CHELTENHAM Festival sees legendary trainers, jockeys and ago head-to-head across four days of National Hunt cinema.
This year’s edition of the looks to be one of the most open for a long time.
Irish jockey Rachael Blackmore rode 18 winners at CheltenhamCredit: PA
Blackmore has a new role at the Festival this yearCredit: PA
Every year, is a place where the Irish thrive.
matched his record of ten festival winners last year.
Another Irish icon who is no stranger to Cheltenham success was former jockey .
She had 18 Festival winners during her illustrious ten-year career as a professional jockey.
But she is not featuring as a jockey this year due to her retirement in May 2025.
Blackmore will still be at Cheltenham as she has landed a role as Head of Ladies Day.
Blackmore’s first Cheltenham success
The Irish jockey’s first Cheltenham winner came in 2019 as she and A Plus Tard landed the Chase Brothers Novices’ Handicap Chase.
She then won the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle on 50/1 shot Minella Indo.
Both her 2019 victories came for trainer Henry De Bromhead, for whom she was stable jockey.
Blackmore won two Champion Hurdles on HoneysuckleCredit: The Times
2021 history maker
The 2021 edition was a historic Festival for Blackmore.
She became the first female jockey to win the Champion Hurdle when she rode Honeysuckle to victory.
She also became the first female jockey to win the Ruby Walsh Trophy as she achieved the most wins at the festival with six.
A month later, Blackmore became the first female to win the Grand National – she was aboard Minella Times.
Gold Cup and back-to-back Champion Hurdles
In 2022, Blackmore made more history.
She maintained the Champion Hurdle on Honeysuckle.
Later in the week, Blackmore became the first female jockey to win the iconic – as she rode A Plus Tard to victory.
Final Cheltenham and retirement
Before her retirement, Blackmore completed the set of Cheltenham featured race victories.
The full house was confirmed after she won the 2025 Stayers’ Hurdle on Bob Olinger.
After a sensational career as a jockey, in which she broke numerous records, Blackmore announced her on X last year.
“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.”
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Eze Chidiebere Paul
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