Grand National-winning jockey Rachael Blackmore surprised many yesterday (12 May) by announcing her retirement from race riding. Rachael’s incredible career also included Cheltenham Gold Cup, Champion Hurdle and Champion Chase wins.
She wrote on social media: “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.”
The equestrian world has paid tribute to Anne Dunham OBE, a phenomenal rider and horsewoman who represented Britain at five Paralympics and won 32 championship medals including 19 golds. Anne died on 11 May aged 76.
She was described as a “trailblazer, tireless campaigner for her sport, fierce competitor and inspirational mentor” – and someone who was always kind to and supportive of other riders.
Anne was appointed MBE in 2009 and OBE in 2017 for her remarkable service to para dressage.
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Anne Dunham (GBR) & LJT Lucas Normark - Grade 1a - Freestyle - Para-Dressage FEI European Championships Deauville 2015 - Pole International du Cheval, Deauvile, Normandy, France - 20 September 2015
Rosie said Romantic had been feeling fit and well in preparation for their return last week (7-11 May), but then the 13-year-old mare suffered a fatal injury just beforehand.
“She was such an amazing horse,” Rosie told H&H. “She’d already been through a lot; she had an injury in 2023 and was saved by the amazing vets from Gibbs Marsh, Amanda [O’Gorman] and Hetty [Hill]. She shouldn’t have survived that – and then she went to Badminton the following May; we didn’t think we’d still have her so that was amazing. And then this happened.”
CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Rachael Blackmore on A Plus Tard celebrates winning The Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase race during day four of the Cheltenham Festival 2022 at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 18, 2022 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Find out how this thrilling race unfolded this afternoon
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Sarah has worked at an equestrian journalist and editor since 2004 and has held the position of Horse & Hound Editor-in-Chief since 2014. She has reported for Horse & Hound from major championships including Europeans and World Equestrian Games. She has co-written books on horses and horse sport including The Complete Illustrated Encyclopedia of Horses & Ponies. She has owned and ridden horses since 1993, and worked for and trained with Olympic gold medallist event rider Leslie Law prior to going to university. While studying for a BSc at London School of Economics Sarah also worked for top British dressage rider Louise Spate.
