Rachael Blackmore rewrote the record books, becoming the first woman to win jump racing’s greatest prizes before retiring in 2025 as a global trailblazer.
Rachael Blackmore: Career Record at a Glance
| Country | Ireland |
|---|---|
| Role | Jockey (jumps) |
| Career wins | 575+ career wins |
| Major (Group/Grade 1) wins | Multiple Grade 1 wins |
| Champion titles | Cheltenham Festival leading rider (2021) |
| Signature victories | First woman to win the Grand National (2021), the Cheltenham Gold Cup (2022) and the Champion Hurdle |
| Estimated net worth (2026) | Not publicly documented (est. low millions) |
Wins, titles and honours are drawn from public racing records; net-worth figures are best-available estimates and, for several figures, are not officially disclosed.
Early Life and Background
Rachael Blackmore was born on 11 July 1989 in Killenaule, County Tipperary, and grew up on a family farm, riding ponies before taking up race-riding. She began as an amateur and turned professional in 2015 — a bold move for a female jockey in a male-dominated sport — while initially juggling riding with studying for a science degree.
Career and Major Wins
Blackmore’s rise was rapid and historic. Riding chiefly for trainer Henry de Bromhead, she became the first woman to be leading rider at the Cheltenham Festival in 2021 and won the Champion Hurdle on the brilliant Honeysuckle.
Weeks later she made global headlines as the first female jockey to win the Grand National, on Minella Times, and in 2022 she became the first woman to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup, on A Plus Tard — completing a clean sweep of jump racing’s greatest prizes. She retired in 2025 with 18 Cheltenham Festival wins.
Style and Reputation
Blackmore was admired for her cool temperament, tactical intelligence and strength in a finish, letting her results speak while quietly dismantling the idea that the biggest races were beyond a female jockey.
Earnings and Wealth
Blackmore’s personal net worth has not been precisely documented in public sources. Like all jockeys she earned riding fees and a share of prize money across a string of major victories, supplemented by retainers and endorsements as her fame grew.
Given her run of historic big-race wins and her global profile as a barrier-breaker — including sponsorship and ambassadorial opportunities — a figure in the low millions is a reasonable estimate, though no official number has been published.
Legacy in the Sport
Rachael Blackmore changed her sport. The first woman to win the Grand National, the Gold Cup and the Champion Hurdle, she became an inspiration far beyond racing and proved conclusively that the biggest prizes are open to all.
How Rachael’s Fortune Compares
See how Rachael compares with other racing greats: Frankie Dettori, Sir Tony McCoy, Ruby Walsh, Ryan Moore, Willie Mullins, Oisin Murphy. For the full ranking, browse our richest jockeys and trainers guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rachael Blackmore’s net worth in 2026?
Rachael Blackmore’s net worth is not officially documented, but her run of big-race wins and endorsements suggests a figure in the low millions.
What did Rachael Blackmore achieve first?
She was the first woman to win the Grand National (2021), the Cheltenham Gold Cup (2022) and the Champion Hurdle.
When did Rachael Blackmore retire?
She retired in 2025 with 18 Cheltenham Festival winners.
Which trainer did Rachael Blackmore ride for?
She rode chiefly for trainer Henry de Bromhead.