The China Mail - Ground-breaking Grand National winner Blackmore retires

Blackmore earned a place in sporting history in 2021 when she became the first female jockey to win the Grand National.

She rode the Henry de Bromhead-trained Minella Times to victory at Aintree in the colours of owner JP McManus.

The 35-year-old Irish jockey also won the Cheltenham Gold Cup in her ground-breaking career.

“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," Blackmore said.

"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."

Prior to her Grand National triumph, Blackmore had already become the first female jockey to win the Champion Hurdle aboard Honeysuckle in 2021.

A year later, she secured another first when she steered A Plus Tard to victory in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Having won the two-mile Champion Chase at the 2024 Festival with Captain Guinness, her Stayers' Hurdle win aboard Bob Olinger in March meant Blackmore had ticked off the final championship event at Cheltenham.

It was a feat very few jockeys complete during their career, putting Blackmore further out on her own as the preeminent female rider.

She was also appointed an Honorary Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2023 Special Honours for services to sport.

Blackmore brought the curtain down on her illustrious career by riding Ma Belle Etoile to victory at Cork on Saturday.

"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 l've had," she said.

"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."

B.Chan--ThChM