Rachael Blackmore, the National Hunt superstar, is preparing for another thrilling run at the Grand National at Aintree, where she made history four years ago. Blackmore, hailing from County Tipperary, has seen a meteoric rise in her career, especially since joining forces with Irish trainer Henry de Bromhead. Her victory in the 2021 Grand National aboard Minella Times, owned by JP McManus, marked a significant breakthrough moment, making her the first woman to win the feature handicap chase and gaining her massive recognition worldwide. Ahead of this year’s race, let’s take a closer look at Blackmore’s life beyond the racetrack, including her impressive earnings, her jockey partner, Aintree achievements, and her mount for the upcoming event.
Throughout her career, Rachael Blackmore has been a dominant force in high-stakes races, claiming victories with substantial prize money. Her successes in races like the Gold Cup and the Grand National have not only brought glory to her but also significant earnings, estimated to be around £9 million in total across the UK and Ireland, according to At The Races. The Irish jockey’s exceptional talent has not only enriched her horse’s owners but also rewarded her handsomely, with winning jockeys typically receiving around 10% of the total prize money.
In her personal life, Rachael Blackmore is romantically involved with fellow jockey Brian Hayes. The pair shares accommodations at Cheltenham during race meetings and often find themselves competing against each other on the track. While Hayes mainly rides for Champion Trainer Willie Mullins, Blackmore occasionally joins him. In this year’s Grand National, Hayes will be riding Grangeclare West, the Irish Gold Cup runner-up, underlining the couple’s shared passion for the sport and friendly rivalry on the racetrack.
Looking ahead to the 2025 Grand National, Rachael Blackmore’s mount will be Minella Indo, the same horse she rode in the previous edition. Trained by Henry de Bromhead, Minella Indo is a former Gold Cup winner known for his success over hurdles and fences. Despite finishing third last year, the 12-year-old gelding is showing promising form in training, with De Bromhead expressing confidence in his readiness for the upcoming challenge at Aintree. Blackmore’s partnership with Minella Indo reflects her determination to excel on the big stage once again and add another remarkable chapter to her already illustrious career.
Rachael Blackmore’s journey at the Grand National began in 2018, although it was marred by a fall with Alpha des Obeaux. Subsequent years saw her returning to Aintree, with mixed results until her groundbreaking victory in 2021 with Minella Times. The following year, she faced disappointment with a fall while attempting a repeat win. Despite the challenges, Blackmore’s resilience and skill have cemented her status as a leading figure in National Hunt racing, capturing the hearts of fans and inspiring a new generation of jockeys.
As the anticipation builds for this year’s Grand National, Rachael Blackmore stands ready to once again challenge the iconic course at Aintree. With Minella Indo as her trusted steed, she will aim to harness her talent, experience, and determination to deliver another memorable performance. The stage is set for Blackmore to showcase her exceptional horsemanship and competitive spirit, as she continues to break boundaries and redefine what is possible in the world of horse racing.