, after a decade-long relationship.
Rachael excitedly shared the news on her Instagram story, posting a picture of her Volvo car with a baby pram in the boot, captioned “Love driving the Volvo XC60 BA. Boot contents looking a little bit different now.” The 36-year-old retired from horse racing last year, making history as the first woman to win the Grand National and leading jockey at Cheltenham.
During her professional racing career, the Tipperary-born rider achieved an impressive total of 575 wins. She announced her retirement in May last year, following her remarkable victory with Minella Times at Aintree in 2021.
In addition to her successes at the Cheltenham Festival, Rachael’s notable achievements include winning the Champion Hurdle and Cheltenham Gold Cup. Her outstanding performances earned her the World Sports Star award at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards in 2021.
Rachael and Brian, who have been friends for over ten years since meeting at a stable in Co Carlow, share a passion for racing but rarely discuss it at home. Rachael expressed gratitude for Brian’s support in her career, acknowledging his significant impact.
The couple has been seen together at various events like Wimbledon and music festivals. Brian, 34, with a 17-year career, has ridden one Cheltenham Festival winner and has worked with renowned figures including Willie Mullins.