“Thank You for Everything”: First Female Jockey Champion Gets Heartwarming Sendoff From Horse Racing Community on Retirement

Rachael Blackmore’s retirement from racing really highlights the end of an incredible career in horse racing. The sport is definitely showing her all the love and admiration she deserves. She was more than just a successful jockey; she broke down barriers, inspired countless people, and carried the dreams of those who once believed that achievements like hers were out of reach.

In her heartfelt post on X, Blackmore shared her thoughts on her 16-year journey, expressing deep gratitude and saying, “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. The people to thank are endless, it’s not possible to mention everyone (as I don’t want this to be another book) but I’m going to get a few names in here anyway and to everyone else, you know who you are, as they say.”

Blackmore shared how fortunate she feels to have ridden such amazing horses and to have collaborated with the people who played a big role in her success. She made sure to express her gratitude to a whole bunch of trainers, owners, agents, friends, and family — the support system that helped her reach the top. Starting out with her first rides in point-to-point races and then joining forces with the legendary trainer Henry de Bromhead, Blackmore has had quite the journey.

Winning some of the biggest prizes in the sport on stars like Honeysuckle and Minella Times, her path has been packed with historic moments. At the heart of the champion jockey’s message was this sense of humility — a gentle reminder that even as she blazed new trails, she always remembered the many people and horses who supported her along the way.

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— Rachael Blackmore (@rachaelblackmor) May 12, 2025

“It is daunting, not being able to say that I am a jockey anymore.. who even am I now! But I feel so incredibly lucky to have had the career I’ve had. To have been in the right place at the right time with the right people, and to have gotten on the right horses-because it doesn’t matter how good you are without them. They have given me the best days of my life and to them I am most grateful,” said the jockey.

She expressed how bittersweet it was to leave a role that had shaped her, while also feeling incredibly thankful for all that racing had brought into her life. It’s really no shock that the wider horse racing community has jumped in too, sharing their tributes, memories, and heartfelt thanks all over social media and the racing scene.

The horse racing community united to say goodbye to her

Rachael Blackmore has had an incredible career, filled with achievements that have truly changed the game in horse racing. Back in 2021, she made history as the first female jockey to win the Grand National riding Minella Times. That year, she really shone as the top jockey at the Cheltenham Festival, racking up six wins, one of which was the Champion Hurdle on Honeysuckle.

One fan really captured a special moment by saying, “Congratulations on a fantastic career. Thank you for giving me the greatest day I’ve ever had on a racecourse when you got Honeysuckle over the line in front to win her second Mares Hurdle. A truly great day. All the best for what comes next.” Another fan shared, “Those Cheltenham memories will live on for EVER Rachael. My personal fav was Honeysuckles last Cheltenham Festival win. A very happy retirement, congratulations on a sensational career. I’m sure we’ll be seeing plenty of you on TV soon!”

In 2022, she made history once more by being the first woman to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup, guiding A Plus Tard to victory. She really made a mark in the sport, picking up a bunch of awards along the way, like the RTÉ Sports Person of the Year and the BBC World Sport Star of the Year in 2021. Rachael was a complete jockey, and this fan said, “Not many can say they’ve won the Champion Hurdle, Cheltenham Gold Cup and the Grand National but you can boast all of that and more! I’m sure you’ve inspired a generation of female jockeys to follow in your footsteps too! All the best for the future Rachael!”

One more fan said, “Good Luck Rachael. Thank you for everything.” As she said her goodbyes, this fan shared, “Happy Retirement Rachael! Achieved it all.” Blackmore’s retirement wraps up an incredible chapter in the world of horse racing. When she steps away from the saddle, she’s not just leaving; she’s creating a legacy filled with excellence, resilience, and inspiration that will keep influencing and motivating future generations in horse racing.

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