Statement on the retirement of Racheal Blackmore
Statement on the retirement of Racheal Blackmore - The Labour Party
Labour’s Arts, Media and Sports spokesperson Rob O’Donoghue TD has today paid tribute to trailblazing jockey, Rachael Blackmore, who has announced her retirement after 16 years of horse-racing.
Deputy O’Donoghue said:
“As the first female jockey to win the Grand National in 2021, Rachael Blackmore was an inspiration to many and a formidable opponent to others.
“Over her 16-year career, with 10 years as a professional, Blackmore collected 575 professional victories, including 18 Cheltenham Festival wins, and of course a Grand National triumph.
“Blackmore’s career broke down barriers for gender equality in racing and laid the groundwork for an equal playing field for the future of horse-racing.
“As a native of the Premier County of Tipperary, Blackmore can enter retirement as one of the premier athletes every produced by this country.
”I wish Rachael Blackmore the very best in her well-deserved retirement.”