Rachael Blackmore, the pioneering jockey who made history as the first woman to win the Grand National in 2021, is betting that the smallest members of the British royal family will soon follow in her hoofprints.
The Irish rider, who shocked the motor racing world with her retirement last year, predicts Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis are destined to develop a taste for the track as they get older.
“I have a feeling that when they get to adolescence, they’re going to want to go,” Blackmore said.
“Cheltenham is one of the best sporting events in Britain. I guarantee they will race in one form or another.”
Blackmore, now responsible for Ladies Day at the Cheltenham Festival, will join none other than Zara Tindall, the accomplished horsewoman and non-executive director of the racecourse.
She praised Zara as “great fun, really, really nice and obviously an extremely accomplished rider herself.”
The jockey has long enjoyed royal attention. She remembers Camilla visiting her County Waterford park to meet her and her star horse, Honeysuckle.
“She is so passionate about horses,” Blackmore said. “It was fantastic to see his admiration for Honeysuckle and all of his accomplishments.”
The royal experiences don’t stop there. she also secured a front row seat for Wimbledon in 2023, sitting in the royal box behind Prince William and Princess Kate.
“She knew who I was and congratulated me on my success. She is a beautiful person inside and out,” exclaimed Blackmore.
Zara Tindall, who recently unveiled a dazzling luxury jewelry line with Australian designer John Calleija, congratulated Blackmore after her New Year’s Eve victory at Cheltenham in 2024.
