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

Gemma Redrup's avatar
By
Published In News
CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 16: Rachael Blackmore onboard Honeysuckle celebrates after victory in the Unibet Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy (Grade 1) on Day One of the Cheltenham Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 16, 2021 in Cheltenham, England. Sporting venues around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit spectators inside venues resulting in events being held behind closed doors. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 16: Rachael Blackmore onboard Honeysuckle celebrates after victory in the Unibet Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy (Grade 1) on Day One of the Cheltenham Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 16, 2021 in Cheltenham, England. Sporting venues around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit spectators inside venues resulting in events being held behind closed doors. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
(Image credit: Getty Images)

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.

Gemma Redrup
Gemma Redrup
Former web features editor, point-to-point editor and digital racing editor

Gemma is an experienced journalist, who was a member of H&H staff from 2014 to September 2025. She is passionate about all equestrian sports, including racing and point-to-pointing. She has enjoyed riding out for top trainers Nicky Henderson and Charlie Appleby and took part in a charity Flat race at Epsom in August 2018. Gemma’s has reported from numerous five-star events around Britain and Europe, as well as European championships.