Rachael Blackmore talks retirement, Constitution Hill and Cheltenham Gold Cup
Rachael Blackmore talks retirement, Constitution Hill and Cheltenham Gold Cup
Rachael Blackmore’s quiet departure from the sport mirrors her reserved nature, with her exit from racing marked by minimal public fanfare. Just two days after securing a modest triumph with Ma Belle Etoile at Cork—a victory that brought her total career wins to 575 out of 4,566 professional races—Blackmore chose to step back from the spotlight without much celebration.
Despite her storied achievements, including 18 victories at the Cheltenham Festival and a historic win in the Grand National, the jockey’s decision to retire has been met with understated reflection. Her absence from the racecards will leave a noticeable gap for fans, especially as the Greatest Show on Turf returns next week.
New Role at the Cheltenham Festival
“I suppose, like overnight, your kind of purpose is gone,” Blackmore, a Betfair Ambassador, tells Metro. “You go from being a jockey to not knowing what you are now. If someone asks me that, I still don’t really know the answer, to be honest.”
Having been a fixture at the Cheltenham Festival since her debut in 2017, the transition to life outside the saddle has required adaptation. Blackmore notes the shift in routine, highlighting how her previous relentless schedule—riding six days a week, prioritizing races above all else—has given way to a more flexible approach.
“Now I don’t have that same urgency about anything; things can be juggled, things can be moved,” she explains. “If I get invited to something or asked to do something, I don’t have to check the racing calendar. Those things are different for sure, but I’m getting used to it now.”
While idly watching the festival’s events may feel too passive for Blackmore, she has found purpose in a new role as head of Cheltenham’s redeveloped Ladies’ Day. “It’s been fantastic, I’ve really, really enjoyed it,” she says. “Cheltenham recognised that only 25% of ticket sales were for ladies, so they’ve introduced several new initiatives to boost interest in the event.”
Blackmore adds that she’d find it mentally challenging to simply observe the festival without a task, emphasizing her eagerness to remain engaged as if still competing. This new chapter offers her a chance to contribute beyond the racetrack, maintaining her connection to the event.
Constitution Hill’s Shift to Flat Racing
Blackmore’s absence from the racing action is perhaps matched by that of Constitution Hill, one of National Hunt’s most recognizable horses. The nine-year-old, trained by Nicky Henderson, was withdrawn from this year’s Champion Hurdle to focus on a Flat racing career. Though he dominated the Cheltenham Festival in 2022 and 2023, recent setbacks—including three falls in his last four races—have prompted the change.
“I don’t think it’s a blow to the festival,” Blackmore insists. “The conversation has already shifted to the incredible horses left in the race and the excitement they’ll bring. Constitution Hill has an amazing fan base, and we’re all looking forward to seeing where he goes next.”
Meanwhile, the main event of the festival—the Gold Cup—remains a focal point for racing enthusiasts. Last year, Galopin Des Champs, the favorite, fell short in its bid for consecutive wins, allowing Inothewayurthinkin to claim an unexpected victory. This year, the horse returns to the Cheltenham track after a third-place finish at the Irish Gold Cup, with lowered expectations but still high hopes.
“Paul Townend is the kind of rider who can bring out one more great performance from Galopin Des Champs,” Blackmore says. “He’s a powerhouse of a horse and knows exactly what it takes to succeed on that course. From what I’ve heard, Willie Mullins is very positive about his potential.”
For Blackmore, the 2022 Gold Cup winner aboard A Plus Tard, the event still holds significance. “I still think there’s one more great race in him,” she adds, expressing confidence in the horse’s ability to deliver a standout performance.
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