Retired racing legend Rachael Blackmore has announced she is expecting her first baby with fellow jockey and husband Brian Hayes, just weeks after the pair wed in West Cork
Rachael Blackmore and Brian Hayes on their wedding day(Image: blackmorerachael / Instagram)
Retired racing superstar Rachael Blackmore has announced that she is expecting her first child with fellow jockey Brian Hayes. The couple tied the knot last month in a cosy ceremony in West Cork on January 5, having known each other for over 10 years.
Rachael shared the joyful news on her Instagram story on Thursday afternoon. She posted a photo of her Volvo car with a baby pram nestled in the boot, adding the charming caption “Love driving the Volvo XC60 BA. Boot contents looking a little bit different now..” The 36-year-old, who retired from racing last year after a distinguished career in horse racing, made history as the first female jockey to win the Grand National, and became the first woman to secure the title of leading jockey at Cheltenham.
READ MORE: Top jockey banned for 24 days after bumping rival and ‘having words’ after winning postREAD MORE: Nicky Henderson facing ‘very public predicament’ over Constitution Hill
The Tipperary-born rider racked up a total of 575 wins throughout her professional racing career.
The 36-year-old announced her retirement in May last year after an extraordinary career in which she partnered Minella Times to victory at Aintree in 2021.
Among other accolades she was leading rider at the Cheltenham Festival in 2021 and her total of 18 winners at the meeting included success in all five of the championship contests.
Honeysuckle memorably landed the Champion Hurdle in both 2021 and 2022, with A Plus Tard recording a historic Cheltenham Gold Cup success in 2022. There was also victory in the Ryanair Chase courtesy of Envoi Allen (2023), Queen Mother Champion Chase with Captain Guinness (2024) and Stayers’ Hurdle with Bob Olinger (2025).
Her exploits in 2021 saw her collect the World Sports Star at the prestigious BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards. Last year Rachael was recognised as the greatest female jump jockey of all-time by Cheltenham racecourse when she was inducted into the track’s hall of fame.
She and Brian have been friends for more than a decade, initially meeting at a stables in Co Carlow during the early stages of their respective careers. They had previously lived together with their friend Patrick Mullins, son of legendary jump trainer Willie Mullins.
Rachael reflected on their domestic life back in 2021, revealing that despite being a household of jockeys, they rarely discuss racing.
When she hung up her racing boots last May, Rachael acknowledged Brian’s significant role in her career, stating: “Brian Hayes won’t enjoy getting a mention, but he was more important to my career than I’ll ever be able to thank him for.”
The couple have been spotted together at events like Wimbledon, music festivals, and on holiday.
Brian, 34, has ridden one Cheltenham Festival winner in a 17 year career. He has ridden for a host of prominent figures including Willie Mullins.
