rachel blackmore made a rare public appearance at Cheltenham this year, debuting a visible baby bump as she watched the races from the stands. The former jockey, who retired from the saddle just ten months earlier, was dressed in a brown jumper, black shades and a blue trench coat that she kept slightly closed. She and her husband Brian Hayes announced they are expecting their first child earlier this year.
Rachel Blackmore seen at Cheltenham
The 36-year-old, noted in context as the first woman to win the Grand National in 2021 and the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2022, attended the Festival wrapped up warm and keeping a low profile. Fans who recognised her approached for photos as she watched the action from the stands, and an image shared publicly showed a buggy box in the boot of her car with the caption noting changed “boot contents. ” Her outfit — a cosy brown jumper with black shades and a blue trench coat — was used to keep attention low while still revealing the early bump.
Immediate reactions
Rachael Blackmore, Betfair Ambassador, reflected on her own nerves comparing racing to childbirth: “I would definitely say riding. ” The Betfair Ambassador added a wider comment on the topic: “The whole giving birth thing I haven’t given an overly massive thought to yet, I think I should probably start doing that in a month or two!”
In her new engagement off the track, Rachael Blackmore, Head of Ladies Day at Cheltenham Racecourse and the Jockey Club, spoke of the weight-room atmosphere and the Festival environment in earlier remarks, describing the weigh room as a close-knit, competitive group where tensions rise but humour appears in any situation. The appearance at Prestbury Park also drew attention from other named attendees present at the meeting, including Michael O’Leary, Chief Executive Officer of Ryanair, who acknowledged the crowd on the day, and businessman JP McManus, who was among spectators celebrating racing success nearby.
What’s next
Quick context: Blackmore stepped away from professional riding last May and had amassed a tally of Festival winners that reached 18 at Prestbury Park during her career. Her move into ambassadorial and festival roles is already visible in how she is engaging with racegoers and event teams.
rachel blackmore’s public sighting at Cheltenham marks a new chapter that blends personal news with an ongoing public role at the Festival; expect further appearances tied to her ambassadorial duties and more public reflections on transitioning from a record-setting riding career to life beyond the weighing room.
