Rachael Blackmore has become a name synonymous with breaking boundaries in the world of horse racing. Hailing from County Tipperary, Ireland, she’s not just a decorated jockey but a pioneering force in a male-dominated sport. Known for making history with multiple Cheltenham Festival and Grand National victories, Blackmore’s estimated net worth as of 2025 is approximately £1 million to £1.5 million, based on her cut of over £9 million in total prize money winnings, endorsements, and public appearances.
Early Career and Breakthrough
Born on July 11, 1989, Rachael Blackmore is now 35 years old. Her journey into racing began far from the glamour of Cheltenham. Originally aspiring to become a veterinarian, she instead pursued equine science at the University of Limerick. While in school, she rode in point-to-points and amateur races, slowly building a name for herself. In 2011, she rode her first winner as an amateur aboard Stowaway Pearl at Thurles.
Her career turned professional in 2015, and she quickly began to prove that talent, not gender, defines success in horse racing. A turning point came when she joined forces with celebrated trainer Henry de Bromhead, eventually becoming his stable jockey.
Cheltenham Glory and Historic Wins
Rachael Blackmore’s name is now etched in Cheltenham Festival history. She made global headlines in 2021 when she was crowned the leading jockey at the Cheltenham Festival, winning six races in a single meeting—an unprecedented achievement for a woman. Among those victories was the Champion Hurdle, ridden aboard the superstar mare Honeysuckle, cementing a legendary partnership.
In 2022, she again broke barriers, becoming the first female jockey to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup, piloting A Plus Tard to victory. Over the years, she’s recorded 16 Festival wins, including:
- Champion Bumper with Sir Gerhard (2021)
- Triumph Hurdle with Quilixios (2021)
- Ryanair Chase with Allaho (2021)
- Baring Bingham Novices’ Hurdle with Bob Olinger (2021)
- Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle with Telmesomethinggirl (2021)
- Supreme Novices’ Hurdle with Slade Steel (2024)
- Champion Chase with Captain Guinness (2024)
Her consistent performance at Cheltenham, often dubbed the “Olympics of National Hunt racing,” has made her one of the most respected figures in the sport.
The Grand National Triumph
While Cheltenham brought her into the spotlight, it was the 2021 Grand National that catapulted Blackmore into superstardom. Riding Minella Times, she became the first female jockey to win the Grand National in the race’s 182-year history. The monumental win not only made her an icon but also expanded her global recognition far beyond the racing world.
Net Worth and Career Earnings
Though exact figures remain private, Rachael Blackmore’s net worth is estimated to be in the range of £1 million to £1.5 million as of 2025. This includes earnings from:
- Prize money: Approximately £9 million in total winnings.
- Jockey cut: Jockeys typically receive 10% of the winner’s purse, which means she has earned around £900,000 from race winnings alone.
- Sponsorships and ambassador roles, such as her collaboration with Betfair, which further boosts her income.
Her largest individual payouts include:
- £350,000 from her Gold Cup win with A Plus Tard (2022)
- £225,000 from the Champion Chase victory with Captain Guinness (2024)
- Millions in Irish Champion Hurdles wins with Honeysuckle (2021–2023)
Personal Life: A Private Yet Powerful Bond
Away from the racetrack, Rachael Blackmore is in a long-term relationship with fellow jockey Brian Hayes. The couple shares not only a passion for horse racing but also the hectic lifestyle it demands. Hayes, a capable jockey in his own right, had his own shining moment at the Cheltenham Festival in 2023, winning the Mares’ Chase with Impervious.
During Cheltenham season, Blackmore, Hayes, and fellow jockey Patrick Mullins share a house in Gloucestershire, keeping logistics easy and the racing atmosphere strong. “We stay together in Cheltenham every year,” Blackmore shared. “It’s very convenient—we get there on Sunday night, settle in, and prepare for the week ahead.”
Their relationship remains largely low-key, but it’s clear the pair support each other through the highs and lows of an intense sport.
Partnership with Henry de Bromhead
One cannot mention Rachael Blackmore without crediting her partnership with Henry de Bromhead, one of Ireland’s leading trainers. Together, they’ve forged a powerful alliance that continues to bring accolades year after year. Blackmore often acknowledges how vital de Bromhead’s stable has been to her career: “It’s just been a very lucky place for me. His horses always show up, and I’m lucky to be the one riding them.”
From Honeysuckle to A Plus Tard, their teamwork has resulted in some of the most memorable racing moments in recent history.
Legacy and Outlook
As of 2025, Rachael Blackmore continues to chase new milestones. Despite already holding titles like Grand National winner, Gold Cup champion, and Cheltenham Festival leading jockey, she shows no sign of slowing down. The only major title missing from her collection is the Stayers’ Hurdle, and many expect her to eventually tick that box too.
Beyond the statistics and earnings, Blackmore’s influence reaches a broader audience—young girls inspired to ride, sports fans watching racing with newfound excitement, and a shifting narrative on gender roles in traditionally male spaces.
Final Thoughts
Rachael Blackmore’s story is not just about records and prize money—it’s about determination, talent, and rewriting the rulebook. With a net worth nearing £1.5 million, a history-making resume, and unwavering humility, she stands as a beacon for both the sport and the next generation of athletes.
