Retired horse racing icon Rachael Blackmore 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 friendship.
Rachael joyfully shared the news on her Instagram story, featuring a picture of her Volvo car with a baby pram in the boot. The 36-year-old made history as the first woman to win the Grand National and to be the leading jockey at Cheltenham during her distinguished racing career, amassing 575 wins.
Having retired last year following her victory with Minella Times at Aintree, Rachael was also the top rider at the Cheltenham Festival in 2021, securing 18 wins, including major races like the Champion Hurdle and Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Her outstanding performances earned her accolades such as the World Sports Star at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards. Rachael was honored as the greatest female jump jockey of all time by Cheltenham racecourse, where she was inducted into the hall of fame.
Rachael and Brian, who have been friends for over ten years since meeting at a stable in Co Carlow, rarely discuss racing despite both being jockeys. Rachael credited Brian for his pivotal role in her career upon her retirement, acknowledging his significant influence.
The couple has been seen together at various events, including Wimbledon, music festivals, and vacations. Brian, aged 34, boasts a 17-year career with one Cheltenham Festival win and has ridden for prominent figures like Willie Mullins.