Baby joy for Grand National winner Rachael Blackmore and Brian Hayes

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.

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