Rachael Blackmore has cemented herself as one of the best jockeys of her generation. She became the first woman jockey to win the Grand National in 2021 - and is back to defend her title with Minella Times this year - and also became the first woman rider to win the Cheltenham Festival Gold Cup on Henry de Bromhead-trained A Plus Tard earlier this year.
A ruthless winning machine on the track but a shy, quiet and unassuming person as soon as she dismounts: Blackmore has turned into a major star not only of the horse racing world but far beyond it. The 5ft 8ins dairy farmer's daughter who has earned plaudits from the likes of Sir Anthony McCoy and Ruby Walsh never thought she could make it as a professional jockey but has gone on to smash records to cement herself as one of the top athletes in the UK and Ireland in her trade.
