Blackmore thrilled to give back to racing
TOPSHOT – First placed Jockey Rachael Blackmore rides Minella Times to win the Grand National Hanidcap Chase on Grand National Day of the Grand National Festival at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool, north west England on April 10, 2021. (Photo by SCOTT HEPPELL / POOL / AFP)
Grand National-winning jockey Rachael Blackmore is eager to give back to racing communities near Aintree and Cheltenham following the greatest season of her life.
Blackmore was crowned leading rider at the Cheltenham Festival back in March and, a month later, she won the Randox Grand National at Aintree.
She has now been confirmed as Official Ambassador of The Jockey Club West Region, which includes both courses.
The history maker
The spring of 2021 was life-changing for Blackmore. She rode six winners at the Cheltenham Festival in March, including the Champion Hurdle on unbeaten mare Honeysuckle for her boss Henry De Bromhead.
Five of her six wins in the Cotswolds came at Grade 1 level, while she also finished second in the Gold Cup itself on A Plus Tard, as De Bromhead capped his own remarkable week with a Blue Riband one-two when Minella Indo scored.
Blackmore collected the Ruby Walsh Trophy at The Festival as leading rider.
Another first soon followed, with De Bromhead’s Minella Times, in the famous JP McManus hoops, carrying Blackmore to Aintree glory in the National.
In doing she became the first female jockey to win the world’s greatest steeplechase in its storied 182-year history.
Inspiring the next generation
As part of her new Jockey Club ambassador role, Blackmore will spend time working with children in the communities around Aintree and Cheltenham to help inspire the next Grand National or Cheltenham Gold Cup winner.
Her role was announced this month and Blackmore, currently recovering from injury in Ireland, says it’s another privilege for her in what has already been a stunning year.
“I am delighted to be working as an ambassador for the Jockey Club West Region,” the rider confirmed.
“I’ve had such an amazing year winning the Randox Grand National at Aintree and becoming leading jockey at Cheltenham. It’s an honour to be representing the racecourses which have given me the greatest moments in my career and life.
“The Grand National is the race that every child dreams about growing up. To ride in it is an achievement in itself so to win it this year was just unbelievable. I am looking forward to working with a great team at The Jockey Club to use my role to help to inspire the next generation of jockeys and racing fans.”
Engaging the youth demographic
Ian Renton, Regional Managing Director for the Jockey Club’s West Region, knows the value of having secured such a box office name to represent them.
He hopes that Blackmore’s immense popularity and widespread appeal can help racing reach out to a younger demographic.
“We are thrilled that Rachael has agreed to work with us across The Jockey Club West Region,” said Renton.
“Her achievements at Aintree and Cheltenham this year have been incredible and truly ground-breaking, so it is a privilege to work more closely with her.
“We look forward to working with her to promote our great sport but also to engage with young people in the communities around our racecourses.”
