Grand National-winning jockey Rachael Blackmore and her husband Brian Hayes have welcomed their first child.

Rachael shared a photo of their son yesterday (3 June), captioned with his name, Bowie Martin Hayes, and a blue heart.

Rachael retired from race-riding in May 2025 following a trailblazing career. Her wins included the 2021 Grand National and 33 Grade Ones – including the Cheltenham Gold Cup (2022), two Champion Hurdles (2021 and 2022), and the Queen Mother Champion Chase (2024).

Although Rachael is no longer a professional jockey, she remains involved in the sport.

In November, she was appointed “head of ladies’ day” for the 2026 Cheltenham Festival, as part of a drive to encourage more women to come racing. Rachael spent time with racegoers at Cheltenham’s November meeting and travelled to cities across the UK to promote the campaign.

The 36-year-old was inducted as a Grand National legend on the opening day of the Randox Grand National Festival at Aintree (9 April), when she also opened a new alcohol-free bar named in her honour at the racecourse.

Rachael also joined ITV Racing’s presenting team as a pundit on Grand National day this year (11 April).

Brian and Rachael married in January in Rosscarbery, County Cork.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

‘We’re delighted to bring loyal readers this benefit’: H&H magazine subscribers get free website access

Rachael Blackmore named Aintree legend as she takes on new Grand National challenge

‘A joy to watch her ride’: more tributes paid to Rachael Blackmore following retirement

‘She didn’t just break glass ceilings – she painted the whole damn sky’: racing world honours Rachael Blackmore on her retirement

Rachael Blackmore will join the ITV Racing presenting team at Aintree for its coverage of the Randox Grand National on Saturday (11 April).

Rachael, who won the 2021 race aboard Minella Times, will join fellow Grand National-winning jockeys Sir AP McCoy, Ruby Walsh and Mick Fitzgerald on the presenting team this year.

She said she is looking forward to joining the line-up, adding: “It is one of the most iconic races and transcends our sport, capturing the attention of millions all around the world.

“This year will be a completely different experience for me, not going into the weighing room, but I’m excited for the challenge.”

ITV Racing editor Paul Cooper said Rachael is “an icon in racing, as both a top-class jockey and now an ambassador for the sport”.

“We are really looking forward to having her with us on Randox Grand National day,” he said.

The 36-year-old, who retired from race-riding in 2025, was also inducted as a Grand National legend on the opening day of the 2026 festival today (9 April).

Her plaque will be attached to the wall of Blackmore’s, a new alcohol-free bar at Aintree, which she also opened today.

“Aintree is such an incredibly special place,” she said. “I was so lucky to have an amazing day here in 2021, and I absolutely love coming back. I love Liverpool – I love the city, I love the people, and it’s just a fantastic place.

“When I see the list of names – including equine athletes – on the Grand National legends roll of honour, it’s so special to be part of that and a great honour. And to see this beautiful bar opened – I never thought there’d be a racecourse bar named after me! It’s a very special thing. It does hit home how lucky I am.

“I think it is a brilliant initiative to have an alcohol-free space; it’s a really cool place, there’s something else on offer. I don’t drink myself, so I’d better be able to get a free hot chocolate in a minute!”

Aintree racecourse chair Julian Taylor said it is “an enormous privilege” to induct Rachael as an Aintree legend and that her great moment in 2021 is “one that none of us will ever forget”.

“You are a sporting icon, not just here at Aintree but globally, and you are also a lovely human being. Many congratulations to you,” he said.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

‘You need to be 110% and he’s not’: 2025 Grand National winner ruled out of this year’s race

Grand National runners, riders and complete form guide for 2026, including a former winner ruled out on Thursday morning

Grand National 2026 sweepstake kit to download and print for free

‘We’re delighted to bring loyal readers this benefit’: H&H magazine subscribers get free website access

Further tributes have been paid to Rachael Blackmore following the trailblazing jockey’s retirement from race-riding last week (12 May).

“I feel the time is right. I’m sad but I’m also incredibly grateful for what my life has been for the past 16 years,” said Rachael at the time.

Her achievements include the 2021 Grand National plus 33 Grade One wins, including the Cheltenham Gold Cup (2022), two Champion Hurdles (2021 and 2022), and the Queen Mother Champion Chase (2024).

Her career started with trainer John “Shark” Hanlon, who told H&H Rachael was always “so dedicated”, and added that although she has always credited the start he gave her, “she did it herself”.

“She had a real strong drive,” he said, adding that he is “delighted she has gone out on her own terms”. “From the beginning she was a very hard worker. She was in college, and she was never late for work in her life.”

Her connection with Mr Hanlon came about via Davy Russell, who recommended Rachael, then an amateur, to the trainer when he was looking for a jockey for Stowaway Pearl for a ladies’ race at Thurles in 2011. She won, and followed that up by winning the first point-to-point ride she had for Mr Hanlon at the Horse & Jockey. This marked the start of a partnership that Rachael described as “the catalyst for what was to come”.

“When she started with me, all she wanted was to be ladies’ point-to-point champion, and I ruined that for her, because we stopped her in the middle of the championship [campaign] to turn pro. Thank goodness we did!” Mr Hanlon said.

“She was such a hard worker, and point-to-pointing she was getting all the wrong rides… I was afraid she was going to get hurt. That’s the reason I suggested she changed [to turn professional].

“She said, ‘Are you mad?’, and I said, ‘I’ll support you. I’ll do the best I can for you. I won’t be able to get you to the top, but I’ll give you a go and if it doesn’t work, you can go back to being an amateur again in six months’ time’. She rode winners from the start, a lot for me, and had a lot of good outside rides.”

Rachael’s first winner as a professional was with Most Honourable at Clonmel in 2015, the year she turned pro.

Mr Hanlon, whose support helped her become Irish champion conditional in 2017, remembered a moment that summed up Rachael’s attention to detail and care for horses.

“She’d been here maybe a year or two at the time. It was an April day, the weather was changing, and I had gone racing,” he said. “She was passing by the road, saw the horses had their rugs on and thought they were getting a bit warm.”

She stopped to check them and took their rugs off to make sure they would be comfortable on the warming spring day.

“She was only a young girl at the time, that just shows what kind of a character she was. No stone unturned,” he said.

Rachael’s move to Henry de Bromhead’s Knockeen operation came after a conversation in a taxi to Aintree between Henry and Gigginstown House Stud’s Eddie O’Leary.

“Eddie got me in the door at Knockeen, and what came next was unimaginable: Honeysuckle, A Plus Tard, Minella Indo, Captain Guinness, Bob Olinger, Minella Times, among many others… all with one thing in common – Henry de Bromhead,” she said.

Her seminal year came in 2021, for which she was voted BBC Sports Personality’s world sport star of the year and crowned Ireland’s sportswoman of the year. Her leading rider title at the Cheltenham Festival with six wins was followed by her historic triumph in the Grand National aboard JP McManus’s Minella Times.

In 2022, she broke more barriers by partnering A Plus Tard to Cheltenham Gold Cup glory in the famous Cheveley Park Stud colours.

“She gave us a hugely momentous and exciting day,” Cheveley Park Stud managing director Chris Richardson told H&H.

“That was just a sensational moment, because I remember the late David Thompson [who owned Cheveley Park Stud with his wife Patricia] saying that the two races in the National Hunt calendar he wanted to win were the Grand National and the Cheltenham Gold Cup. And he did both, Party Politics winning the Grand National in 1992 and A Plus Tard the Gold Cup in 2022.”

In the space of six years, Cheveley Park Stud had 26 Grade One winners, of which Rachael rode 18. Six of Rachael’s 18 Cheltenham Festival winners were also aboard Cheveley Park Stud horses.

Mr Richardson added: “She was just a natural equestrian. She had a natural flow and agility that was so evident and she bonded with every horse she rode – an enviable natural ability to gel with a horse, become a part of that horse. To watch the fluidity of the movement of her jumping – it was just a joy to watch her ride.

“It’s been so lucky that we’ve had some phenomenal years, through a legacy that David Thompson put together and invested in; it was such a wonderful story.”

Retired dual Grand National-winning jockey Davy Russell told H&H: “She was fully, totally and utterly committed to being a professional jockey – she rolled the dice and she got the due rewards.

“She was as good on the ordinary day, the midweek day, as she was on the big day. She never succumbed to pressure or the big occasion, it never caught her out. She was very, very brave.

“Rachael would grow an inch when she’d go to the big meetings, where other people just don’t have the ability to do that.”

He added: “She’s a credit to herself, to her family and to those around her. She broke through the ceiling.”

Henry de Bromhead paid tribute to Rachael, sharing a picture of the two of them together with the caption: “The end of an era. Thank you, Rachael Blackmore, for everything.”

He paid further tribute to her on Racing TV, adding: “I was really surprised when she told me on Monday, but I’m delighted for her. As usual, she timed it to perfection!

“It’s incredible what she achieved and we were lucky to be there with her.”

On what made her so good, Mr de Bromhead said: “Her natural ability, for a start, but then knowing how hard you have to work to get to the top – and she did. She worked harder than everybody else, and she got there.

“She had so many great attributes as a jockey and as a person. I think the best way to sum her up is just pure class.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

‘We’re delighted to bring loyal readers this benefit’: H&H magazine subscribers get free website access

‘She didn’t just break glass ceilings – she painted the whole damn sky’: racing world honours Rachael Blackmore on her retirement

Top jockey Rachael Blackmore turns children’s author with new book Granny National ahead of Aintree showcase

‘I can’t believe it’: Rachael Blackmore becomes first female to win Cheltenham Gold Cup

Rachael Blackmore: everything you need to know about this record-breaking National Hunt jockey

‘To win is unreal’: Rachael Blackmore and Honeysuckle win 2022 Cheltenham Festival Champion Hurdle

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The great and good of the racing world have paid tribute to star jockey Rachael Blackmore following her announcement last night (12 May) that she has retired from race-riding.

Rachael, 35, bows out after a phenomenal career that boasts the 2021 Grand National, the Cheltenham Gold Cup (2022), two Champion Hurdles (2021 and 2022) and the Queen Mother Champion Chase (2024). A remarkable feat for any top athlete – and Rachael was the first woman to win them.

“My days of being a jockey have come to an end,” said Rachael. “I feel the time is right. I’m sad but I’m also incredibly grateful for what my life has been for the past 16 years.

“I just feel so lucky, to have been legged up on the horses I have, and to have experienced success I never even dreamt could be possible.”

Her major victories also included 33 Grade Ones, three Irish Champion Hurdles (all aboard Honeysuckle), 18 Cheltenham Festival winners – the last of these was with Bob Olinger in the Stayers’ Hurdle at the 2025 Festival.

Her seminal year came in 2021, for which she was voted BBC Sports Personality’s world sport star of the year and crowned Ireland’s sportswoman of the year. Her leading rider title at the Cheltenham Festival with six wins was followed by her historic triumph in the Grand National aboard Minella Times.

“I don’t feel male or female right now, I don’t even feel human,” she said in her winning interview at Aintree.

Her final ride was a winning one – partnering Ma Belle Etoile to victory in a novice hurdle for long-term supportive trainer Henry de Bromhead; Rachael’s 576th winner.

The trainer shared a picture of the two of them together with the caption: “The end of an era. Thank you, Rachael Blackmore, for everything.”

Retired top jockey Barry Geraghty sent Rachael “huge congratulations and the best of luck” on retirement “following an amazing career”.

“An ultra talented horsewoman, a brilliant competitor and one of the most committed jockeys you could ever ride against,” he said. “Brilliant to see you get out on your own terms.”

Broadcaster Jane Mangan, who enjoyed success as an amateur jockey, said that “we can only consider ourselves lucky to have witnessed her achievements in our lifetime”, adding:” She didn’t just break glass ceilings – she painted the whole damn sky.”

Rachael said the “people to thank are endless”.

“Firstly, my parents who provided me with the best childhood and a pony I couldn’t hold! This set the seed for a life of racing,” she said Rachael.

“Aidan Kennedy gave me my first ride in a point-to-point. I spent time riding out for Arthur Moore and Pat Doyle, which I loved. Sam Curling and Liam Lennon were also big supporters, as was Denise O’Shea, John Nicholson, Ellmarie Holden, Harry Smyth and Gigginstown House Stud.”

Rachael rode her first winner in 2011, Stowaway Pearl for Shark Hanlon, and turned professional four years later.

She credits Shark for helping her become Irish champion conditional in 2017, and added: “I will be for ever grateful to Shark for getting behind me, supporting me and believing in me when it would have been just as easy to look elsewhere. He was the catalyst for what was to come.”

Shark thanked Rachael for “all she’s done for me over the past few years”.

“She’s had an unbelievable career and we wish her the best in the future,” he said.

Rachael said a conversation in a taxi on the way to Aintree with Eddie O’Leary, of Gigginstown House Stud, “took my career to a whole new level”.

“Eddie got me in the door at Knockeen, and what came next was unimaginable: Honeysuckle, A Plus Tard, Minella Indo, Captain Guinness, Bob Olinger, Minella Times, among many others… all with one thing in common – Henry de Bromhead,” she said.

“He’s a phenomenal trainer, who brought out the best in me. Without Henry, my story is very different.”

Rachael also thanked her sponsors, agent Garry Cribbin and manager Rebecca Matthews. She also credited champion trainer Willie Mullins “who provided me with success throughout my career”.

“To all the team in [the de Bromhead yard at] Knockneen, who do such incredible work looking after all the horses, without you and all the stable staff across the country, winners don’t happen,” she said.

“To Davy Roche, whose help was invaluable when I was privileged enough to have a choice in a race. To all the amazing doctors, surgeons and physios who looked after me over the years.To all the wonderful owners who trusted me and gave me the opportunity to do what I love doing. To everyone I shared the weigh room with, I’ll miss being in there with you. To all my great friends – you made winning special.”

On her partner, Brian Hayes, she said that he “won’t enjoy getting a mention, but he was more important to my career than I’ll ever be able to thank him for”.

She said: “It’s daunting not being able to say that I am a jockey any more… who even am I now! But I feel so incredibly lucky to have had the career I’ve had.

“To have been in the right place at the right time with the right people, and to have gotten on the right horses – because it doesn’t matter how good you are without them. They have given me the best days of my life and to them I am most grateful.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

‘We’re delighted to bring loyal readers this benefit’: H&H magazine subscribers get free website access

Top jockey Rachael Blackmore turns children’s author with new book Granny National ahead of Aintree showcase

Rachael Blackmore: everything you need to know about this record-breaking National Hunt jockey

Kim Bailey: ‘Has Rachael Blackmore saved the public’s faith in racing?’ *H&H Plus*

‘I don’t feel male or female right now — I don’t feel human’: Rachael Blackmore becomes the first ever woman to win the Grand National

Find out how this thrilling race unfolded this afternoon

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Racing sensation and history-making jockey Rachael Blackmore has released her first children’s book Granny National, which is currently available for pre-order.

In 2021, Rachael Blackmore became the first female jockey to win the Grand National in the race’s 182-year history. She will ride Minella Indo in this year’s race. View all the Grand National runners and riders

Rachael was also crowned world sports star of the year at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards in 2021, cementing her position as a great role model for young riders.

Over the past three years Rachael has been drawing on her racing experience to create the story, with assistance from Rachel Pierce. Granny National is described as “a wildly fun horse-riding story for children aged eight to 10”.

Rachael loves to read, but is dyslexic and found reading a struggle in her youth. She is keen to show young readers that dyslexia isn’t a barrier to enjoying reading and hopes her book will be enjoyed by all.

The story is about a granny, who dreams of being a jockey, and her four friends who hatch a plan to try to make it happen. The gang must come together for “Operation Granny National”, but will they pull it off? And what happens when everyone finds out what they’ve done? There’s bound to be big trouble ahead!

The book is beautifully illustrated throughout by Tom Snape, bringing the horses and Granny to life.

Granny National is available to pre-order now at amazon.co.uk

You might also like:

How to watch Grand National 2025 live streams and TV coverage: your armchair viewing guide

Grand National 2026 sweepstake kit to download and print for free

‘I can’t believe it’: Rachael Blackmore becomes first female to win Cheltenham Gold Cup

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

The four-day 2025 Cheltenham Festival has reached the halfway point, with a dramatic first day (11 March) when first and second favourites for the Champion Hurdle, Constitution Hill and State Man, crashed out, and an emotional day yesterday, we turn our attentions to day three.

Here we bring you our Cheltenham Festival tips from horse racing experts who have shared their knowledge to help you navigate the seven races on the card today – and for tomorrow’s action too. Maybe you’ll pick a winner or two during this year’s jump racing extravaganza?

But whether you win or lose or you are simply happy to enjoy the spectacle, the Cheltenham Festival is a sporting event like no other. It is important that you gamble responsibly and you can read more advice on how to bet here. Are you ready? Let’s go!

Cheltenham Festival tips

Cheltenham Festival day three tips, and more…

Day three tips: Thursday 13 March

Sixandahalf in the Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (1.20pm)

Trainer: Gavin Cromwell | Jockey: Keith Donoghue

H&H racing editor Jennifer Donald says: “This syndicate-owned five-year-old switched from the Flat and was an impressive winner at Fairyhouse on her hurdling debut in January. Her trainer says it will take a nice one to beat her.”

Jungle Boogie in the Ryanair Chase (3.20pm)

Trainer: Henry de Bromhead | Jockey: TBC

ITV Racing pundit Ruby Walsh says: “My outsider is Jungle Boogie. He is trained by Henry de Bromhead and is beginning to fulfill the potential he showed as a youngster.”

Day four tips: Friday 14 March

Gibbs Island in the JCB Triumph Hurdle (1.20pm)

Trainer: Tom Lacey | Jockey: Stan Sheppard

Racing journalist Carl Evans says: “At a decent price, Gibbs Island is worth an each-way bet. He has more speed in his pedigree than many of his rivals and is unbeaten in two starts for Tom Lacey.”

Hello Neighbour in the JCB Triumph Hurdle (1.20pm)

Trainer: Gavin Cromwell | Jockey: Keith Donoghue

H&H racing editor Jennifer Donald says: “An improving four-year-old who will have to get past smart British contenders East India Dock and Lulamba, but jockey Keith Donoghue says he’s the horse he’s most looking forward to riding at this year’s Cheltenham Festival. The fitting of a hood seemed to help the exuberant youngster settle better last time out and he powered home to win a Grade One at the Dublin Racing Festival. A very likeable, classy ex-Flat horse who could be very smart indeed.”

Galopin Des Champs in the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup (4pm)

Trainer: Willie Mullins | Jockey: Paul Townend

ITV pundit Ruby Walsh says confidently of the second of his Cheltenham Festival tips: “Galopin des Champs will win the Boodles Gold Cup on Friday. He’s the best we’ve seen for a while and he’ll enter the history books by making it three in a row.”

Corbetts Cross in the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup (4pm)

Trainer: Emmet Mullins | Jockey: TBC

Racing journalist Carl Evans says: “It’s impossible to oppose Galopin Des Champs but he will be a very short price and Corbetts Cross each-way could be a good bet.”

Inothewayurthinkin in the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup (4pm)

Trainer: Gavin Cromwell | Jockey: TBC

Racing journalist Tom Peacock says: “Last year’s Kim Muir scorer has been feeling his way in open company this season. Interesting his connections added him back into the Gold Cup field and he’s a decent alternative to the favourite.” 

Cheltenham Festival tips and how our expert tippers fared in 2025

Day one tips: Tuesday 11 March

Kopek Des Bordes in the Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (1.20pm)

Trainer: Willie Mullins | Jockey: Paul Townend

ITV Racing is on air 12.45-5pm every day of the Cheltenham Festival and ITV commentator Richard Hoiles says: “This is the horse I am most looking forward to at the Festival and he lines up in the opening race. He looked a potential superstar when winning in Ireland last time and hopefully he can prove the point and get punters off to a good start.”

Racing journalist Carl Evans agrees: “Willie Mullins is likely to train plenty of winners over the four days and, while his Kopek Des Bordes is a short price in the opening race, it’s good to beat the bookies in round one.” 

Kopek Des Bordes result: winner 

Joyeuse in the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle (3.20pm)

Trainer: Nicky Henderson | Jockey: Nico de Boinville

Racing journalist Tom Peacock says: “A really impressive winner of Newbury’s big handicap hurdle last month and Nicky Henderson clearly feels she is on the upgrade to pitch her in against the best mares. A nice one at the prices.” 

Joyeuse result: sixth

Take No Chances in the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle (3.20pm)

Trainer: Dan Skelton | Jockey: Harry Skelton

H&H racing editor Jennifer Donald says: “She’s up against mega mare Lossiemouth but could run well at a big price. I’ve loved her attitude in some tight finishes this season and she has proved she stays much further than this 2m 4f, so she will hopefully be staying on gamely up the Cheltenham hill.”

Take No Chances result: third

Constitution Hill in the Unibet Champion Hurdle (4pm)

Trainer: Nicky Henderson | Jockey: Nico de Boinville

ITV Racing’s lead presenter Ed Chamberlin has nominated the 2023 champion as his cert of the meeting in the Unibet Champion Hurdle, the highlight of Tuesday’s card. “He’s a generational talent and looks back to his best,” he says.

Constitution Hill result: fell

Murcia in the Hallgarten and Novum Wines Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (registered as the Fred Winter) (4.40pm)

Trainer: Willie Mullins | Jockey: Rachael Blackmore

Ed Chamberlin also picks out a longer shot from Tuesday’s action, saying: “She’s in the Honeysuckle silks and may not have her talent but she does look better than her handicap mark.”

Murcia result: eighth

Day two tips: Wednesday 12 March

The Yellow Clay in the Turners Novices’ Hurdle (1.20pm)

Trainer: Gordon Elliott | Jockey: Jack Kennedy

Leading the second day’s Cheltenham Festival tips, H&H racing editor Jennifer Donald says: “I can’t wait for this 2m 5f contest packed full of young superstars this year. I think The New Lion could well take it for the Skeltons and new owner JP McManus, while you can forgive Grade One winner Potters Charm his defeat last time out, for which there are plenty of excuses. But unbeaten Irish raider The Yellow Clay is very exciting, has proved himself in some real scraps and seems to be on an upward curve.”

The Yellow Clay result: second

Sixmilebridge in the Turners Novices’ Hurdle (1.20pm)

Trainer: Fergal O’Brien | Jockey: Kielan Woods

Racing journalist Carl Evans says: “Beat a smart horse when winning at Cheltenham in January and might surprise some shorter-priced runners.”

Sixmilebridge result: ninth 

Ballyburn in the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase (2pm)

Trainer: Willie Mullins | Jockey: Paul Townend

Racing journalist Carl Evans says: “Steps up in trip for this race and that is likely to suit him.”

Ballyburn result: fifth 

Latenightpass in the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase (3.20pm)

Trainer: Tom Ellis | Jockey: Gina Andrews

Racing journalist Carl Evans says: “Although only third to Stumptown over the course and distance in December, Latenightpass is now better off at the weights and is very good over these rare obstacles.”

Latenightpass result: second 

Jazzy Matty in the Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Challenge Cup (4.40pm)

Trainer: Cian Collins | Jockey: Danny Gilligan

Racing journalist Tom Peacock says: “A winner here over hurdles who had a useful sighter over fences earlier in the season. Represents a new and shrewd, young trainer in Cian Collins, who will be keen to make his mark.”

Jazzy Matty result: winner 

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

A beginner’s guide to betting

If you fancy having a flutter on a horse race but don’t know where to start, we’re here to help.

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Former Cheltenham Gold Cup winner A Plus Tard has been placed at the Irish national dressage championships, within six months of his retirement from racing.

“APT”, who won in 2022 with Rachael Blackmore in the saddle for Henry de Bromhead, is living with Emily Kate Robinson in Ireland, turning his hoof to dressage and showing in style and, Emily told H&H, enjoying his new life.

H&H reported in January that the 10-year-old was to retire from racing, and Emily Kate took him on in March.

“I ride flatwork for Henry, and had been doing flatwork with him, and when he retired, I was lucky enough to be able to take him on,” Emily Kate said. “He was still sound, fit and healthy, and isn’t a horse who would have liked to completely retire. He’s always enjoyed the flatwork so this was the best option.”

Emily Kate is an international dressage rider who represented Ireland at the pony Europeans.

“So the rest of them here are warmbloods,” she said. “I ride racehorses in the mornings and dressage horses in the afternoons; it’s very different but I like it.”

Emily said APT, who is still owned by Cheveley Park Stud, is very clever and quick to learn, and has been enjoying doing something a bit different; having won at preliminary level, he qualified for the preliminary final at the Dressage Ireland championships and came fifth, this month.

“His category is the equivalent of British Dressage gold, and he was in with all warmbloods,” Emily Kate said. “He’s so clever, in every way; he’s so quick to learn, you only have to teach him something once, and he’s a great character. A little bit cheeky, but he’s a pet, an angel.”

Emily Kate and APT have also been showing; they competed in the racehorse to riding horse class at Balmoral Show in May, and came second, Emily Kate said APT shows perfectly the versatility of former racehorses.

“They’re so adaptable,” she said. “It’s nice for him to have a second job, and for me to have a nice fun horse, no pressure. It’s about enjoying him and seeing how far he’ll go. I don’t want to put pressure on him but we’ll definitely look to the nationals again next year.

“I wouldn’t have thought he’d have taken to it all so quickly but he’s adapted so easily and really enjoys it. He goes round with his ears pricked all the time, he’s a happy boy.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news throughout Blenheim Horse Trials, Horse of the Year Show, London International and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

A Plus Tard: everything you need to know about this key Cheltenham Festival contender

‘I can’t believe it’: Rachael Blackmore becomes first female to win Cheltenham Gold Cup

‘Happy to the end’: final farewell to late Queen Mother’s horse after 20 years of ‘love and pleasure’

‘Thoroughbreds are 1,000 times easier than warmbloods!’: trainer Dan Skelton on the merits of rehoming ex-racehorses as we celebrate National Racehorse Week

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A new equine therapy centre will be named in memory of Jack de Bromhead – as Henry de Bromhead-trained superstar mare Honeysuckle’s colours go up for auction to help fund the facility’s running costs.

The Jack de Bromhead Equine Therapy Centre will be built this year at charity ChildVision’s campus at Drumcondra, Dublin, as a result of donations from a group of family and friends of the de Bromhead family. The centre will have an indoor arena, up to 10 stables, learning space and ancillary accommodation.

Jack, the 13-year-old son of Grand National and Gold Cup-winning trainer Henry, died after a fall at Glenbeigh Racing Festival on 3 September 2022.

Chris Jones, a family friend and racehorse owner, led the fundraising campaign with the blessing of Jack’s parents Henry and Heather, and the the €1,000,000 (£854,418) target was met in December. The facility will give children who are blind, multi-disabled and neurodiverse access to “the best global equine activities in a supportive and purpose-designed environment” and will allow the ChildVision equine team and volunteers to reach more children, “making a life-changing difference”.

“I was fortunate to have the opportunity to visit ChildVision last summer and to see first-hand the therapeutic impact that equine can have on children with complex needs. I knew that Henry and Heather already had a connection to ChildVision and knowing that many friends and family members wanted to find some way to mark Jack’s love of horses in a tangible way, the Jack de Bromhead Equine Centre concept came to fruition,” said Chris.

“The response to my call for donations was unbelievably kind and generous. It’s a testament to the high regard the de Bromheads are held in that we are in a position to make the equine centre at ChildVision in Jack’s name a reality.”

To help with the centre’s operating costs, Honeysuckle’s owner Kenny Alexander, has donated the racing colours Rachael Blackmore wore in all their major races including four Cheltenham Festival victories and nine Irish Grade Ones, for auction. The silks, signed by Rachael, Henry, and Kenny, will be auctioned at the Goffs sale at the Punchestown Festival on 2 May.

Rachael said Honeysuckle gave her “some of the best days of my career” and the colours hold a lot of special memories.

“Zoe, Henry’s travelling head girl, always kept this one special set aside just for Honeysuckle and I wore them in all of Honeysuckle’s big days at Fairyhouse, Leopardstown, Cheltenham and Punchestown,” she said.

“They are going to be auctioned, and all money raised will be donated to the operating costs of the new Jack de Bromhead Equine Centre. The donation will make a lasting difference to those children and their families who will benefit so much from the amazing work that they do at ChildVision, where hopefully many more great memories will be made.”

The de Bromhead family said the centre will be a “wonderful legacy for our beloved Jack, a hugely missed son and brother”.

“Horses are a huge part of our lives, and we know the physical experience of riding a horse offers so many potential benefits, especially helping address a host of physical, social and emotional issues,” they said.

“More so, it will be a place of learning and hope, full of laughter and joy, traits that were such a part of Jack, all facilitated by the much-treasured horses and ponies that call the ChildVision stables home.

“We are looking forward to following the development and construction of the new equine therapeutic centre and being there to cut the ribbon when it is completed. We are for ever grateful to those who came on board to support us – we know Jack would be really proud of what this life-changing generosity will enable.”

ChildVision chief executive Barry Sheridan added that the charity had already raised more than €500,000 towards the centre, but “without this extraordinary fundraising support we would not have been in a position to break ground in 2024 on this vital facility”.

“We would like to thank the de Bromhead family, Chris Jones and the other wonderful benefactors for enabling our dream to come true. We will ensure that Jack’s legacy and that of his loving family, who so generously agreed to share his name with us, will live on for generations to come,” he said.

You might also be interested in:

Honeysuckle provides poignant victory on fairytale end to her career

‘To win is unreal’: Rachael Blackmore and Honeysuckle win 2022 Cheltenham Festival Champion Hurdle

Joy as fan favourite superstar mare delivers first foal

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Captain Guinness provided Rachael Blackmore with her first Queen Mother Champion Chase victory at the Cheltenham Festival this afternoon (13 March).

The nine-year-old, trained by Henry De Bromhead and owned by Declan Landy capitalised on a bad mistake from the Willie Mullins-trained red-hot favourite El Fabiolo, who was swiftly pulled up when he guessed at the fence away from the stands early on.

Rachael said of the gelding’s first Grade One victory: “He travelled incredibly and he jumped really well, but it felt like a long hill today. I’m so pleased for his owner as he’s been knocking on the door in these big races, but this is the biggest of his division.

“It’s incredible, just incredible and I’m so happy to do it on this horse. He always runs his race and he is a really enjoyable horse to ride – it’s magic.”

Mr De Bromhead was saddling his fourth Champion Chase winner following wins for Sizing Europe, Special Tiara and Put The Kettle On.

“He’s had a tricky season – at Christmas he had his atrial fibrillation. Anyway, all that was fine, he passed all his tests, and it’s great to see him back. We’ve always said he deserved to win a Grade One so much, and to win this is incredible,” said Mr De Bromhead.

Gentleman De Mee, who threatened to become the 100th festival winner for Mr Mullins, finished half a length second under Mark Walsh after serving up a battle to Captain Guinness.

Rank outsider Funambule Sivola, who went off at 100/1, finished third in the Queen Mother Champion Chase and was the only other finisher under Charlie Deutsch for trainer Venetia Williams.

The Alan King-trained Edwardstone, who was best of the British hopes, blazed a trail throughout the race until falling at the penultimate under Tom Cannon. Both horse and jockey walked away.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The 2021 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Minella Indo made his Cheltenham racecourse cross-country race debut in December, finishing fourth behind Grand National contender Latenightpass.

He now heads to the Cheltenham Festival as favourite for Wednesday’s Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase and trainer Henry de Bromhead is bullish about the 11-year-old gelding’s chances.

“He loved the cross-country course in December and this time it’s a conditions chase,” he explained of Minella Indo’s Cheltenham Festival target.

“We felt we had to go for the cross-country race in December to give him a taste of it, as it would be tough to go for it first time at The Festival. Gavin Sheehan had schooled him at the previous meeting and was delighted with him and Rachel Blackmore was delighted with him in the race. He had top weight but you couldn’t have asked for a better run.”

Minella Indo: “It’s good fun for a horse like him to prolong his career”

Minella Indo, who runs in the colours of Barry Maloney, first rose to prominence when winning the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in 2021, and has now won three Grade One races, and finished second to stable-mate A Plus Tard in the 2022 Gold Cup with Robert Power in the saddle.

But he had also shown some mixed form since winning the Blue Riband race at the Cheltenham Festival with jockey Jack Kennedy three years ago and was pulled up in the race last year.

Minella Indo now seems to be relishing this change of direction in preparation for his debut in next month’s Randox Grand National at Aintree, a race for which he is currently a 25/1 shot.

“He is in mighty form. It seems a good route to the Grand National as Gordon Elliott and others have proved,” says Henry. “He has always enjoyed cross-county and was doing it even when he was running in the Gold Cup. He just loves it.

“It’s lovely and good fun for a horse like him to prolong his career.”

You might also like to read…

Minella Indo: 9 things you need to know about the reigning Cheltenham Gold Cup winner

Galopin Des Champs: everything you need to know about this two-time Cheltenham Gold Cup victor

‘He’s in great order’: could State Man take the Champion Hurdle crown at the Cheltenham Festival?

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A Plus Tard, the four-tie Grade One winner with whom Rachael Blackmore secured a historic Cheltenham Gold Cup victory in 2022, has been retired from racing aged 10.

Cheveley Park Stud’s gelding, trained by Henry de Bromhead, enjoyed his finest sporting hour that day at Prestbury Park – sprinting up the Cheltenham hill to win by 15 lengths. In doing so, Rachael became the first female jockey to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

“He was sublime that day, not only visually impressive, but also one of the highest rated winners of the Gold Cup in the last 30 years, as well as being one of the best horses we have ever had in our yard,” said Henry.

“We were delighted when this very special horse won Cheveley Park Stud their first Gold Cup.”

The Kapgarde son was the first horse Henry trained for Cheveley Park Stud and the Thompson family. He had won over hurdles in France before he was bought by bloodstock agent Alex Elliott for the stud.

He won the Close Brothers Novices Handicap at the Cheltenham Festival in his first season running in the Cheveley Park Stud colours. His major wins also included the Grade One Savills Chase at Leopardstown in 2020 and a 22-length victory in the 2021 Betfair Chase at Haydock. Rachael partnered the gelding to five of his six wins for Henry and Cheveley Park Stud, Darragh O’Keeffe the other.

He will now unwind at Knockeen, then return to Cheveley Park Stud for his retirement.

Cheveley Park Stud director Richard Thompson said: “My father and I sat down in early 2018 and agreed a plan to buy some National Hunt horses to be trained in Ireland with the aim of winning the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

“Just over four years later, we achieved this objective when Rachael Blackmore rode A Plus Tard to victory in front of 70,000 people at the first Cheltenham Festival post Covid. My father watched A Plus Tard win the Savills Chase in a thrilling finish on television on 28 December 2020. He died the very next day. It was the last horse race he ever watched.”

He added: “A Plus Tard was also the first Cheltenham winner in the red, white and blue Cheveley Park Stud colours and also Rachael Blackmore’s first winner at Cheltenham, in the 2019 Listed Close Brothers Novices Chase.

“For all of the above reasons, A Plus Tard will always be a very special horse in the history of my parents’ ownership of Cheveley Park Stud.

“A special thank you to Henry de Bromhead and all the team at Knockeen and to Rachael too. To win the Cheltenham Gold Cup is the Holy Grail of National Hunt racing and we will never forget 18 March 2022.”

You might also be interested in:

‘I can’t believe it’: Rachael Blackmore becomes first female to win Cheltenham Gold Cup

4.30am starts, 40,000 steps a day and the ‘best time of my life’: Henry de Bromhead’s travelling head lass reflects on a ‘crazy’ few weeks

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Minella Times, the horse Rachael Blackmore rode to victory in the 2021 Grand National as the first female to win the race (pictured, right), has been retired from racing.

The Henry De Bromhead-trained 10-year-old, who is owned by JP McManus, was a six-and-a-half-length winner of the 2021 Grand National and was being prepared for another attempt in the race this April when he experienced a setback.

Henry said: “He suffered a setback yesterday so we have taken the decision to retire him.

“He absolutely loved it at Aintree. He’d had a really good season coming up to it, having been placed in a couple of really competitive handicap chases, and the McManuses were keen to go for the race. It was an amazing day and one of our best.

“Winning any of those big races is incredible, but the National was an amazing day in its own right and the fact that Rachael was the first woman to win the race made it even better. Winning the race for the McManuses was wonderful, especially as they’ve been involved in the game for so long.”

Minella Times, who is by Oscar, retires having won four races from 26 starts under Rules and earned £486,876 in prize money during his career, but was pulled up in both of his starts this season.

Rachael said: “He’s such a special horse for me and he gave me the best day in racing that I’ve had – and there’s a lot of hot competition for that!

“It was such an incredible day and you just have so much gratitude for the horse when they give you something like he did. It was an incredible day and to be able to do it in the colours of JP McManus and for Henry just made it even more special. He’s always been a yard favourite I think and Henry and all the team have done such an incredible job with him to achieve that, so I’ll always be so grateful to Henry and everyone down there for what they did in getting him to win the race.”

Recalling her success in 2021, she said: “He was just such a fabulous jumper. He jumped so well from fence to fence. Obviously we got a lot of luck in the race and got a beautiful passage throughout, so luck was definitely on our side and you need that in a Grand National.

“He’s just such an intelligent horse and it was such an enjoyable race to ride in, aside from going over the line which took it to a whole different stratosphere. Actually riding in the race was electric and jockeys always say that just getting around in the National gives you a bit of a kick and it’s true, there’s something different about it. I already had that buzz from him, it’s an incredible feeling to get round, so to actually win the race was incredible.”

Rachael added that Minella Times would have a “wonderful” retirement, in Martinstown, JP McManus’ Irish stud.

“I went to see him in the summer of 2021 and they definitely pull out all the stops down there,” she said.

You might also be interested in:

‘I don’t feel male or female right now — I don’t feel human’: Rachael Blackmore becomes the first ever woman to win the Grand National

Find out how this thrilling race unfolded this afternoon

Rachael Blackmore becomes first female to claim Cheltenham Festival leading jockey title

Find out how Rachael Blackmore made history at Cheltenham Festival this week

Honeysuckle’s ‘diva’ tendencies and how going cross-country brought Grand National runner-up to life: meet Henry de Bromhead’s Irish superstars

Henry de Bromhead’s travelling head lass gives us the lowdown on what it’s like to look after the stable’s superstars

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Twenty-time champion jockey AP McCoy was among the male jockeys who beat the girls team – headed by Grand National winner Rachael Blackmore – today in the light-hearted Markel London Horse Show jockeys jumping, run in aid of the Injured Jockeys Fund.

AP rode a chestnut who showjumps with his daughter Eve.

“All I got when I came out was ‘That’s cheating, you’re riding your daughter’s horse that wins everything’ – coming from Rachael Blackmore who Henry de Bromhead has put on Honeysuckle, A Plus Tard, champion after champion for the last five years. She’s got some cheek giving out to me for being on the best horse,” he joked.

“You didn’t get put on many of them in your career, did you?” retorted Rachael, who reckoned the girls’ lack of success was down to their horses being “too big and too slow”.

AP came back: “That’s what happens when these people get spoiled, riding the best horse all the time, a prime example…”

Rachael suggested a rematch in an hour’s time: “I’m going to ride his, he’s going to ride mine and we’ll see how we get on.”

The London Horse Show jockeys jumping was conducted in an atmosphere of great hilarity, with five top male jockeys from both flat and jumps racing, taking on five leading female jockeys.

Each jumped a course against the clock, with three seconds added for a fence down, and then took on a joker fence, the Markel planks, with the opportunity to remove four seconds from their time if they cleared it, but four seconds added if they knocked it. The four best scores in each team were added up to give the final result.

The boys team, trained by 2016 Olympic showjumping champion Nick Skelton, and consisting of AP, Nick’s son Harry Skelton, former champion flat jockey Jim Crowley, James Doyle and reigning champion jumps jockey Brian Hughes took the spoils despite the fact girls team trainer Pippa Funnell and her husband William ran forward and raised the height of the joker significantly before Harry approached it. But the other four all cleared it so the boys ran out the winners by more than 35 seconds.

Jim Crowley, most noted for his recent partnership with Baaeed, put in the fastest time of the night, saying: “What a little dinger of a pony – I wouldn’t top him tonight.”

In the girls team, Rachael rode alongside Cheltenham Festival-winning jockey Bridget Andrews, Hayley Turner, Saffie Osborne and Joanna Mason.

Bridget was the only one who cleared the joker – no doubt helped by the fact her mount was the Funnells’ 19-year-old former five-star horse Billy Angelo. She said: “I was pretty spoilt riding him and I was rusty, but he carried me round. I love doing it and it’s for a great charity. I’m just back from injury so it couldn’t be more apt right now.”

The audience were urged to donate to the Injured Jockeys Fund during the class, by texting IJF to 70800 to give £5.

“I’ve been president of the Injured Jockeys Fund since John Francome passed it over to me and it’s a great charity,” said AP.

“Lord Oaksey founded it 50 odd years ago and it costs three and a half million pounds a year to run, which is purely on donations. It looks after everyone from people who’ve been elite jockeys to people who may have had one ride and have got injured doing something else, whether it be in a building site or something. We look after them and care for them, whatever care they need, so it’s a great charity.

“Rachael has the same Injured Jockeys Fund in Ireland and we’re very grateful that she’s come over because she’s more of a star than any of the rest of us ever have been. So we’re very lucky that she’s come along.”

Rachael described the Injured Jockeys Fund as a “fantastic safety blanket”.

“Our sport is a very dangerous sport, so we’re very lucky the Injured Jockeys Fund is there,” she said.

Pippa Funnell said it had been a privilege to meet Rachael for the first time.

“She’s done so much for women jockeys and females in sport, it just shows all the little girls here what can be done – if you dream big, you can get there,” she said.

You might also be interested in:

Grand National winner to swap saddles in London International Horse Show debut

‘He could jump a bus’ – borrowed horse clears 1.90m for British rider in London six bar

Position, polework and partnership – 13 insights from Pippa Funnell’s demo at London

‘I always knew he had this in him’: Connemara wins BSPS M&M supreme by 9 marks on London debut

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Keep up to date with all of the action from London International, including breaking news and behind the scenes insight from each day of the show, with no limit on how much you can read, from as little as £1 per week with a Horse & Hound unlimited website subscription. Join now

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Cheltenham Gold Cup and Grand National-winning jockey Rachael Blackmore will switch saddles to compete over coloured poles at this year’s London International Horse Show.

Rachael, leading jockey at the 2021 Cheltenham Festival, will be part of the girls’ team in the Markel Jockeys Jumping, held in aid of the Injured Jockeys Fund.

Full teams are yet to be formally revealed, but she will count 20-time champion jockey Sir AP McCoy among her rivals. Harry Skelton, Bridget Andrews, Jim Crowley, will also be competing, as well as hopefully Tom Marquand and Hollie Doyle.

“I did some eventing in my teenage years, but that was a long time ago now!” said Rachael, confident that “the girls… obviously” will be claiming this year’s title.

“I’ve never been before, so I’m looking forward to seeing some of the world’s top showjumpers in action. I imagine I’ll also end up spending some money in the 200+ shops there.”

The Markel Jockeys Jumping will be held during the final, Monday evening, performance of the five-day show (15 to 19 December) at the ExCel London.

Rachael, who cites being leading rider at the 2021 Cheltenham Festival and winning the Grand National in the same year as her proudest achievement to date, spoke about what inspired her to become a jockey.

“I suppose I loved going fast on my ponies and always had an interest in racing and watching it as a child. I always knew it was something I’d love to do but never envisaged it would be a career for me,” she said.

“I love riding horses, jumping and racing and being a ‘jockey’ means it’s your job and you get paid to do something you love, which is pretty cool.

“Different people at different times [have inspired me in my career], from all areas of life. Watching successful people be successful is an inspiration to me.”

You might also be interested in:

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

British world champion spearheads dressage line-up at London International Horse Show

‘The aim is to be inclusive’: new showing series with final at London International

Back by popular demand! Fancy dress relay returns to London International Horse Show

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits. 

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Rachael Blackmore wrote another page in the history books today (18 March) when becoming the first female jockey to win the Gold Cup at the Cheltenham Festival. She was riding A Plus Tard, aboard who she was second in this race last year, and who is trained by Henry de Bromhead and owned by Cheveley Park Stud.

“I can’t believe it – I’m so lucky to be getting to ride all these amazing horses,” said Rachael, who also won the Champion Hurdle earlier this week. “Being attached to Henry’s yard is phenomenal and this horse in unbelievable. I don’t know what to say. These are such special days – I wish I had something better to say, but I can’t. I can’t explain how fricking lucky I feel.

“I was where I wanted to be during the race – I maybe had more horses in front of me than I had planned, but I had the three horses around me that I wanted and with that wall of horses in front of me, it helped prevent me from going too soon like I did last year, when I got beaten.”

When asked what advice Rachael would give budding young jockeys hoping to follow in her footsteps, she said: “When I took out my licence, I didn’t think I would be riding at Cheltenham, let alone a favourite in the Gold Cup. It’s proof that anything can happen.”

Henry de Bromhead trained the winner and runner-up in the Gold Cup in 2021, and he repeated that again this year, with last year’s winner, Minella Indo, finishing second this time around.

“I can’t believe it – it’s just incredible and fair play to everyone involved,” Henry said. “I thought Rachael was so brave, sitting and sitting, and the pace A Plus Tard showed at the end of the three miles was incredible.”

Richard Thompson, a representative of Cheveley Park Stud and son of the late David Johnson, who founded the stud, said: “It’s absolutely fantastic, winning the Gold Cup. My father would be loving this. He was behind the project and this horse was one of the last he saw win before he died. He watched the Gold Cup obviously for many years, and to win it is incredible. I can’t even speak. It’s a fantastic day for the family. We know he’s got so much quality and Rachael rode the perfect race. It’s the Gold Cup, anything can happen, but it looked so smooth.”

British runner Protektorat was third under Harry Skelton for his brother Dan who trains the seven-year-old and owners Sir Alex Ferguson, Ged Mason and John and Lisa Hales.

You might also be interested in:

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Find out everything you need to know about Irish jump jockey Rachael Blackmore after her incredible Champion Hurdle victory at the 2022 Cheltenham Festival with wonder mare, Honeysuckle.

1. Rachael was born on 11 July 1989 and hails from Killenaule in County Tipperary.

2. She rode her first winner as an amateur jockey on 10 February 2011 at Thurles aboard Stowaway Pearl .

3. Rachael rode 11 point-to-point winners and seven winners as an amateur rider before turning professional in March, 2015.

4. With 32 winners, she became the first female jockey to win the Conditional Riders’ title in the 2016/2017 season.

5. Her first Cheltenham Festival winners came in 2019 when she rode A Plus Tard and Minella Indo to victory in the same week.

6. Rachael’s first Grade One success in Ireland came on the De Bromhead-trained Honeysuckle in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Novice Hurdle Championship Final at Fairyhouse on Easter Sunday, April 21, 2019.

7. She ended the 2019/20 season with 90 winners, easily securing the runner-up spot in the Irish jockeys’ championship behind Paul Townend.

8. During the 2019/2020 season, which was cut short by the Covid-19 pandemic finished third to Paul Townend in the Irish jockeys’ championship.

9. On 16 March 2021 Rachael made history when becoming the first female jockey to win the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham Festival aboard the Henry De Bromhead-trained Honeysuckle.

10. Rachael was once again a history maker in 2021 when becoming the first female jockey to win the Grand National aboard Minella Times.

11. Rachael was second in the 2020/2021 Irish jockeys’ championship with 92 winners, just eight behind Paul Townend.

12. On 15 March 2022, Rachael rode Honeysuckle into the history books, when this horse became the first mare to win two Cheltenham Festival Champion Hurdle titles.

Keep up to date with all the latest news and updates from the Cheltenham Festival via the Horse & Hound website and read the full report in the 24 March issue of the magazine.

You might also be interested in:

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits. 

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

This afternoon (15 March) Honeysuckle put herself firmly into the record books when becoming the first mare to win two Champion Hurdle titles at the Cheltenham Festival, adding to her first victory in 2021.

The eight-year-old mare, who is owned by Kenneth (‘Kenny’) Alexander, trounced her nine rivals to come home three-and-a-half lengths clear under top jockey Rachael Blackmore, for trainer Henry De Bromhead.

“It’s incredible to win – I’m so lucky to ride winners here and especially on this mare,” said Rachael after the race. “It’s amazing to have crowds here too, as opposed to last year when there weren’t any [owing to Covid restrictions], and also great to have Kenny here too.

“Honeysuckle is an amazing mare and she decides in a race when she’s happy to go and I haven’t stopped her from doing that yet! There’s a lot of work that goes into her at home and the team there deserve all the credit for this.”

This victory means Honeysuckle remains unbeaten, and her winning streak has extended to a remarkable 15 races. The crowd showed their appreciation for this wonder mare’s outstanding achievements, which include 11 Grade One wins, with rapturous scenes around the racecourse.

“To win is unreal and it was incredible to get the roar from the crowd,” said trainer Henry. “And to have her owners here is brilliant. It’s a never-ending fairytale.”

Owner Kenny said: “I’m very relieved and Henry deserves enormous credit – he’s a lovely guy to have train my horse and Rachael absolutely smashed it.”

Former top jockey Ruby Walsh shared his evaluation of the race on ITV Racing, saying: “Rachael was riding to win and it was brilliant to watch. Honeysuckle has got speed and she jumps – she’s a phenomenal horse. These two are proper superstars.”

Fellow mare Epatante ran a great race to finish second under Aidan Coleman for trainer Nicky Henderson and owner JP McManus, while Zanahiyr, trained by Gordon Elliott and ridden by Jack Kennedy, was third for owners Bective Stud.

You might also be interested in:

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

From the Cheltenham Festival to international dressage on British soil, we’ve got you covered when it comes to the equestrian sport to follow this week…

1. Cheltenham Festival

Dates: 15-18 March

More info: thejockeyclub.co.uk/cheltenham/the-festival-hub/

How to watch: the Cheltenham Festival is on ITV daily during the meeting from 12.50-4.30pm. The Opening Show is on daily 9-10am. Racing TV will cover the entire Festival via subscription

Get the H&H lowdown: online coverage throughout the four-day extravaganza plus a bumper magazine report, with plenty of exclusive insight from H&H’s racing correspondent Marcus Armytage and leading jockey Davy Russell, in the shops on Thursday, 24 March

Why we’re excited about it: it’s the Olympic Games of jump racing with all of the sport’s superstars in action. Look out for equine favourites such as Shishkin and Honeysuckle as well as top jockey Rachael Blackmore and the battle between the British and Irish trainers as to who scores the most winners over the four days.

2. Keysoe CDI3* and CPEDI3*, Bedfordshire

Dates: 14-20 March

More info: keysoe.com

How to watch: streamed via Horse & Country

Get the H&H lowdown: full report in the magazine (24 March issue)

Why we’re excited about it: the first international dressage event on home soil in 2022. You can expect to see some of the country’s very best dressage and para riders in action as they gear up for the season ahead, and for some, the World Championships. The line-up will include Britain’s 2021 medallists Carl Hester on En Vogue and Gareth Hughes on Sintano Van Hof Olympia, with Paralympic champions Sophie Wells and Lee Pearson also in action.

3. CSI5* Saut Hermes, Paris, France

Dates: 18-20 March

More info: sauthermes.com/en/

How to watch: broadcasts on Eurosport and Horse & Country

Get the H&H lowdown: online coverage and magazine report (24 March issue)

Why we’re excited about it: the Hermes-sponsored event is one of the most glamorous shows on the circuit with top British names John Whitaker, Scott Brash, Harry Charles and Lily Attwood in action in the five-star classes, and Harry’s sisters Sienna and Scarlett Charles competing in the prestigious under-25 classes. A stellar field of top class riders also includes Daniel Deusser, Christian Ahlmann, Martin Fuchs, Steve Guerdat and the world number one Peder Fredricson.

4. Lincolnshire Horse Trials

Dates: 18-20 March

More info: schedule on British Eventing website

Get the H&H lowdown: read our report in the magazine (24 March issue)

Why we’re excited about it: the action includes the highest level class of the eventing season in Britain so far, an advanced intermediate (on Sunday, 20 March). The combinations entered include 2018 world champions Ros Canter and Allstar B, reigning European champions Nicola Wilson and JL Dublin, last year’s Blenheim Horse Trials winners Yasmin Ingham and Banzai Du Loir, plus Kitty King on her European team gold medallist Vendredi Biats. The results could be dominated by Bubby Upton, who has four horses entered including her Bicton Horse Trials under-25 winner Cannavaro, the Badminton Horse Trials-bound Cola III and new ride Clever Louis, who was a Blenheim eight- and nine-year-old winner under Chris Burton.

You might also be interested in:

Olympic event horse remembered with new trophy: ‘Shining a light on his fantastic career’

‘Respect that hill – don’t be in a rush to take it on’: Cheltenham Festival insight from former top jockey Barry Geraghty

Olympic dressage champion reveals exciting news – but tilt at World Championships looks unlikely

Gearing up for Cheltenham Festival 2022: £100,000 bonus could be won by this real ‘trier’

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A Plus Tard is one of the top chasers in National Hunt (jump) racing at the moment. Here, we find out a little bit more about him ahead of the Cheltenham Festival (15–18 March 2022).

1. A Plus Tard is an eight-year-old gelding (born on 6 February 2014).

2. He is owned by Cheveley Park Stud.

3. He was bred by Madame Henri Devin in France.

4. A Plus Tard is by Kapgarde and is out of Turboka, who is by Kahyasi.

5. He has a full brother, Kap Ateuil, who is one year younger than A Plus Tard and is trained in Britain by Toby Lawes. So far, Kap Ateuil has won five of his 16 races under Rules.

6. A Plus Tard is trained by top Irish trainer Henry de Bromhead.

7. So far, A Plus Tard has won seven of his 18 career starts.

8. He has amassed over £570,000 in prize money to-date.

9. His name means “see you later” in French.

10. A Plus Tard’s racing career first got underway in France, when he was trained by Dominique Bressou during the 2017/18 season. A Plus Tard won two of his five starts in France and was never placed outside the top three.

11. His biggest victories so far have come in three Grade One races. The first was in the Paddy’s Rewards Club “Loyalty’s Dead, Live For Rewards” Chase at Leopardstown in 2019, and the second was in the Savills Chase in December 2020, which was also at Leopardstown. His third and most recent Grade One victory came in the Betfair Chase at Haydock in November 2021.

12. A Plus Tard is entered to run in the big Grade One Cheltenham Gold Cup at the Cheltenham Festival on Friday 18 March 2022.

13. He has been ridden by Rachael Blackmore in most of his victories under Rules, including two of his Grade One wins – he was ridden by Darragh O’Keeffe in the other.

Keep up-to-date with all of Horse & Hound’s Cheltenham coverage this week via horseandhound.co.uk, where you will be able to read all of the latest news and features surrounding The Festival.

You might also be interested in:

Why hunting and fun rides are proving the perfect (if unusual) prep for this Cheltenham Gold Cup contender

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Bob Olinger is one of the top novice chasers in National Hunt (jump) racing at the moment. Here, we find out a little bit more about him ahead of the Cheltenham Festival (15–18 March 2022).

1. Bob Olinger is a seven-year-old gelding (born on 11 May 2015).

2. He is owned by the company Robcour.

3. He was bred by Kenneth Parkhill in Ireland.

4. Bob Olinger is by Sholokhov and is out of Zenaide, who is by Zaffaran.

5. He is trained by top Irish trainer Henry de Bromhead.

6. So far, Bob Olinger has won seven of his eight career starts, with one of those victories coming in a point-to-point in November 2019 before he started racing under Rules.

7. He has amassed over £133,000 in prize money to-date.

8. His biggest victories so far came in two Grade One races; one in the Lawlor’s Of Naas novices’ hurdle at Naas in January 2021 and the other in the Ballymore novices’ hurdle at Cheltenham Festival in 2021.

9. Bob Olinger is entered to run in the Grade One Turners Novices’ Chase at the Cheltenham Festival on Thursday 17 March 2022.

10. He has been ridden by Rachael Blackmore in most of his victories under Rules, including both of his Grade One wins.

Keep up-to-date with all of Horse & Hound’s Cheltenham coverage this week via horseandhound.co.uk, where you will be able to read all of the latest news and features surrounding The Festival.

You might also be interested in:

‘Respect that hill – don’t be in a rush to take it on’: Cheltenham Festival insight from former top jockey Barry Geraghty

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

There was a bumper feast of racing to savour from the likes of the Dublin Racing Festival at Leopardstown, Musselburgh, Sandown and Wetherby over the weekend (5-6 February) and we were spoilt for choice with pointers to the Cheltenham Festival in March. Here are some key names to add to your Cheltenham ones to watch notebook and this week they come from Ireland, Scotland and England…

Ahoy Senor

Far from grinding out victory in the William Hill Towton Chase at Wetherby, Ahoy Senor (one of H&H’s horses to follow at the start of the season) showed an impressive turn of foot up the home straight, having jumped immaculately most of the way and, in particular, when it mattered over the last four. He remains in the Gold Cup but with the more likely option of the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase (former RSA if you are getting confused with race sponsor changes).

“He’s still a novice,” said trainer Lucinda Russell. “He’s got immense talent but we’re still crafting him. We didn’t lose anything in defeat at Kempton [to Bravemansgame] and if we’d gone straight from his win at Newbury we wouldn’t have learnt anything, but Kempton taught us something.”

Honeysuckle

The reigning Champion Hurdler may even have stolen Tiger Roll’s mantle as the most popular horse in Ireland judged on Sunday’s clap-o-meter. Honeysuckle became the only horse to win their first 14 races over hurdles when she ran out a comfortable winner of the Irish Champion Hurdle; previously she shared the record with Bula. She was sent off the 1/5 favourite and beat Zanhahiyr 6½ lengths under Rachael Blackmore, but she will certainly face a stiffer test at Cheltenham.

“The crowd here today is unbelievable,” said the jockey, who won last year’s Grand National in front of two men and a dog and landed the Champion Hurdle in front of fewer.

Conflated

Gordon Elliott already has the horse, Galvin, which I consider the trump card in this year’s Boodles Gold Cup in his Meath yard. But he threw a spanner in the works on Saturday when Conflated, an 18/1 outsider rated 18lb inferior to Minella Indo whom he beat by 6½ lengths, won the Paddy Power Irish Gold Cup. If Elliott chooses to go the Gold Cup route, Conflated will go there still as something of an unknown quantity.

“Thankfully Michael and Eddie [O’Leary, Gigginstown House Stud owners] let me run him so I could find out how good he is,” said Elliott. “ I said to them he’d either win or pull up. I know he has a massive engine but he’s not straightforward and can be very hot and cold. We have the Gold Cup and Ryanair and he’s in the Grand National as well but we’ll have to see where we go.”

L’Homme Presse

Venetia Williams has her horses in cracking form, and 20 years to the day since Golden Goal won her last Grade One, L’Homme Presse hacked up in the same race, the Virgin Bet Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase at Sandown, by 21 lengths.

“There is no point in thinking of alternatives, it’s Cheltenham now,” said the trainer.

• Read Marcus’s full report on the weekend’s racing action in Horse & Hound, in shops on Thursday 10 February

You might also be interested in:

Gearing up for Cheltenham Festival 2022: three novice horses to watch from Warwick

Gearing up for Cheltenham Festival 2022: three novice horses to watch from Haydock

Gearing up for Cheltenham Festival 2022: three stars to watch after Trials day

Kim Bailey: ‘The stuff of legends’ – Paisley Park lit up Cheltenham on Festival Trials Day

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits. 

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Record-breaking jockey Rachael Blackmore has been crowned world sport star of the year at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year (SPOTY) awards.

The 32-year-old Irish jockey was up against Formula 1’s newly crowned world champion Max Verstappen, tennis legend Novac Djokovic, Jamaican Olympic sprinter Elaine Thompson-Herah, super-middleweight boxing champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, and American NFL quarterback Tom Brady, in the category. Russian UFC fighter Khabib Nurmagomedov won the award in 2020. All the BBC SPOTY awards are voted for by the public.

This year Rachael became the first female rider to win the Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival and the first to finish as top jockey at the Festival, with six winners. She then rode the Henry de Bromhead-trained Minella Times to victory at Aintree to become the first female jockey to win the Grand National.

Rachael was crowned world sport star during a televised ceremony yesterday (9 December) hosted by Gabby Logan, Claire Balding, Gary Lineker and Alex Scott.

Rachael said to win was “unbelievable”, and described the support from those that had voted as “incredible”.

“I got such a kick out of being on that list of nominees. It’s overwhelming to think I’ve been given an award,” she said.

“[As a little girl] I think my dreams were so big that I never dreamt they could happen. It [this year] far surpassed anything I could ever have imagined. It was just an incredible year.”

Rachael said the response from the general public following her record-breaking achievements had been “brilliant”.

“For me personally they are such massive things to achieve, but when you can bring a bit of joy to other people that makes them even more special,” she said. “The reaction from everyone at home has been incredible and I feel very privileged to have had the year I’ve had.”

You might also be interested in:

‘I don’t feel male or female right now — I don’t feel human’: Rachael Blackmore becomes the first ever woman to win the Grand National

Find out how this thrilling race unfolded this afternoon

Rachael Blackmore becomes first female to claim Cheltenham Festival leading jockey title

Find out how Rachael Blackmore made history at Cheltenham Festival this week

5 reasons why a subscription to HorseandHound.co.uk makes the perfect last-minute gift

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Grand National winner Rachael Blackmore is favourite to add the World Sport Star accolade to her stellar CV at the 2021 BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards.

The Irish jockey became the first woman to win the iconic Aintree race with her victory aboard the Henry de Bromhead-trained Minella Times in April.

Voting has opened for the World Sport Star of the Year category at the 2021 awards, with Rachael heading the betting as odds-on favourite on a number of betting sites.

The six-strong line-up also features tennis legend Novac Djokovic, athlete Elaine Thompson-Herah – the first woman to complete the Olympic sprint “double double” – the first undisputed super-middleweight boxing champion of all time Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, Formula 1’s Max Verstappen and American football star Tom Brady.

Voting closes at 1pm Tuesday (14 December) and the winner will be revealed live on the BBC Sports Personality of the Year show on Sunday, 19 December.

The shortlist for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2021 will also be announced on Tuesday.

Rachael’s monumental achievements in the saddle this year include Champion Hurdle victory, aboard Honeysuckle, at the Cheltenham Festival. Her six victories at the Festival in March – five of which were Grade Ones – earned her the leading jockey title.

As well as her achievements on British courses, Rachael also scored her second Irish Champion Hurdle, first Punchestown Champion Hurdle and third Hatton’s Grace Hurdle wins this year with Honeysuckle, plus the Slaney Novice Hurdle on Bob Olinger.

The last time a racing figure won the World Sport Star award was in 1967, when eminent Australian jockey and later trainer George Moore lifted the trophy.

Sir AP McCoy won the 2010 BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award, coming third in 2013 and receiving the lifetime achievement award in 2015. Princess Anne and Zara Phillips won in 1971 and 2006 respectively for eventing.

Other riders to make the shortlist in recent years include Nick Skelton and Sophie Christiansen in 2016. Hollie Doyle was the most recent connection to the horse world to feature in the running for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year, finishing third in the 2020 edition.

Vote for the BBC World Sport Star of the Year 2021

You might also be interested in:

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Rachael Blackmore becomes first female to claim Cheltenham Festival leading jockey title

Find out how Rachael Blackmore made history at Cheltenham Festival this week

Aintree pioneers: celebrating Rachael Blackmore and 7 other remarkable women

To help celebrate Rachael Blackmore's tremendous feat, we take a look back at some of the other women who smashed

Rachael Blackmore: everything you need to know about this record-breaking National Hunt jockey

‘I don’t feel male or female right now — I don’t feel human’: Rachael Blackmore becomes the first ever woman to win the Grand National

Find out how this thrilling race unfolded this afternoon

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits. 

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Honeysuckle is a top racehorse, who is one of the most impressive mares of the modern era. If you aren’t already familiar with this outstanding horse, here is a rundown everything you need to know about this brilliant mare.

1. Honeysuckle, who is a bay mare, was foaled on 28 April 2014.

2. She was bred by Dr Guy, who also owns the Chedington Estate in Dorset, which also sponsored Bicton Horse Trials’ four- and five-star international three-day events in 2021.

3. Honeysuckle has won more than £927,000 in prize money during her unbeaten 14-race career to-date.

4. She won her sole point-to-point at Dromahane on 22 April 2018, where she beat Annie Mc, who is now a very successful National Hunt mare in training with Jonjo O’Neill, into second.

5. Honeysuckle has been trained by Henry De Bromhead in Ireland throughout her Rules career.

6. She has also been ridden solely by Gand National-winning jockey, Rachael Blackmore, throughout her Rules career.

7. Honeysuckle currently has a whopping 10 Grade One victories to her name, including the 2021 and 2020 Cheltenham Champion Hurdle titles (pictured winning this race in 2021).

8. Honeysuckle is a racehorse owed by Kenneth Alexander. Henry de Bromhead’s travelling head lass Zoe Smalley says of Honeysuckle: “She is a pure diva! But you have to tolerate it. She’ll eye you up and will make a split second decision whether she’s going to bother speaking to you or just carry on her business – she’s very particular about the company she keeps! She can be fairly lively with her back legs, too.”

9. The racehorse is by Sulamani and out of First Royal, who is by Lando.

You may also enjoy…

Can anyone beat Constitution Hill? Everything you need to know about the 2025 Cheltenham Festival Champion Hurdle

Honeysuckle’s ‘diva’ tendencies and how going cross-country brought Grand National runner-up to life: meet Henry de Bromhead’s Irish superstars

Henry de Bromhead’s travelling head lass gives us the lowdown on what it’s like to look after the stable’s superstars

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Some people couldn’t believe their eyes at the November Meeting at Cheltenham Racecourse on 12 November, when a two-horse race came to a dramatic end. Find out about the Rachael Blackmore Cheltenham fall that wasn’t technically a fall – a bizarre incident that occurred with two horses but one went on to win.

Odds-on favourite, My Drogo, who was ridden by Harry Skelton and is trained by Harry’s brother Dan, went head-to-head with Gin On Lime, a Henry de Bromhead-trained mare, ridden by Grand National-winning jockey Rachael Blackmore, in the SSS Super Alloys Novices’ Chase.

My Drogo, who is a six-year-old owned by Mr and Mrs Kelvin-Hughes, was the eye-catcher through the race, taking a lead from Gin On Lime, a six-year-old owned by Robcour, until just after the third last fence, when Harry picked up the lead and went for home.

But then a bizarre incident ensued when both horses jumped the second last and buckled on landing. Their falls were completely independent from each other, but almost identical.

Harry Skelton stood very little chance of staying on board My Drogo and both were none the worse for wear for their tumble. However, Gin On Lime remained central underneath Rachael and the mare scrambled back to her feet. As the soles of Rachael’s feet didn’t touch the ground, the incident wasn’t deemed to be a fall and after Rachael quickly assessed whether Gin On Lime was ok, the pair continued the race and jumped the final fence to win.

Rachael said to Racing TV after the race: “Nothing like that has ever happened to me before and it was an incredible how the race worked out – she’s just such an honest mare to get up and to gallop over the line. She was happy to go forward when I asked her and so it didn’t cross my mind to pull her up.”

Dan Skelton was very philosophical while also talking about the incident to Racing TV.

“My Drogo jumped the fence fine and then knuckled on landing and slid. I was delighted with him the whole way round and he would have won, but at least he is alright,” he explained. “I’m totally relaxed about it and the incident doesn’t mean he is any less of a horse. Fair play to Rachael for staying on – that’s racing for you.”

Both horses were reported unhurt after the race.

Harvey Smith’s Doncaster Sales pick comes up trumps at Cheltenham for wife Sue

Olympic legend provides Skelton family with a leading Cheltenham Festival contender

‘Thoroughbreds are 1,000 times easier than warmbloods!’: trainer Dan Skelton on the merits of rehoming ex-racehorses as we celebrate National Racehorse Week

Grand National-winning jockey joins top British athletes shortlisted for prestigious award

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Grand National-winning jockey Rachael Blackmore has been shortlisted for the BT Sport action woman of the year title.

The annual awards, which take place on 6 December, aim to celebrate the “outstanding achievements” in what has been hailed as a “groundbreaking” year for women’s sport.

Rachael has enjoyed a record-breaking 2021. She became the first woman to win the Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival and the first to finish as top jockey at the Festival, with six winners. She then rode Minella Times to victory at Aintree to become the first female jockey to win the Grand National.

The other nominees in the action woman of the year category are cyclists Sarah Story and Laura Kenny, tennis player Emma Raducanu, weightlifter Emily Campbell, and athlete Kadeena Cox. Gymnasts Jessica and Jennifer Gadirova, cricket player Alice Capsey and footballer Lauren James have been nominated in the rising star category.

“2021 was hailed ‘the year of the female Olympian’, with Team GB taking more women than men to a summer Olympic Games for the first time in its 125-year history, and Team GB’s women certainly delivered, from Laura Kenny becoming the most successful female cyclist in the Games’ history to the Gadirova sisters laying the promising foundations for the future of British gymnastics. These achievements were matched by the Paralympic team, with record-breakers such as Sarah Storey and Kadeena Cox propelling Team GB to second in the medal table,” said a BT Sport spokesman.

“But women’s sport shone away from Tokyo too, with Emma Raducanu becoming the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam tournament in the open era and Rachael Blackmore being crowned the first female jockey to win the Grand National.”

The winners will be decided by a public vote via the website www.btsport.com/actionwoman.

You might also be interested in:

Aintree pioneers: celebrating Rachael Blackmore and 7 other remarkable women

To help celebrate Rachael Blackmore's tremendous feat, we take a look back at some of the other women who smashed

‘I don’t feel male or female right now — I don’t feel human’: Rachael Blackmore becomes the first ever woman to win the Grand National

Find out how this thrilling race unfolded this afternoon

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

The stars and unsung heroes of jump racing have been celebrated at the McCoy Awards.

More than 350 guests attended the Jockey Club’s annual ceremony, at Cheltenham racecourse on 7 October, to recognise achievements on and off the track. The awards take into account performances from the 2020–21 National Hunt season across all Jockey Club racecourses that host jump racing.

Harry Skelton was named leading professional jockey with 152 winners. Jack Tudor was crowned leading conditional jockey and Harriet Tucker leading amateur.

Harry said it was “very special” to have his name on the trophy.

“I feel very lucky to win such a lovely award,” he said. “I’m really excited for the new campaign, especially as we’ve been quieter than usual over the summer. I’m ready to go now and we’ve got a lot of horses, and the quality is rising all the time, so I’m in a very lucky position.”

The leading trainer award for those with 40 horses or more went to 11-time champion trainer Paul Nicholls, while his Ladbrokes King George VI Chase winner Frodon was named leading chaser. The leading hurdler was Bannixtown Glory, trained by Donald McCain, and the Nicky Henderson-trained Shiskin was named leading novice chaser.

Stuart Edmunds took the leading trainer title for 39 horses or fewer. JP McManus took the leading owner title for four horses or more, while the ownership group of Sir Alex Ferguson, Ged Mason and John and Lisa Hales took the honours for three horses or fewer. Jaimie Duff, who works for trainer Lucinda Russell, won the stable person of the year award.

The remaining awards were decided by a panel of judges comprising ITV Racing lead presenter Ed Chamberlin, Grade One-winning jockey Katie Walsh, the Racing Post’s Chris Cook, Cheltenham racecourse director Zara Tindall, The Jockey Club’s southwest head of racing and Cheltenham clerk of course Simon Claisse, and Sir AP McCoy, who the awards are named after.

Rachael Blackmore took the “ride of the season” award for her historic win on Minella Times in the Grand National. One of Rachael’s Cheltenham Festival-winning rides, the Willie Mullins-trained Allaho, was awarded horse performance of the season, while the Henry de Bromhead-trained Honeysuckle won horse of the season, having won all 12 of her season starts with Rachael.

The outstanding contribution award went to four-time champion jockey Richard Johnson, who announced his retirement in April after 3,800 wins. Mr Claisse, who is stepping down after more than 20 years, received the judges’ choice award.

You might also be interested in:

Yearling colt bred by Lady Lloyd-Webber sells for £1.26m

Sex harassment ‘epidemic’ and lack of diversity must be tackled for sport’s future

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

After rewriting the history books to become the first female jockey to win the Grand National in the race’s 182-year history, Rachael Blackmore announced: “I can’t believe I am Rachael Blackmore. Genuinely I feel like that little kid and I just can’t believe it’s me.”

The Irish jockey is living the dream while inspiring a new generation of aspiring young riders that anything possible.

To help celebrate Rachael Blackmore’s tremendous feat, we take a look back at some of the other women who smashed the glass ceiling at Aintree. 

1951: Nickel Coin is the first Grand National winner to be led in by a stable lass, Jo Wells (now Motion), rather than lad.

The 19-year-old looked after Nickel Coin and the following weekend took the mare hunting at the Surrey Union’s closing meet of the season. Incidentally, the Jack O’Donoghue-trained winner, who was ridden in the race by Surrey farmer John Bullock, was the 13th mare to win the Grand National but none has passed the line in front since.

1977: Charlotte Brew (now Budd) on Barony Fort is the first woman to ride in the race.

Shortly after female jockeys were given the green light to ride in the Grand National, 21-year-old Charlotte Brew lined up for the 1977 race (pictured), reaching as far as the fourth fence from home where they were hampered and Barony Fort refused. The winner of the race was Red Rum, earning the third of his Grand National victories.

1982: Geraldine Rees is the first female jockey to complete the Grand National, on Cheers.

Geraldine, 26, a junior European eventing gold medallist, rode round to finish eighth and last of the finishers in the fifth attempt by a female jockey in the four-and-a-half-mile steeplechase. 

1983: Jenny Pitman becomes the first female trainer of a Grand National winner, with Corbiere. 

Jenny went on to repeat the feat in 1995, with Royal Athlete, and was subsequently joined by Venetia Williams (Mon Mome, 2009), who also rode in the race in 1988, Sue Smith (Auroras Encore, 2013) and Lucinda Russell (One For Arthur, 2017). In 1993 the Jenny Pitman-trained Esha Ness was first past the post in the void Grand National.

1986: Caroline Beasley on Eliogarty is crowned the first woman jockey to win over the Grand National fences, in Aintree’s Fox Hunters race.

Caroline (now Robinson) won in this race for amateur riders, having also made history as the first woman to win at the Cheltenham Festival in the Foxhunter there in 1983.

1994: Rosemary Henderson achieves a then highest-placed finish of fifth on Fiddlers Pike.

Rosemary was 51 when she crossed the line behind Miinnehoma with her own Fiddlers Pike and became only the second female jockey to complete the course. After an absence of 11 years, the next woman to enter the Grand National, Carrie Ford (Forest Gunner) also finished fifth, with the pair sharing the record for a further seven years. 

2012: Katie Walsh goes two better on Seabass to finish third in the Grand National.

The Irish jockey was the first female jockey to finish in the top three and both Katie and Nina Carberry started in a record six Grand Nationals each.

Article continues below…

You might also be interested in:

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

2021: Rachael Blackmore becomes the first female jockey in the Grand National’s 182-year history to win the famous steeplechase.

Riding the Henry de Bromhead-trained Minella Times and lining up in the Grand National for her third attempt, Rachael rewrote the history books and became a global superstar. “Keep your dreams big,” she said afterwards. There were three female jockeys in this year’s race – Rachael was joined by Bryony Frost and first-timer Tabitha Worsley, who finished 14th.

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Today (10 April) jockey Rachael Blackmore made history when becoming the first ever female jockey to win the Grand National.

A completely astounded Rachael was first past the post aboard the Henry De Bromhead-trained Minella Times, who went off at a price of 11/1 and fourth favourite in the betting.

“I just cannot believe it,” Rachael said to ITV Racing immediately after the race. “I had an absolutely sensational spin and my God, what Henry De Bromhead does with these horses — I’m lucky to ride them.

“Winning is unbelievable. The horse was just incredible,” she said of the JP McManus-owned eight-year-old. “He jumped beautifully. I was trying to wait as long as I could before I made a move on him and actually even crossing the Melling Road, I didn’t feel like I had a horse running away with me, but when I jumped the last he was there and responded.

“I don’t feel male or female — I don’t feel human.”

“It’s just brilliant and a lot of thanks to Rachael,” said trainer Henry De Bromhead, who also trained Balko Des Flos, a 100/1 shot ridden by Aidan Coleman, to finish second. “She gave him a super ride — she hardly left the rail. It’s brilliant to get a win for the McManus’. Aidan was brilliant on ‘Balko’.

“It feels amazing and is the stuff you dream of. I have been watching since I was a kid — I’m so lucky and we’re so lucky to have Rachael.”

Former jockey Ruby Walsh said: “What an ambassador for racing Rachael is — she is an incredible person and it’s fantastic that this is a sport men and women can compete in on equal terms.”

Continued below…

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Any Second Now, another horse owned by JP McManus, who has now owned four Grand National winners, finished third for trainer Ted Walsh and jockey Mark Walsh, despite being badly hampered earlier in the race.

Unfortunately there was one equine casualty in the race and The Long Mile had to be put down after being pulled up.

Read the full report from the Grand National in the 15 April issue of the magazine

Would you like to read Horse & Hound’s independent journalism without any adverts? Join Horse & Hound Plus today and you can read all articles on HorseandHound.co.uk completely ad-free

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The headline news at Cheltenham Festival today (19 March), besides that of trainer Henry De Bromhead becoming the first ever trainer to send out the winner of the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Champion Hurdle and Champion Chase, was Rachael Blackmore becoming first ever female to take Cheltenham Festival leading jockey title

She claimed the prestigious prize thanks to clocking up six winners over the four-day meeting at the Gloucestershire track.

Speaking about her victories, Rachael said: “I can’t believe it’s happening to me, but it’s all thanks to the quality of horses I’m riding and the trainers and owners I’m riding them for — I couldn’t do it without them and I’m just so lucky.”

The first of Rachael’s winners came on day one in the form of Honeysuckle in the Champion Hurdle for trainer Henry De Bromhead and owner Kenneth Alexander.

Then on Wednesday she scored on Bob Olinger in the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle for trainer Henry De Bromhead and owner Robcour, but ended up on the floor from three of her other rides that day before clocking another win on Sir Gerhad in the Champion Bumper for trainer Willie Mullins and owner Cheveley Park Stud.

On Thursday she won on Allaho in the Ryanair Chase for trainer Willie Mullins and owner Cheveley Park Stud and again two races later aboard Telmesomethinggirl in the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle for trainer Henry De Bromhead and owner Kenneth Alexander.

Her final winner of the meeting came with Quilixios in the JCB Triumph Hurdle for trainer Henry De Bromhead and owner Cheveley Park Stud earlier today.

Continued below…

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Who won which race? Your one-stop shop for Cheltenham Festival 2023 results

Keep up-to-date with all the latest news and updates from the Cheltenham Festival via the Horse & Hound website and read the full report in the 25 March issue of the magazine

Would you like to read Horse & Hound’s independent journalism without any adverts? Join Horse & Hound Plus today and you can read all articles on HorseandHound.co.uk completely ad-free

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Enjoy some of our favourite updates from equestrian social media channels during the past week. From a one incredible jockey to a horse that knows the drill, we saw it all on social media.

Equestrian social media posts of the week

Heaven Help Us knows her way home

Blackbow could definitely have a career in dressage once he’s finished racing

Two legends enjoying their retirement

Rollin’

An old photo but one we very much enjoy

Martin Fuchs’ girlfriend was the envy of many recently when she got to ride her boyfriend’s European Showjumping champion Clooney

Rachael Blackmore — no words needed…

And our favourite social media post this week is…

…And here she is hunting with the Tipperary while growing up

If you like this, why not follow @horseandhound on twitter, on facebook and on instagram today?

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefit

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Today Rachael Blackmore made history when becoming the first lady jockey to win the Unibet Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy at Cheltenham Festival (16 March). She was aboard the mare Honeysuckle, who is trained by Irishman Henry De Bromhead and owned by Kenneth Alexander.

“It’s absolutely incredible to win — I can’t believe we just won a Champion Hurdle,” said a virtually speechless Rachael after the race. “It’s unbelievable for everyone in the yard at home — they all work so hard.

“Henry produces her every day in that form and I get to steer her around — it’s just incredible. She’s so straightforward to ride and when you know you have an engine under you, it’s very easy to do things in a race.”

Henry De Bromhead, trainer of the seven year-old said after the race: “I never thought this would happen — you dream about it. She’s an amazing mare and what a partnership her and Rachael have. I thought Rachael was so cool in the race.”

The Willie Mullins-trained Sharjah was second under Paul Townend and the Nicky Henderson-trained Epatante, who won this race last year was third under Aidan Coleman.

Who were the 2021 Champion Hurdle runners?

Honeysuckle | Jockey: Rachael BlackmoreTrainer: Henry de Bromhead, IrelandOwner: Mr K. Alexander

Epatante | Jockey: Aidan Coleman

Nicky Henderson

Mr John P. McManus

Goshen | Jockey: J E MooreGary MooreMr Steven Packham

Sharjah | Jockey: P Townend

W. P. Mullins, Ireland

Mrs S. Ricci

Horse: Abacadabras | Jockey: J W Kennedy Mrs D Foster, IrelandGigginstown House Stud

Silver Streak | Jockey: T J O’BrienEvan WilliamsMr L. Fell

James du Berlais | Jockey: D A JacobW. P. Mullins, IrelandMr Simon Munir/Mr Isaac Souede

Aspire Tower | Jockey: R M Power Henry de Bromhead, IrelandRobcour

Not So Sleepy | Jockey: J J BurkeHughie MorrisonLady Blyth

Saldier | Jockey: D E MullinsW. P. Mullins, IrelandMrs S. Ricci

You might also be interested in:

Can anyone beat Constitution Hill? Everything you need to know about the 2025 Cheltenham Festival Champion Hurdle

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Having notched up a record 65 winners at the Cheltenham Festival, top Irish trainer Willie Mullins finally scooped the biggest prize of the four-day meeting, the Grade One £625,000 Magners Cheltenham Gold Cup, with 12/1 shot Al Boum Photo.

“I thought I might never win a Gold Cup,” admitted Willie, after the seven-year-old French-bred — owned by Joe Donnelly and his wife Marie — rose to the occasion under Paul Townend, beating the Tony Martin-trained Anibale Fly (Barry Geraghty) by two-and-a-half lengths.

“I’m delighted, especially for Marie and Joe — they have put a big commitment into our yard, so it’s great to get one like that,” he added.

“Al Boum Photo was probably third or fourth in my pecking order coming into the Gold Cup, and at the top of the hill first time round he was number one! It was extraordinary — that’s the luck of the game. Every time I looked at Paul, he and the horse seemed to be in a rhythm, galloping away, looking so relaxed.”

The eye-catching Nigel Twiston-Davies-trained grey, Bristol De Mai, finished third, under Daryl Jacob, while last year’s Gold Cup hero Native River (Richard Johnson) finished in fourth.

“Native River was very slow getting out of the gate and I had to really niggle to get him up there. Then he got into a nice rhythm but was always asking me to help him,” said Richard Johnson.

“He has done nothing wrong. I just think he wasn’t quite on his game and in a Gold Cup you need to be 200%. He has still run a good race, but unfortunately it is not to be.”

‘I love this horse’

Champion point-to-point duo, trainer Phil Rowley and jockey Alex Edwards, claimed the biggest amateur prize of the Festival, when Hazel Hill justified favouritism in the St. James’s Place Foxhunter Chase.

The 11-year-old led before the last fence and drew clear up the hill, staying on well to beat Shantou Flyer (David Maxwell).

“That was unbelievable,” said Alex. “I love this horse — he has run 15 times and we’ve only just started to test him this year, he’s done it well today. I’m in a very lucky position to ride these horses.”

Top Irish jockey, Rachael Blackmore, rode her second winner of the week when landing the Grade One Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle on 50/1 outsider Minella Indo, trained by Henry de Bromhead.

Rachael follows Bryony Frost, who yesterday became the first woman rider of a Grade One race over hurdles or fences at the Festival.

The favourite in the JCB Triumph Hurdle, Sir Erec, was fatally injured during the race and the Willie Mulllins-trained Invitation Only was fatally injured when falling at the 10th fence in the Magners Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Don’t miss the full report from the Cheltenham Festival in the 21 March issue of Horse & Hound, plus read daily round-ups online.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now