Trailblazing jockey Blackmore retires from racing

Grand National-winning jockey Rachael Blackmore has retired from racing with immediate effect.

In 2021, the Irishwoman became the first female jockey to win the world's most famous steeplechase, which began in 1839.

Blackmore won aboard Henry de Bromhead-trained Minella Times in the colours of owner JP McManus.

"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," Blackmore, 35, said in a statement.

"It is daunting, not being able to say that I am a jockey anymore. Who even am I now! But I feel so incredibly lucky to have had the career I've had."

Blackmore won the BBC's Sports Personality's World Sport Star of the Year for 2021 following her trailblazing victory at Aintree.

Prior to her Grand National triumph, Blackmore had already become the first female jockey to win the Champion Hurdle aboard Honeysuckle, that same year.

In 2022, she secured another first when steering A Plus Tard to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup - one of 18 festival winners she would ride at the Prestbury Park course.

"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," she added.

"To have been in the right place at the right time with the right people, and to have gotten on the right horses - because it doesn't matter how good you are without them.

"They have given me the best days of my life and to them I am most grateful."