Rachael Blackmore, one of Ireland’s most successful jockeys and a historic winner of the Grand National and Cheltenham Gold Cup, is transitioning from racing to a new ambassadorial role as Head of Ladies Day at the Cheltenham Festival. In this position, she will work with Cheltenham Racecourse to attract more women to the sport’s premier jump racing event, aiming to identify and overcome barriers that deter female attendance. Her appointment is part of a broader initiative to refresh the racing experience and address the gender imbalance among spectators, as currently only about a quarter of Cheltenham’s visitors are women.

Cheltenham’s Chief Executive, Guy Lavender, highlighted Blackmore’s status as a role model and her ability to connect with a wider audience beyond traditional racing fans. Blackmore’s new role will involve engaging with racegoers, participating in promotional events, and helping to reshape perceptions of horse racing as an inclusive sport. This marks a new chapter in Blackmore’s career, leveraging her groundbreaking success to inspire greater female participation and broaden the sport’s appeal.