Rachael Blackmore, the champion jockey who announced her retirement in May, is set to appear on this week’s Late Late Show to launch the 2025 RTE Toy Show Appeal. She will highlight the Jack de Bromhead Equine Centre, a cause close to her heart. Blackmore, known for her groundbreaking achievements including being the first female jockey to win the Grand National and to serve as lead jockey at the Cheltenham Festival, shared insights into her supportive home life, living with fellow jockey and partner Brian Hayes and their friend Patrick Mullins in Carlow.
Born and raised on a dairy farm in Killenaule, Co Tipperary, Blackmore’s passion for horses began at the age of two. Growing up surrounded by animals, she engaged in pony club activities and pony racing before earning a degree in equine science from the University of Limerick. Throughout her career, she credited her partner Brian Hayes for his significant support, describing their home life as normal and grounded despite their high-profile careers in racing.
