Rachael Blackmore, the celebrated former jump jockey who retired in May, was honored with the ‘Contribution to the Industry’ award at the Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) Awards in Dublin. Recognized for her remarkable impact on Irish racing, Blackmore’s career highlights include 33 Grade One wins, 18 Cheltenham Festival victories, and a historic Grand National win at Aintree. HRI CEO Suzanne Eade praised her as a trailblazer and role model whose achievements during the Covid period uplifted the nation.

The awards night also celebrated other notable figures and horses, including Patrick Mullins, who received the National Hunt Achievement award for his Grand National success on Nick Rockett, and Willie Mullins, who won the National Hunt category as a trainer. The ‘Horse of the Year’ award was shared by Galopin Des Champs and Ethical Diamond, both trained by Mullins. Additional winners included Dylan Browne McMonagle (Flat category), Joe Murphy (Flat Achievement), and emerging talent Nicola Burns, highlighting a broad spectrum of excellence within Irish horse racing.